NBA Best Bets Today: Predictions for Klay Thompson, Scottie Barnes, Raptors-Pelicans and More

Happy Klay Day, NBA fans!

After 941 days, Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson will finally make his return to the lineup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Thompson has rehabbed a torn ACL and torn Achilles since last playing in 2019, but one of the game’s most entertaining players will finally get back to where he belongs at Chase Center. 

With Klay coming back, there was no question that we’re taking one of his prop bets in tonight’s action, as well as three more picks. 

The NBA has a loaded Sunday slate outside of Thompson’s return, as the Chicago Bulls and Dallas Mavericks have both gone on big winning streaks and will go head-to-head tonight. 

Plus, two of the league’s hottest players, Ja Morant and LeBron James, will go toe-to-toe in the late game. 

Let’s break down today’s action with our best bets for Jan. 9. 

All odds courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

NBA Best Bets Record to Date

• NBA Best Bets Record: 80-88-2

NBA Best Bets Today 

• New Orleans Pelicans-Toronto Raptors OVER 223 (-110)
• Minnesota Timberwolves -7 vs. Houston Rockets (-110)
• Scottie Barnes UNDER 13.5 Points (-115)
• Klay Thompson OVER 11.5 Points (-125)

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Toronto Raptors: OVER 223 (-110)

The Toronto Raptors have won five straight games and are now two games over .500 heading into Sunday’s matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans. 

Toronto is finally healthy with Scottie Barnes, Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby proving to be one of the more well-rounded cores in the NBA, and it is coming off a huge upset win over the Utah Jazz on Friday. 

Our own Reed Wallach wrote about a crazy over trend in Toronto, as the Raptors have now hit the over in four straight home games since fans were no longer allowed. 

As it is, Toronto is the best over team in the NBA, going 23-13 this season, and has hit the over in 10 straight games. 

Neither of these teams has been elite defensively this season, with the Raptors ranking 19th in defensive rating and the Pelicans coming in at 24th in the NBA. 

Toronto has scored 120 or more points in three straight home games, and it hasn’t scored less than 116 points over its last five games. The Raptors have also had a combined score of over 223 in six of their last seven games. 

I think the over trend continues in Toronto in this matchup, especially with two poor defenses facing off. 

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Houston Rockets: Wolves -7 (-110)

The Minnesota Timberwolves have won three straight games and back-to-back contests since Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell came out of the league’s health and safety protocols. 

Minnesota will hit the road to face the Houston Rockets on Sunday, as the Rockets look to improve on their dismal 7-11 home record. 

The Wolves are hot once again with their three top players all healthy, and this is just the fourth time all season they’ve been favored on the road. 

Minnesota is 2-1 against the spread in this spot so far this year, while the Rockets are just 5-9 against the spread as a home underdog. 

The Wolves are seventh in the NBA in defensive rating and just 24th in offensive rating, while the Rockets are 29th in defensive rating and 26th in offensive rating this season. However, both teams are top six in the NBA in pace, which is why this total is all the way up at 233. 

When the Rockets lose, they tend to get blown out, losing 22 games by double-digits, including 10 of their last 11 losses. 

While the under 233 is intriguing considering Minnesota’s strong defense, I think backing the Wolves on the spread is the best play in this game. 

Scottie Barnes UNDER 13.5 Points (-115)

With everyone healthy in Toronto, there are a lot of mouths to feed between VanVleet, Siakam, Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. 

Barnes has been the player who has taken a step back as a scorer, failing to clear this number in four straight games since returning from the league’s health and safety protocols. 

What’s even more troubling is Barnes has attempted double-digit shots in just one game since returning, after he averaged 12.7 shots per game through his first 27 NBA contests. 

I think this game will be high-scoring, but the Raptors have continued to hit the OVER even with Barnes settling into more of a distribution role. 

Klay Thompson OVER 11.5 Points (-125)

Yes, Klay Thompson averages 19.5 points per game for his career, but he’s going to be on a minutes limit tonight and we don’t know how he will respond after 941 days away from game action. 

Still, I think the Warriors will try to get Klay going in front of the home crowd, and we know he has the ability to heat up in a hurry. 

I’m hoping that Klay looks like his old self in his return, especially considering all he’s been through, so why not back him in this prop too?