Best NBA Bets Today | NBA Picks January 12

The NBA will be showcasing a competitive Thursday night schedule, as there are six games for fans and bettors to enjoy.

Playing each other for the second time in two games, the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors face off again. In the Western Conference, Luka Doncic's Dallas Mavericks take on the Los Angeles Lakers. And to close out the night the Cleveland Cavaliers and Portland Trail Blazers will battle for victory.

Let's check out the bets!

Charlotte Hornets @ Toronto Raptors

When: 7:30 PM EST

Spread: Toronto Raptors -8.0 (-110) @ WynnBet

The Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors face off for the second time in three days when they tip off on Thursday night. The Hornets are currently last in the Eastern Conference with an 11-31 record and a 6-17 road record. For the Raptors, they now sit 11th in the East with an 18-23 record and a 13-10 home record.

In their last meeting, the Toronto Raptors were dominant with their shooting. They scored 132 points on 49.5% from the field and 45.5% from deep on 20 made three-point attempts. The Hornets were able to score 120 points on 54.7% shooting against the Raptors in their last game, but they committed 19 turnovers that led to their loss.

This should be a tighter game, as the Raptors who shoot 33.0% from three (29th in the NBA) aren't likely to hit 20 from deep again. Still, Charlotte's poor defence and inefficient offence are likely to spell their doom against the organized Raptors' defence.

Dallas Mavericks @ Los Angeles Lakers

When: 10:00 PM EST

Spread: Dallas Mavericks -3.0 (-110) @ FanDuel Sportsbook

Both the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers are aiming to get back in the win column when they face off on Thursday night. The Mavericks have lost their last two games, most recently a 101-113 loss to the LA Clippers. The Lakers were outclassed in their last game, falling 109-122 to the Denver Nuggets.

With so many injuries, the Los Angeles Lakers struggled in the scoring department in their last game. While they scored 109 points on 44.1% shooting, they hit just eight threes on 28.6% efficiency. The Dallas Mavericks' role players failed to assist in their recent loss, as the starting five, less-Doncic, scored just 45 points to Doncic's own 43.

This should be a bounce-back night for the Dallas Mavericks, as this shorthanded Lakers team doesn't project to have the talent to keep up. More than willing to play at pace with Los Angeles, the Mavericks should return to form due to their responsible offensive play.

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Portland Trail Blazers

When: 10:00 PM EST

Spread: Cleveland Cavaliers -2.5 (-110) @ DraftKings Sportsbook

It'll be an interesting match when the Cleveland Cavaliers and Portland Trail Blazers face off. The Cavaliers are now fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 26-16 record despite coming off of a loss in their last game. The Trail Blazers are on a four-game losing streak, now falling to 11th in the Western Conference with a 19-21 overall record.

Portland have struggled against what they would have called lesser competition through their last four games. The Trail Blazers have allowed their opponents to score 111.8 points per game on 47.7% from the field and 35.6% from range, while they've struggled as seen through their 26.0% three-point shooting over their last four. The Cavaliers fell just short in their last game, but they could've done more given they were outrebounded 54 to 37 and shot just 27.0% from three.

The Cavaliers should bounce back in this game, but they need to be cautious given their three-point defense has been suspect throughout this season. Their paint presence and ball pressure should be enough against the Trail Blazers though, who are struggling to execute on both ends of the court.