Best NBA Bets Today | NBA Picks January 18

After a quiet Tuesday night schedule, the NBA's Wednesday night is jam-packed with nine exciting games planned across the league!

A matchup between some of the NBA's most exciting guards kicks off when the Indiana Pacers face the Oklahoma City Thunder. Another intense inter-conference affair kicks off between the Miami Heat and the New Orleans Pelicans. And in a titanic matchup, the Memphis Grizzlies host the Cleveland Cavaliers!

Let's check out the bets!

Indiana Pacers @ Oklahoma City Thunder

When: 8:00 PM EST

Spread Oklahoma City Thunder -4.0 (-110) @ WynnBet

Two of the NBA's most dynamic teams face off when the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder take each other on. The Thunder have climbed to 10th in the Western Conference with a 21-23 record and a 13-9 home record. The Pacers have now fallen to eighth in the Eastern Conference, owning a 23-22 record and an 8-13 road record.

The Indiana Pacers' defense over their four-game losing streak has been well off the mark. Over their four straight losses, the Pacers have allowed their opponents to score 123.5 points per game on 49.2% from the field and 43.1% from three-point range on 16.5 made attempts. The Oklahoma City Thunder have looked solid on both ends over the course of their three-game win streak. The Thunder are averaging 123.0 points per game on 48.9% from the field and 38.1% from three, while allowing just 43.9% shooting from their opponents and 30.4% from three.

The Pacers have been struggling on the offensive end of the ball with Tyrese Haliburton out due to injury. Given the pace of play that the Thunder set and their positive shooting form, we expect them to cover the spread in this game. Their scoring is just too good to ignore at this time.

Miami Heat @ New Orleans Pelicans

When: 8:00 PM EST

Spread: Miami Heat -1.0 (-110) @ Caesars Sportsbook

Both the Miami Heat and the New Orleans Pelicans are missing some key players when they face off for this key matchup. The Heat are currently seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 24-21 overall record and a 10-12 road record. The Pelicans are still third in the Western Conference, owning a 26-18 overall record and a 17-5 home record.

Despite their injuries, the Heat have been able to salvage a 3-2 record over their last five games. Miami have found victory through their defense, having forced 14.0 turnovers and outrebounding their opponents 47.0 to 36.6 over their last five. The Pelicans have run the opposite over their last five games, owning a 2-3 record over that span of time. They've struggled with their two-way play, scoring on 50.3% efficiency from the field but also allowing their opponents to shoot 50.4% through their recent five-game run.

New Orleans' inconsistencies are a red flag, but the Miami Heat's defensive standards very rarely waver. Take the Heat on the road, as without Ingram and Williamson in the lineup the Heat should lock up the Pelicans' remaining perimeter players.

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Memphis Grizzlies

When: 8:00 PM EST

Spread: Memphis Grizzlies -7.5 (-105) @ BetRivers

In the marquee matchup of the night, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Memphis Grizzlies face off! The Cavaliers are back in the win column and now sit fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 28-17 overall record and a 9-13 road record. The Grizzlies continue to thrive in the Western Conference, ranking second in the West with a 30-13 record and a 19-3 home record.

The Cavaliers have alternated wins and losses in their last five games, but they've struggled from range in that time. While Cleveland have averaged 112.0 points over their last five games, they shot 50.1% overall but just 31.3% from three-point range - fortunately, their interior game has been strong. The Grizzlies' offence has been dominant over their last five games, while also showcasing an intense defensive standard. Memphis have averaged 129.0 points on 50.7% from the field and 43.9% from three over their last five, while also allowing just 44.6% field goal efficiency from their opponents.

The Grizzlies look set for another victory when they take on the Cavaliers. Cleveland are strongest when their interior play is working well, but Memphis' interior defence has been sharp as of late. Add that the Cavaliers are below-average in terms of three-point defence, and the Grizzlies project to be the clear victor.