NBA Predictions Today: Best Bets and Player Props for Sunday, February 1
Welcome to the weekend, basketball fans! It's time to dive into some exciting NBA action and simplify the grind. Instead of splitting sides/totals and player props into separate pieces, my weekend columns will bring everything under one roof, offering a streamlined look at my favorite bets for the day's slate. Fewer words, hopefully the same results. Let's get right into it with my NBA picks and predictions for Sunday, February 1.
RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more selections from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts! (https://data.vsin.com/propicks/active/?)
NBA Best Bets Today (Sides/Totals)
Knicks -4.5 (-110) vs. Lakers
Knicks vs. Lakers - 7:00 pm ET
The Knicks and Lakers are similar in their offensive prowess and defensive vulnerabilities. However, New York edges ahead in overall performance. Mike Brown's team boasts a top-three adjusted offensive rating (119.1) and a 14th-ranked adjusted defensive rating (114.4), while Los Angeles sits at seventh and 25th, respectively. The Knicks are on a winning streak, having secured five consecutive victories, with four of those wins being double-digit triumphs. Additionally, New York has a strong record against the spread as home favorites (16-7-1) and excels when facing teams with winning percentages between 60% and 70% (6-2 ATS).
I believe Mitchell Robinson will have a significant impact on this game. His rebounding skills will be crucial against an LA team that struggles defensively inside. Furthermore, the Lakers' perimeter players will face a challenging task defending Jalen Brunson, an elite offensive player. The Lakers' guards are among the league's worst defensively, making it a tough match-up.
Nuggets +8.5 (-118) vs. Thunder
Thunder at Nuggets - 9:30 pm ET
The injury report suggests something might be amiss, as the spread continues to widen. However, as of 11:00 am ET, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are expected to play for Denver, which is enough for me to take the points. Despite the absence of Aaron Gordon, Cameron Johnson, and Christian Braun, the Thunder also face significant challenges with their own injury concerns, including Jalen Williams, Alex Caruso, and Ajay Mitchell. Additionally, Oklahoma City plays in one of the most difficult road venues in sports.
I don't think the Thunder should be favored in this game. Last year's playoff series between the two teams showcased Denver's ability to keep up with Oklahoma City, even with a healthier Thunder squad. Furthermore, January was an up-and-down month for the Thunder, which adds to my skepticism.
Ryan Rollins Over 26.5 Points + Assists (+100) vs. Celtics
Bucks at Celtics - 3:30 pm ET
The Bucks are still without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Porter Jr., so I'm sticking with Ryan Rollins to exceed his combined points and assists total. In the eight games Rollins has played without those two, he's averaged 23.8 points and 7.4 assists per game, with at least 27 combined points and assists in six of those games. The Celtics' defense is below-average, and they rank 29th in the NBA when defending above-the-break 3s, which is a favorable matchup for Rollins, who scores 36% of his points from non-corners.
Zach LaVine Over 17.5 Points (-118) vs. Wizards
Kings at Wizards - 6:00 pm ET
The Kings' trade of Dennis Schroder to the Cavaliers has helped alleviate their guard logjam, benefiting Zach LaVine, who has averaged 20.9 points per game in games played without Schroder this year. LaVine will face a Washington team with a low-ranked adjusted defensive rating (119.7) and a top-10 pace (102.0). The Wizards also struggle guarding above-the-break 3s and shots at the rim, where LaVine excels, scoring 63% of his points in those areas. I expect LaVine to have a strong performance, especially if Russell Westbrook or Malik Monk, who are questionable, sit out.
Anthony Black Over 25.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-105) vs. Spurs
Magic at Spurs - 7:00 pm ET
In the 21 games Anthony Black has played without Franz Wagner, he's averaged 28.3 combined points, rebounds, and assists. Even in the last five games, with Jalen Suggs active and Wagner inactive, Black averaged 29.8 combined points, rebounds, and assists, surpassing tonight's 25.5 PRA in four of those games. While the Spurs have strong point-of-attack defenders, Black's ability to get to the basket and knock down triples makes him a threat. He's also consistently strong in assists and rebounds.
Additional Plays
PARLAY: Raptors ML vs. Jazz & Suns Alt +8.5 vs. Clippers (-164)
2025-26 NBA Record: 309-295 (+2.66 units)
