I only have a few picks for the NBA slate on Wednesday, January 21. Normally I’d break down a slate like this with two separate articles, but it doesn’t feel necessary today. So, instead of splitting sides/totals and player props into two pieces, I’m bringing everything under one roof — a streamlined look at my favorite bets for the day’s slate. Keep reading for my NBA picks and predictions for Wednesday.

RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more selections from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts!

NBA Best Bets Today (Sides/Totals)

Nets vs. Knicks Under 224.5 (-110)

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Nets at Knicks – 7:30 pm ET

I put this play on the Pro Picks page Tuesday night. That means it was available to subscribers at a much better number. Unfortunately, it’s all the way down at 220.5/221 now, so I’m not sure it’s still playable. That said, I’m not going to spend too much time getting into the handicap. The overall thought is that Brooklyn has been a rock-solid defensive team for quite some time, ranking 13th in the NBA in points allowed per 100 possessions (115.0) since December 1. Meanwhile, New York had a player-only meeting to address recent struggles, so you can probably expect a solid defensive effort here. These teams are also in the league’s bottom-10 in pace of play, and the Under has been a great bet in Nets games against Eastern Conference Opponents.

NBA Player Props Today

Jaylon Tyson Over 15.5 Points (+100 – 1.5 units) & Alt Points 20+ (+240 – 0.5 units) vs. Hornets

Cavaliers at Hornets – 7:00 pm ET

Tyson got to 16 points against the Thunder the other day, but he needed garbage time to do it. So, it was a little less inspiring watching him go to work against Oklahoma City than it was when he had 39 against Philadelphia on Friday. However, Darius Garland and Sam Merrill remain out for Cleveland, and Tyson is averaging 22.0 points per game when he plays without them. The Cavaliers need his shotmaking when they’re shorthanded, and I think he’s going to deliver tonight.

The Hornets are just 23rd in the NBA defending at the rim and 25th guarding above-the-break 3s. Tyson scores 60% of his points from those two locations. Also, while Tyson wasn’t able to drive to the cup against Oklahoma City, he should have more success against Charlotte. His weak handle won’t be as exposed against a defense that isn’t No. 1 in the league at creating turnovers.

Immanuel Quickley Over 5.5 Assists (-113) vs. Kings

Raptors at Kings – 10:00 pm ET

Quickley just had 40 points and 10 assists in one of the best offensive performances in NBA history. In what ended up being a comfortable win over the Warriors, he shot 11 for 13 from the floor, 7 for 8 from 3, and 11 for 11 from the line. The timing was perfect, too. Toronto fans have been coming for him lately, as he has had an up-and-down season. Now, he just needs to find a little consistency.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Quickley pops off again tonight. The Kings are 27th in the NBA in adjusted defensive rating (118.2), plus they don’t exactly look to slow games down. However, instead of backing Quickley as a scorer, I’m taking him to finish with six assists. He has had at least seven dimes in four of the last five games, and lead guards have been consistently going Over their assist totals against Sacramento.

Additional Plays (Late Adds, Parlays, Teasers, Futures)

Hornets To Make Play-In (+400 – 0.5 units) – I’m jumping on JVT’s play of Hornets to make the Play-In at +400. They still have a lot of work to do, as they’re 3.0 games behind the 10th-seeded Hawks. However, Charlotte is better than both Chicago and Atlanta. So, with this much season left, this feels like a shot worth taking. Since December 1, the Hornets are seventh in the league in Efficiency Differential (+3.9). A 55-point whooping of the Jazz definitely skewed those numbers heavily, but I believe this is one of the eight best teams in the Eastern Conference when healthy. Well, they’re healthy right now. (Knock on wood.)

Suns To Win Pacific Division (-105 – 2 units) – I currently have a nice situation in which I’ll win 0.5 units if the Lakers win the Pacific Division or 1.65 units if the Suns win. I probably shouldn’t mess that up, right? Wrong! I’m adding to my position on Phoenix. Jalen Green looked good in his return to action last night, and this Suns team now looks all kinds of dangerous. Since December 15th, they’re sixth in the NBA in Efficiency Differential (+6.0), ranking fourth in points allowed per 100 possessions (110.6) and 12th in points scored per 100 possessions (116.7). Well, with Green in the mix, this offense is ready to go to another level. And overall, Phoenix’s depth, competitiveness, and tactics give them a nice nightly edge in the regular season. At this point, I’d be surprised if they can’t hold off the Lakers.

2025-26 NBA Record: 277-259 (+8.91 units)

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