Shoot The Rock! NBA – Latest Betting News and Tips January 20th

Shoot The Rock! NBA – Latest Betting News and Tips January 20th

The Phoenix Suns are a godsend for basketball bettors. The Detroit Pistons are the best in the East. We take a deeper look into each squad. Next, we pivot to review the trade deadline and look ahead to what you can watch and bet on in the NBA this week.

Phoenix Suns, the Bettor’s Best Friend

When Mat Ishbia became the owner of Phoenix, he brought a – win now – mentality. He made marquee trades for Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant to go along with Devin Booker. Though having played basketball at Michigan State for Tom Izzo, he missed on the team concept, paying so much money to older players, leaving the rest of the roster a mish-mash.

After two mediocre seasons, Ishbia sent Beal and Durant packing and was through with retread coaches. Most figured the best-case scenario was two to three years before the Suns could reach the postseason with Booker still in his prime at 31.

However, new coach Jordan Ott had other ideas, and newcomers Dillon Brooks and Collin Gillespie have added toughness and moxie to blend with Ott’s idea of having a defensive identity. Phoenix is 25-17 and a league-best 30-12 ATS. The Suns are #5 in defensive efficiency and just about average on offense. The sportsbooks are bound to catchup to them, but for now, betting Phoenix as short favorites or underdogs is a logical choice.

The Detroit Pistons Are Firing on All Cylinders

After being one of the worst teams in the NBA for years, the Pistons turned a corner last year, winning 44 games and making the playoffs for the first time since the 2018-19 season.

Oddsmakers felt leaping from 14 to 44 victories in one year was too much, and they opened with a 44.5 win total. This reporter said before the season at the Winners Circle YouTube channel, my favorite season win total was Detroit at OVER 44.5.

To this point, the Pistons have not failed at 30-10 SU, with the books catching on, leading to a 22-18 ATS mark. Detroit is the only team in the Eastern Conference in the Top 10 in the league in both offensive and defensive ratings. For consistency purposes, only two of the 10 setbacks are by double digits.

Finding a veteran three-point marksman at the trade deadline would be wise, but it’s hard not to like the new and improved Pistons.

NBA Trade Talk Heating Up

In the last 10 days, trade talks about three players in particular have started to really simmer. Ja Morant (Grizzlies), Jonathan Kuminga (Warriors), and Anthony Davis (Mavs) are actively being bantered about. Morant and Kuminga are unhappy with the coaches and franchises and might be better with a new start. However, like A.D., those two have spent a lot of time injured or sulking about the real or perceived handling of them.

Interest in all three varies depending on what you read, with the Feb. 5 deadline approaching. A player can only make an impact if they are on the floor and a contributor. Right now, this trio does not really fit that criteria.

Best Teams OVER Teams (as of 1/20/26)

*Utah  27-15

*Denver 27-16

*L.A. Lakers  25-16

*Golden State 25-18

Top Games to Watch (Follow) or Bet the Rest of the Week

Tuesday

NBC – San Antonio at Houston

NBC – L.A. Lakers at Denver

Houston has slid to #5 in the West despite having the second-best point differential in the conference. The Rockets need a win. Despite having the #6 seed in the West, the Lakers are – minus – in point differential. The Nuggets are holding their own until the Joker returns.

Wednesday

ESPN – Cleveland at Charlotte

ESPN – Oklahoma City at Milwaukee

A stunningly poor season for the Cavs, who are the worst wager in the league. Is Giannis on the trade block, and how might that affect Milwaukee’s play?

Thursday

PRIME – Golden State at Dallas

PRIME – Lakers at Clippers

Watch a movie for the first game and come back to watch this La-La Land showdown. The Clippers are creeping up on .500, and a victory over their cross-town rival only adds confidence.

Friday

PRIME – Houston at Detroit

PRIME – Denver at Milwaukee

Detroit hosted Boston on Monday and has another top assignment this evening. This is the kind of contest the Nuggets need to win to stay in the Top 3 of the West.

Saturday

ABC – New York at Philadelphia

ABC – Golden State at Minnesota

ABC – L.A. Lakers at Dallas

The 76ers are not a good home team, going on two seasons. The Knicks have seen their fair share of road woes this year; someone has to win. Golden State wants to get out of Play-In territory, which would give them extra rest before the playoffs.