Best Sports Betting Picks Today: NBA, NHL Predictions for January 30th | Deadspin.com

We could easily get wrapped up in basketball these days with the NFL winding down and with so many NBA and college games front and center.

But there is more to life and betting than basketball. So, for today’s best bets, we are going a different route.

Let’s take a shot at some hockey.Best Sports Betting Picks Today: NBA, NHL Predictions for January 30th | Deadspin.com

Best Sports Betting Picks Today: NBA, NHL Predictions for January 30th | Deadspin.com

Best Sports Betting Picks Today: NBA, NHL Predictions for January 30th | Deadspin.com

Houston has been on a roll.

The Rockets enter tonight’s contest vs. the Grizzlies riding a four-game win streak, which includes three road wins over two of the Eastern Conference’s best, Cleveland (109-108) and Boston (114-112). They last played in Atlanta on Tuesday (a game they won 100-96).Best Sports Betting Picks Today: NBA, NHL Predictions for January 30th | Deadspin.com

Memphis will enter the game after getting a couple of days off following a debacle vs. the Knicks in New York. Nothing worked in their favor in that game on Monday, as the Knicks blew them out of the water 143-106. But before that, they had gone 8-2 in their last ten games.Best Sports Betting Picks Today: NBA, NHL Predictions for January 30th | Deadspin.com

The two losses? Both were against Houston.

As the home team and a squad with a prolific offense, it is not hard to understand why the Grizzlies are a small favorite at -4.5 points. But Houston is on a roll and playing well on both ends of the court. It will probably be another close game, but one Houston can win.

Take the Rockets ML at +168 (via FanDuel)

Best Sports Betting Picks Today: NBA, NHL Predictions for January 30th | Deadspin.com

The Lakers are coming off a disappointing loss to the 76ers Tuesday night but have otherwise been playing good basketball with wins in six of their last seven. Included in that streak was a 111-88 win over the Wizards at home (tonight’s game is in DC).

As for the Wizards, they are 6-40. Yes, sports fans, this team is not very good. But any team can win on any given day, and Washington has won a few games this season. However, the trick in this game is the health of each roster.

Anthony Davis is out for the Lakers and LeBron James is a game-time decision. Washington will be without several players, including Malcolm Brogdon and Marvin Bagley III. But even if Washington had a healthy roster and the Lakers were forced to play scrubs, Los Angeles could win this game.

Take the Lakers at -6.5 points (odds via Caesars).

Best Sports Betting Picks Today: NBA, NHL Predictions for January 30th | Deadspin.com

Leg 1: Washington Capitals vs. Ottawa Senators—Capitals ML at -112

Leg 2:  Winnipeg Jets vs. Boston Bruins—Jets ML at -130

Parlay Odds: +229 (odds via DraftKings)

I’m not trying anything outlandish or overly risky with this parlay. Washington is the best team in the Eastern Conference. Ottawa is not a bad team, but they aren’t really a good one, either. The Senators have won three straight at home, but that will not matter against a vastly superior Capitals team.

Take Washington to win outright.

As for the Winnipeg-Boston game, the Jets are the best team in the Western Conference by far. They have the No. 1 offense and one of the best defenses in the league. Boston is a decent team, but when these two played in December at TD Gardens, the Jets demolished the Bruins 8-1.

Don’t count on another blowout, but this is a game the Jets should absolutely win.

A $100 wager will result in a $329 payday, your stake plus $229 in winnings.