NBA January 5, 2026

Kevin Durant returns to Houston to face his current team. Wait, that's backwards now - KD joined the Rockets this summer, and tonight he hosts his former team squad. The Toyota Center crowd will be electric for this one, and Durant always shows up for revenge games.

the franchise's season has been a disappointment. Devin Booker is doing everything he can, but the supporting cast without Durant isn't championship caliber. Bradley Beal's fit remains questionable, and their defense is a liability every night.

Houston's youth movement with Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun was supposed to take a step back after trading for Durant, but they've been even better. The Rockets' defensive intensity under Ime Udoka has made them a nightmare matchup for guard-heavy teams. Take Houston -4.5 and watch Durant cook his old squad.

The new Intuit Dome has been a fortress for the Clippers. LA's home record in their shiny new arena is absurd, and the crowd energy has given them an edge they never had at Crypto.com Arena. James Harden continues to orchestrate one of the league's most efficient offenses.

Golden State continues to defy expectations under Steve Kerr. Despite Jimmy Butler's February arrival from Golden State and Jonathan Kuminga's benching since November, the Warriors have found chemistry with Steph Curry orchestrating a versatile offense. They've won six of their last eight and look like the Dubs of old.

This feels like a pick'em. Both teams are playing excellent basketball, and the spread's tight for a reason. The under at 218.5 is the play - both teams emphasize defensive execution, and late-game possessions will be precious. The under could sweat out a classic Pacific Division battle.

The tank bowl of the night features two teams with lottery aspirations, but Portland's actually been frisky lately. Deni Avdija's emergence as a two-way playmaker has given them an identity, and Scoot Henderson is finally showing flashes of why he was the third overall pick.

Utah's been the league's most consistent tank. They're methodically terrible every night, just competitive enough to not embarrass themselves but never threatening to actually win. Walker Kessler's development is the only positive storyline.

The Blazers should cover at home. Portland plays with more purpose, their young players are fighting for roles, and the home crowd deserves something to cheer about. Take Portland -5.5 and the under in a game where neither team will push pace.

Joel Embiid's availability is always the elephant in the room with Philadelphia. When he plays, they're a completely different team. When he doesn't, Tyrese Maxey has to do everything, and that's not sustainable.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been on a mission this season. The Bucks' championship window is closing, and the Greek Freak knows it. His defensive intensity has ramped up, and Milwaukee's halfcourt offense has been crisp with Dame Lillard running point.

This spread feels right. Milwaukee's been solid on the road, and Philly's home-court advantage has evaporated with all the injuries and drama. The Bucks are worth watching -4.5 if Embiid sits, but consider the under regardless - both teams grind games to a halt in the fourth quarter.

Victor Wembanyama is the most dominant defensive force we've seen since prime Rudy Gobert, but he does it while also being a legitimate offensive threat. The Spurs have built the perfect system around him, and San Antonio looks like a legitimate title contender.

Sacramento's season has been a disaster since their February roster overhaul in February. Zach LaVine hasn't been the answer, Domantas Sabonis looks checked out, and the light-it-up style that made them fun has become a defensive nightmare. They're allowing 124 points per game over their last ten.

The Spurs should cruise here. Wembanyama will alter every shot at the rim, and Sacramento doesn't have the perimeter shooting to punish them. Take San Antonio -6.5 and expect the Spurs to win by double digits.