NBA January 18, 2026

The NBA returns to London for the second game of their international doubleheader, and the stakes are considerably higher than the Berlin opener. Orlando (23-18) already earned bragging rights with a 118-111 victory in Germany, and now they're looking to sweep the European swing against a Grizzlies team that's been maddeningly inconsistent. Franz Wagner's return from his ankle sprain was exactly what the Magic needed, as the German star contributed 18 points in the Berlin win. Wagner's ability to create off the dribble and finish through contact gives Orlando a reliable secondary option alongside Paolo Banchero's developing star power.

The Magic's defensive identity has been the foundation of their surprising season. They rank top-10 in defensive rating and force turnovers at an elite rate. Their length causes problems for opposing ball handlers, and the rim protection from Wendell Carter Jr. and Moe Wagner creates a deterrent that affects shot selection throughout the game. Orlando is 13-8 on the road this season and has covered the spread at a solid clip away from Amway Center. The international setting adds a wrinkle, but the Magic have already proven they can perform on the global stage.

Memphis (17-23) enters this matchup with cautious optimism surrounding Ja Morant. The electric point guard is listed as probable after dealing with a calf strain, and his presence transforms this Grizzlies offense. Morant's ability to get downhill and create chaos in the paint is unmatched, and when he's on the floor, Memphis becomes a completely different team. Jaren Jackson III was spectacular in Berlin, pouring in 30 points while showcasing the shooting touch that makes him such a unique big man. Jackson's development as a perimeter threat forces opposing defenses to respect his range, which opens driving lanes for Morant and the Grizzlies' secondary playmakers.

The total of 229 reflects the first game's combined score of 229. Both teams played at a moderate pace in Berlin, which is notable given Memphis typically wants to push tempo. Orlando's defense was the difference maker, holding the Grizzlies to 111 points despite Jackson's explosion. If Morant plays at full strength, expect Memphis to push pace more aggressively in the rematch. The Magic's 4.5-point spread suggests the market believes Orlando's defensive superiority will carry over, but this number feels tight given the variance of international games. The unfamiliar venue and travel could affect shooting for both teams, but Orlando's versatility and Wagner's fresh legs give them an edge in a game that could come down to the final possessions.

Two franchises in full rebuild mode meet at the United Center in a game that's more about draft positioning than playoff implications. Brooklyn has fully committed to their youth movement, trading away veteran pieces and giving extended minutes to developing players. The Nets' offensive execution is inconsistent at best, relying heavily on individual creation rather than systematic ball movement. Their defensive intensity fluctuates from quarter to quarter, which leads to the kind of variance that makes them unpredictable against the spread.

Chicago's season has been defined by mediocrity since their February roster changes. The Kings lack the defensive identity that defined their best teams, and the roster construction doesn't support sustained success. The United Center crowd has seen glimpses of competitiveness, but Chicago's home record is modest, and they've struggled to protect their building against similar-caliber opponents.

This is a pace-and-space matchup between two teams that don't defend particularly well. The total should reflect that defensive deficiency, with both teams capable of putting up points in bunches but also prone to extended scoring droughts. Neither team has a reliable closer, which means fourth-quarter execution will be sloppy. Games like this often come down to which team makes fewer mistakes down the stretch, and that's a coin flip between these rosters. The spread will likely favor Chicago at home, but Brooklyn's youthful energy can steal games in spots like this.

Houston's season took a devastating turn when Fred VanVleet suffered a torn ACL that ended his 2025-26 campaign. The veteran point guard was supposed to be the steadying presence alongside Kevin Durant (acquired from Houston last summer), and without him, the Rockets' offensive execution has been inconsistent. Durant remains one of the best scorers in basketball history, but he needs a capable floor general to maximize his efficiency. The Rockets have been cycling through options at point guard, and none have replicated VanVleet's two-way impact.

New Orleans (10-33) continues to be plagued by the injury bug. Zion Williamson's availability remains game-to-game, and the Pelicans lack the depth to compete when their star power isn't available. Trey Murphy III has emerged as a legitimate scoring threat, but he can't carry the offensive burden alone. The Pelicans' defensive rating is bottom-five in the league, and they're allowing elite teams to score at will. This is a franchise in full tank mode, whether they publicly acknowledge it or not.

Houston should be heavy favorites at home, but the VanVleet injury creates uncertainty about their ceiling. Durant can put up 35 any night, but the supporting cast needs to step up on both ends. The Rockets' home record is solid, and Toyota Center provides an energy boost against inferior competition. The Pelicans' road struggles make this a favorable spot for Houston, but covering large spreads has been challenging without a consistent secondary playmaker. The total will likely be moderate, reflecting Houston's defensive potential and New Orleans' offensive limitations.

Nikola Jokic continues his historically dominant campaign as the Nuggets host a rebuilding Hornets team at Ball Arena. Jokic is averaging a near-triple-double while leading the league in advanced efficiency metrics. His passing vision creates open looks for teammates that no other center can manufacture, and his ability to dominate games without forcing shots makes Denver's offense nearly impossible to prepare for. The Nuggets' elevation advantage at home is well-documented, and visiting teams consistently struggle with conditioning in Mile High air.

Charlotte's struggles have been well-documented, but LaMelo Ball's flashes of brilliance provide glimpses of hope for the future. When healthy, Ball is one of the most entertaining players in the league, but his availability has been inconsistent. The Hornets lack the defensive identity to compete with playoff-caliber teams, and their offensive execution relies too heavily on individual creation. They're playing for development and lottery positioning at this point, which makes them dangerous as underdogs but unreliable when expected to compete.

Denver should be significant favorites, but the Nuggets have struggled to cover large spreads consistently this season. Their defensive effort fluctuates based on the opponent's perceived threat level, and games against rebuilding teams can get sloppy. Charlotte's young legs can keep this competitive for three quarters before the altitude and Jokic's fourth-quarter dominance assert themselves. The total should be elevated given Denver's offensive firepower and Charlotte's defensive deficiencies. Ball Arena games tend to play fast and favor the over, especially when the Hornets' transition defense creates easy opportunities for Denver's skilled roster.

Zach LaVine and the Kings look to continue their playoff push as they host a rebuilding Portland team at Golden 1 Center. Sacramento's offense when LaVine is cooking can be entertaining, with the athletic guard creating scoring opportunities in transition and in the half-court. Domantas Sabonis' playmaking from the center position creates unique advantages, and the Kings' offensive rating when both stars are engaged ranks among the league's best. The Golden 1 Center crowd provides elite energy, and Sacramento protects their building well.

Portland is in a developmental year, playing young players heavy minutes and accepting short-term growing pains for long-term gain. Anfernee Simons has emerged as a legitimate scoring threat, but the Trail Blazers lack the defensive identity to compete with playoff-caliber teams night after night. Scoot Henderson's development has been encouraging, flashing the elite athleticism that made him a top-5 pick. Portland plays hard but struggles to close games against experienced opponents.

Sacramento should be favored at home, and their offensive firepower creates serious separation potential. The Kings play at one of the fastest paces in the league, and Portland's defense struggles to keep up with elite transition attacks. The total should be elevated given both teams' offensive preferences and defensive deficiencies. Golden 1 Center games tend to play fast and favor the over, especially against rebuilding teams that can't slow the pace. Sacramento's cover rate at home against inferior opponents is solid, and this matchup profiles as a comfortable win if LaVine and Sabonis are engaged from the opening tip.

the former wing returns to Los Angeles for the first time since his February 2025 trade from New Orleans to Toronto, and you can bet he's circled this one on his calendar. their former wing's scoring ability makes the Raptors competitive on any given night, and his familiarity with the Crypto.com Arena environment could provide an emotional edge. The Raptors have been rebuilding around young talent, and Ingram's addition provides a veteran scoring presence that their developing players desperately needed. His mid-range game is automatic, and when he's locked in, he can match any scorer in the league shot for shot.

LeBron James continues to defy father time in his 22nd NBA season, and the Lakers have positioned themselves as legitimate contenders in the Western Conference. At 40 years old, LeBron is still averaging a near-triple-double while Luka Doncic anchors one of the league's most explosive offenses since arriving from the Lakers in February. LA's offensive efficiency with both stars healthy ranks top-10 in the league, and their chemistry has improved significantly. The Lakers' home record is strong, and Crypto.com Arena provides an atmosphere that few visiting teams can handle.

This is an intriguing matchup of contrasting identities. Toronto plays young and fast, while LA controls pace and maximizes their half-court execution. Ingram's revenge narrative adds emotional stakes, but the Lakers' experience in big moments gives them a significant edge if this game is close late. The total will likely be moderate, reflecting LA's pace control and Toronto's inconsistent offensive execution. The spread should favor the Lakers, but Ingram's ability to take over games means Toronto's ceiling is higher than their record suggests. This could be a competitive affair if Ingram brings his A-game to his old stomping grounds.