Thursday night brings one of the busiest NBA slates of the week. January 22 features playoff contenders, rising young teams, and a few matchups that could swing late with one hot quarter. Home court, recent form, and injury updates all play a role in shaping how these games may unfold. So, let’s have a look around each game of the night. (Odds via CBS Sports)
Charlotte Hornets vs Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson (11) passes the ball in front of Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) during the second half at Kia Center. Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Game details
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
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Orlando enters this game with a strong home record. The Magic are 14-7 at home and sit near the top of the Southeast Division. Free throw scoring is their biggest strength. They lead the league with 22 made free throws per game, which often keeps them ahead late.
Charlotte has struggled with consistency. The Hornets are 16-28 and have dropped multiple road games this season. Three-point shooting remains their main weapon, ranking third in makes per game. Defensive issues continue to hurt them, especially allowing high shooting percentages.
Orlando’s defense limits perimeter shots well, allowing under 12 threes per game. That directly challenges Charlotte’s main scoring path. The Magic also hold an edge in recent form despite a rough loss to Memphis.
Predicted winner: Orlando Magic
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Houston Rockets vs Philadelphia 76ers
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) and Philadelphia 76ers forward Oshae Brissett (22) lose control of the ball during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Game details
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena
Houston has quietly been one of the better road rebounding teams. They lead the West in offensive rebounds, which helps offset shooting slumps. Even with key injuries, the Rockets control the glass well.
Philadelphia remains dangerous at home but has been inconsistent. Tyrese Maxey continues to carry the scoring load, averaging 30 points. Joel Embiid is listed day to day, which impacts interior defense and scoring balance.
The Rockets shoot nearly 48 percent from the field, which is slightly above what Philadelphia usually allows. Houston also comes into this game on a three-game winning streak, while the Sixers are hovering around .500 at home.
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Predicted winner: Houston Rockets
Denver Nuggets vs Washington Wizards
Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) controls the ball as Denver Nuggets guard Bruce Brown (11) guards in the fourth quarter at Ball Arena. Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Game details
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
Washington has one of the weakest defenses in the league. They allow over 123 points per game and struggle to contain efficient offenses. Home games have not helped much, as they remain below .500 in Washington.
Denver has been excellent on the road. The Nuggets are 17-7 away from home and average over 121 points per game. Even with Nikola Jokic sidelined, Jamal Murray has stepped up in recent games.
The Nuggets already beat the Wizards earlier this month. That win came by six points and featured strong perimeter shooting. Washington has also dropped eight of its last ten games, which points to ongoing problems.
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Predicted winner: Denver Nuggets
Golden State Warriors vs Dallas Mavericks
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles against Dallas Mavericks guard Max Christie (00) during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Game details
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
Venue: American Airlines Center
Golden State is on a four-game winning streak and scoring at a high level. Over the last ten games, the Warriors average more than 123 points per night. Ball movement and three-point volume remain elite.
Dallas has talent but remains injury-hit. Several key rotation players are out, including Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. Cooper Flagg has played well, yet the Mavericks struggle defensively against strong shooting teams.
Golden State already beat Dallas earlier this season by double digits. The Warriors also rank near the top in made threes per game, while Dallas allows one of the highest three-point totals in the West.
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Predicted winner: Golden State Warriors
Chicago Bulls vs Minnesota Timberwolves
Chicago Bulls guard Kevin Huerter (13) fouls Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jaylen Clark (22) during the first half at United Center. Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Game details
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
Minnesota has been dominant at home with a 15-6 record. The Timberwolves score heavily in the paint and have multiple scoring options. Anthony Edwards continues to average close to 30 points per game.
Chicago scores well but struggles defensively on the road. The Bulls allow 120 points per game, which becomes a problem against high-tempo teams. Minnesota already beat Chicago by 35 points earlier this season.
The Timberwolves are also trying to stop a three-game losing streak. That adds urgency to their performance at home.
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Predicted winner: Minnesota Timberwolves
San Antonio Spurs vs Utah Jazz
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) drives against Utah Jazz guard Walter Clayton Jr. (13) during the second half at Frost Bank Center. Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Game details
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
San Antonio has been one of the most balanced teams in the West. They move the ball well and rank high in assists per game. Victor Wembanyama continues to anchor both ends of the floor.
Utah allows the most points in the league. Defensive issues remain a constant problem. Even after a strong scoring night from Keyonte George, the Jazz still struggle to close games.
The Spurs already beat Utah earlier this week by double digits. San Antonio also holds a clear edge in efficiency and defensive rating.
Predicted winner: San Antonio Spurs
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Los Angeles Lakers vs Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James (23) is defended by LA Clippers forward John Collins (20) in the second half at Intuit Dome. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Game details
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
This matchup remains tight every season. The Clippers won the last meeting by 15 points. Home court has helped them recently, winning three straight in Inglewood.
The Lakers rely heavily on Luka Doncic and LeBron James. They perform well in close games, staying undefeated in contests decided by fewer than four points. Injuries remain a concern, especially in the backcourt.
The Clippers score less overall but defend better at home. That balance explains the narrow line.
Predicted winner: Los Angeles Clippers
Miami Heat vs Portland Trail Blazers
Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (22) battles for position with Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Game details
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
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Portland has won eight of its last ten games and plays well at home. Rebounding has been a major strength, led by Donovan Clingan. The Trail Blazers also limit opponent scoring better than earlier in the season.
Miami struggles on the road with an 8-14 record. Shooting efficiency has dipped over the last ten games. Tyler Herro remains out, which reduces scoring punch.
Portland already lost a close game to Miami earlier this season. Recent form suggests a different outcome this time.
Predicted winner: Portland Trail Blazers
Final Thoughts
January 22 is packed with games that could quietly shift the standings. Some favorites look steady, while a few underdogs have enough momentum to keep things close. Home floors matter tonight, especially in Minnesota, Denver, and Orlando. Late games in Los Angeles and Portland may come down to execution in the final minutes. It is a slate where smart matchups matter more than big names.
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