Thursday’s NBA slate is packed with storylines and pressure games. A few teams are trying to snap losing streaks, while others want to protect their home courts. Big names like Tyrese Maxey, Cade Cunningham, Kevin Durant, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are set to take center stage. The games on January 29 are not just about wins and losses. They also show where each team truly stands as the season moves forward. Here is a closer look at every game. (Odds via CBS Sports)
Sacramento Kings vs Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) drives against Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn ImagesTime: 7:00 pm ETDate: Thursday, January 29, 2026Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena, PhiladelphiaOdds: Kings +12
Sacramento comes in on a six-game losing streak and has struggled badly on the road with a 3-20 record. Philadelphia has been average at home, but their rebounding edge stands out. The 76ers pull down 12.3 offensive rebounds per game, led by Andre Drummond at 3.5. Tyrese Maxey is carrying the offense with 29.2 points per game and strong playmaking. Joel Embiid has also been steady over the last 10 games with over 20 points per night. Sacramento gives up 120.8 points per game, which lines up poorly against a team that scores more than 116 per outing. DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook can score, but the Kings allow too many open looks. Philadelphia already controls the glass and should create second chances. That gap makes the home team the safer pick.
Predicted winner: Sacramento Kings
Milwaukee Bucks vs Washington Wizards
Washington Wizards guard CJ McCollum (3) drives for the basket against Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (3) during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn ImagesTime: 7:00 pm ETDate: Thursday, January 29, 2026Venue: Capital One Arena, WashingtonOdds: Wizards +2.5
Milwaukee has dropped three straight games and is only 3-7 in its last ten. Washington is not much better, but they recently beat Milwaukee 114-113 on January 1. Alex Sarr leads the Wizards with 17.7 points and 7.5 rebounds, giving them size inside. The Bucks allow 14.1 made threes per game, while Washington averages nearly 13 from deep. That matchup favors the home team. Ryan Rollins and AJ Green have been productive for Milwaukee, but the team still gives up over 115 points per game in recent outings. Wizards games tend to stay close, and they are 2-2 in games decided by three points or fewer. Another tight finish is likely, and Washington has already shown it can win this game.
Predicted winner: Washington Wizards
Brooklyn Nets vs Denver Nuggets
Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) drives past Denver Nuggets guard Curtis Jones (1) in the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn ImagesTime: 9:00 pm ETDate: Thursday, January 29, 2026Venue: Ball Arena, DenverOdds: Nets +7.5
Brooklyn is on a six-game slide and is 6-16 on the road. Turnovers are a big issue, with 14.6 per game. Denver plays better at home and moves the ball well, ranking near the top in assists. Jamal Murray averages 25.9 points and 7.4 assists, while the Nuggets hit nearly 14 threes per game. Brooklyn did win the first meeting this season, but that came at home. Denver has gone 6-4 over the last ten and keeps opponents around 108 points. The Nets allow over 117 points per game in that same span. Porter and Claxton provide effort, yet the defense breaks down too often. Denver’s balanced attack and home court give them the edge.
Predicted winner: Brooklyn Nets
Detroit Pistons vs Phoenix Suns
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles defended by Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn ImagesTime: 9:00 pm ETDate: Thursday, January 29, 2026Venue: Footprint Center, PhoenixOdds: Suns +4.5
Detroit owns the best record in the East at 34-11 and has won four straight road games. The Pistons also rank near the top in defense, allowing only 110 points per game. Phoenix is strong at home but is missing key players like Devin Booker and Jalen Green. Cade Cunningham leads Detroit with 25.3 points and nearly 10 assists per game. Phoenix relies heavily on Dillon Brooks and Grayson Allen for scoring. The Suns score 114 per game, but Detroit scores more and defends better. Detroit also won the first meeting 108-105. With Phoenix short-handed, the Pistons have the advantage in depth and form.
Predicted winner: Detroit Pistons
Houston Rockets vs Atlanta Hawks
Houston Rockets guard JD Davison (4) dribbles defended by Atlanta Hawks guard Keaton Wallace (2) during the second half at State Farm Arena. Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesTime: 8:00 pm ETDate: Thursday, January 29, 2026Venue: State Farm Arena, AtlantaOdds: Hawks +4.5
Houston is 28-16 and plays strong defense, ranking fourth in points allowed at 110.5. Atlanta scores well but struggles to stop teams, giving up nearly 119 per game. Kevin Durant just dropped 33 points in Houston’s last win and continues to be the focal point. The Rockets also rebound well, pulling in 49 per game. Atlanta moves the ball better than anyone, averaging over 31 assists per game, led by CJ McCollum’s recent form. Even so, the Hawks give up too many open shots and free throws. Houston’s mix of scoring and defense should control the pace. That balance makes them the better pick.
Predicted winner: Houston Rockets
Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls
Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (30) during the second half at United Center. Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn ImagesTime: 8:00 pm ETDate: Thursday, January 29, 2026Venue: United Center, ChicagoOdds: Heat +1.5
Chicago is coming off a loss to the Lakers but remains competitive at home. Miami beat Phoenix in its last game and has momentum. The Heat crushed Chicago earlier this season 143-107, though the Bulls dominated the matchup last year. Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu lead Chicago’s scoring. Bam Adebayo anchors Miami inside. Both teams sit around .500, which suggests a close game. Chicago usually plays tougher defense at home and will want payback for the earlier blowout. Miami has been steady, but the Bulls have won more often in this building. A narrow home win looks likely.
Predicted winner: Chicago Bulls
Charlotte Hornets vs Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks guard Ryan Nembhard (9) reaches for the loose ball as Charlotte Hornets guard Spencer Dinwiddie (26) defends in the second half of a game at American Airlines Center. Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn ImagesTime: 8:30 pm ETDate: Thursday, January 29, 2026Venue: American Airlines Center, DallasOdds: Mavericks +3.5
Charlotte just beat Philadelphia 130-93 with strong shooting and ball movement. Brandon Miller scored 30 points on 81.8% shooting. The Hornets average 116.3 points and hit 37% from three. Dallas lost to the Lakers and allowed 57 rebounds, which shows weakness on the glass. Max Christie has been productive, but Dallas still gives up 116.5 points per game. Charlotte’s passing and rebounding edge should matter. The Hornets also force turnovers and play faster. Dallas has struggled to defend consistently, which puts them at risk against a hot Charlotte offense.
Predicted winner: Charlotte Hornets
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) knocks the ball from Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) in the third quarter at Target Center. Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn ImagesTime: 9:30 pm ETDate: Thursday, January 29, 2026Venue: Target Center, MinnesotaOdds: Timberwolves +5.5
Oklahoma City leads the league in scoring at 120.8 points per game and allows just 107.9. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to shine, coming off a 24-point game on 72.7% shooting. Minnesota is solid offensively at 119 per game but allows 114.3. Julius Randle had 18 points in his last outing, though the Timberwolves rely on forcing turnovers to stay competitive. The Thunder rank first in points allowed and create pressure on defense. That combination usually travels well. Minnesota is strong at home, but Oklahoma City’s efficiency and defense give them the edge.
Predicted winner: Oklahoma City Thunder
Conclusion
January 29 brings a mix of uneven matchups and tight contests. Some teams hold clear edges because of defense, home court, or recent form. Others are expected to grind out close wins based on past results and key player performances. These games will shape momentum for the next stretch of the season. This schedule offers plenty of reasons to stay tuned from the first tip-off to the final buzzer.