NBA · Game Review

NBA game reviews – 2026-01-24

NBA Results & Betting Takeaways: Big Performances Across a Huge Slate

It was a massive day in the NBA with tight finishes, huge individual stat lines, and a few momentum swings that would have absolutely flipped live odds markets on their head. From the Pacers edging the Thunder in a high-scoring thriller to the Bucks falling just short in a fourth-quarter comeback, punters had a lot to digest.

Below is a game-by-game breakdown of every matchup on the slate, using the official scoring and player metrics from the data above. We’ll touch on final scores, key performers, and how the flow of each clash might have affected betting angles like totals, player props, and live markets.

Houston Rockets vs Detroit Pistons

The Houston Rockets got the job done on the road, beating the Detroit Pistons 111–104. The scoring was dead even at half-time, locked at 52–52, before Houston pulled away with a strong third quarter and just enough offence late to hold off Detroit’s final push.

Quarter by quarter, Houston set the tone early with a 28–20 first term, Detroit responded with a 32–24 second, the Rockets dominated the third 34–20, and the Pistons won the fourth 32–25 but couldn’t bridge the gap. From a totals point of view, the game closed at 215 points, giving over-backers a relatively sweat-free ride once the third-quarter scoring opened up.

Key Rockets Performances

Houston got excellent all-round contributions from multiple starters:

  • Kevin Durant led the way with 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, for a massive 42 PRA. He also hit 5 threes and added 2 stocks (steals + blocks).
  • Alperen Şengün posted 19 points, 1 rebound, and 5 assists (25 PRA). He did cough it up 5 times, something to note for turnovers markets.
  • Amen Thompson stuffed the stat sheet with 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists (31 PRA), plus 2 steals and 1 block.
  • Reed Sheppard poured in 18 points with 0 rebounds and 1 assist, still good for 19 PRA, and hit 1 three.
  • Jabari Smith delivered balance with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists (24 PRA), plus 4 stocks (2 steals, 2 blocks).

Defensive props were also live for Houston. Clint Capela put up 4 blocks and 1 steal (5 stocks), while Sheppard and Thompson chipped in with multiple defensive stats each.

Key Pistons Performances

Detroit spread the scoring around but couldn’t quite match Houston’s firepower:

  • Jalen Duren led the Pistons in production with 18 points, 7 rebounds and no assists (25 PR and 25 PRA).
  • Isaiah Stewart had 16 points and 4 rebounds (20 PR, 22 PRA), with 2 assists.
  • Cade Cunningham finished with 12 points, 1 rebound, and 8 assists (21 PRA), but turned it over 6 times for a huge 9 tos + steals + blocks combined.
  • Ausar Thompson added 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists (23 PRA).

From a betting lens, Houston consistently won the “middle” of the game (first and third quarters by double digits), which would have seen their live line shorten dramatically. PRA overs on Durant, Thompson, and Şengün all cleared comfortably.

Sacramento Kings vs Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers held serve at home in a high-scoring contest, edging the Sacramento Kings 123–118. It was tight early, level at 35–35 after one, with the Kings slightly ahead 71–68 at the half. Cleveland flipped the script in the third, winning it 34–22, and then just did enough in the fourth despite losing the period 25–21.

Cavs: Big Nights from Mobley and Mitchell

Cleveland were powered by their stars:

  • Evan Mobley was huge with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists – a monster 49 PRA and 42 PR. He also recorded 4 blocks.
  • Donovan Mitchell matched the star turn with 33 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists (46 PRA and 38 PR), plus 1 steal.
  • Jarrett Allen quietly put up 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 0 assists (24 PR, 24 PRA), with 1 block and 2 steals.
  • Jaylon Tyson provided two-way support: 17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists (28 PRA) and 3 made threes.

PRA overs on Mobley and Mitchell were never really in doubt, and Mobley’s combo of 4 blocks and 13 boards made him a standout for defensive and rebounds markets.

Kings: Strong But Not Enough

Sacramento matched Cleveland offensively for long stretches:

  • Domantas Sabonis recorded 24 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists for a huge 46 PRA and 40 PR.
  • Dennis Schröder chipped in 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists (29 PRA).
  • Malik Monk added 16 points, 1 rebound, and 7 assists (24 PRA), with 4 threes.
  • DeMar DeRozan scored 20 points with 4 rebounds and 3 assists (27 PRA).

With a combined total of 241 points, this one screamed “overs” and delivered. From a live odds angle, the third-quarter Cavs surge – outscoring the Kings 34–22 – was the decisive swing.

Phoenix Suns vs Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks held off the Phoenix Suns 110–103 in a game of swings across all four quarters. Phoenix led the first 31–27, but Atlanta exploded for a 37–28 second to go into half-time up 64–59. The Suns came back with a 32–20 third, only for the Hawks to dominate the fourth 26–12.

Hawks: Balanced Scoring and Big Boards

Atlanta’s win came on the back of balance and strong rebounding:

  • Jalen Johnson was outstanding: 23 points, a massive 18 rebounds, and 9 assists – good for 50 PRA and 41 PR.
  • Onyeka Okongwu added 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists (35 PRA), hitting 3 threes.
  • CJ McCollum finished with 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 0 assists (25 PR, 25 PRA).
  • Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed 13 points, 0 rebounds, and 3 assists (16 PRA), plus 2 steals and 1 block.

Defensively, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Christian Koloko combined for 3 blocks and multiple steals, while Johnson’s 18 boards would’ve cashed most rebounds markets with ease.

Suns: Booker Shines in Defeat

Phoenix leaned heavily on their perimeter play:

  • Devin Booker had 31 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists (38 PRA, 35 PR), and hit 5 threes with 1 steal.
  • Grayson Allen added 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists (22 PRA), while racking up 4 steals.
  • Collin Gillespie chipped in 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists (26 PRA).
  • Dillon Brooks finished with 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists (19 PRA).

The total landed at 213 points, sitting in the mid-range for NBA lines, and the game shape – Phoenix’s strong third followed by a brutal 12-point fourth – would’ve produced plenty of live lead changes in the markets.

Boston Celtics vs Brooklyn Nets

In a high-scoring thriller, the Boston Celtics edged the Brooklyn Nets 130–126 on the road. Brooklyn led at half-time 55–49 but Boston stormed home, winning the second half 81–71. The third quarter in particular – Celtics 29–26 – set up a frenetic final term where Boston outscored the Nets 26–23.

Nets: Porter Jr. Leads a Balanced Effort

Despite the loss, Brooklyn produced some massive lines:

  • Michael Porter Jr. went off for 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists (42 PRA), plus 4 made threes and 1 block.
  • Nic Claxton delivered 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists (31 PRA, 27 PR), with 2 blocks.
  • Nolan Traore added 21 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists (26 PRA), with 2 made threes.
  • Ziaire Williams chipped in 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 0 assists (22 PR).

Several Nets cleared common points and PRA lines, particularly Porter Jr. and Claxton. Turnovers were spread – multiple players on 2–3 – but no single outlier.

Celtics: Jaylen Brown and Pritchard Go Big

Boston’s stars came up huge down the stretch:

  • Jaylen Brown had a monster all-round game: 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists (49 PRA, 37 PR), plus 1 steal.
  • Payton Pritchard matched him with 32 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists (40 PRA), and drilled 6 threes.
  • Sam Hauser delivered 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists (26 PRA), hitting 5 threes.
  • Baylor Scheierman contributed 6 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists (17 PRA), along with 2 steals.

The combined total of 256 points would’ve smashed almost any pre-game over/under. Three-point props were gold – Pritchard (6), Hauser (5), and Jaylen Brown (4) all comfortably clearing typical lines.

Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder

The Indiana Pacers survived a furious Thunder comeback to win 117–114 in a genuine shootout. Indiana jumped out with a massive 39–28 first quarter, led 58–53 at half, and then just kept their noses in front as OKC won the second half 61–59 but fell just short.

Pacers: Nembhard and Siakam Star

Indiana had several players go big:

  • Andrew Nembhard posted 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 11 assists – a huge 45 PRA and 34 PR – with 4 made threes.
  • Jarace Walker was impressive with 26 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists (33 PRA, 30 PR), hitting 3 threes and tallying 2 steals.
  • Pascal Siakam produced 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists (33 PRA), with 2 made threes.
  • Aaron Nesmith hit 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists (27 PRA), with 3 threes.

Given the triple-threat profiles of Nembhard and Siakam, both scoring and PRA overs would’ve been attractive pre-game – and both cashed comfortably.

Thunder: SGA’s 47 Not Enough

Oklahoma City nearly stole it on the back of a superstar performance:

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander erupted for 47 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists (55 PRA, 51 PR), with 1 steal and 1 block, while hitting 1 three.
  • Chet Holmgren added 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 assists (41 PRA, 38 PR), and dominated defensively with 3 blocks.
  • Kenrich Williams was strong in the glue-guy role: 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists (23 PRA).
  • Cason Wallace chipped in 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist (16 PRA), nailing 3 threes.

The game total ended at 231 points, a classic Pacers-style shootout. SGA and Holmgren both smashed typical points and PRA expectations, while Indiana’s backcourt production made this a dream game for offensive props.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies

The New Orleans Pelicans outgunned the Memphis Grizzlies 133–127 in another high-octane clash. Scores were tied 30–30 after one, with Memphis ahead 65–60 at the half and still up 101–93 after three. The Pelicans exploded for 40 points in the fourth to flip the game, winning the final term 40–26.

Pelicans: Saddiq Bey and Zion Lead the Charge

New Orleans put on an offensive clinic:

  • Saddiq Bey lit it up with 36 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists (44 PRA, 40 PR), and hit a massive 6 threes.
  • Zion Williamson powered inside with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists (39 PRA, 35 PR), plus 2 steals and 1 block.
  • Trey Murphy III added 32 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists (38 PRA), with 2 threes and 3 steals.
  • Immanuel Quickley was everywhere: 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists (35 PRA).

Scottie Barnes was a defensive force with 6 blocks and multiple steals across the stocks metrics, although he finished with 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists (28 PRA).

Grizzlies: Big Lines but No Win

Memphis had enough firepower to win on most nights:

  • Jaren Jackson Jr. stacked the sheet with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists (41 PRA, 38 PR), along with 4 blocks and 1 steal.
  • Jock Landale recorded 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 assists (37 PRA), including 2 threes.
  • Shaedon Sharpe added 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists (32 PRA).
  • Cedric Coward chipped in 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists (20 PRA).

The total hit a massive 260 points, a clear overs result and an example of how fast-paced games involving the Pelicans can regularly threaten 240+ totals.

Denver Nuggets vs Milwaukee Bucks

The Denver Nuggets pulled off a narrow away win over the Milwaukee Bucks, 102–100. The Nuggets led 48–42 at the half and pushed out further in the third with a 30–21 quarter. Milwaukee surged with a huge 37–24 final term to almost steal it, but fell two points short.

Nuggets: Strawther and Role Players Step Up

Denver relied on a spread of contributions rather than one dominant star:

  • Julian Strawther led the scoring with 20 points, plus 5 rebounds and 3 assists (28 PRA), hitting 1 three.
  • Zeke Nnaji provided 11 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 assists (25 PRA, 23 PR), along with 2 blocks.
  • Tim Hardaway Jr. chipped in 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists (23 PRA), knocking down 3 threes.
  • Aaron Gordon finished with 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists (22 PRA).

Bruce Brown also added 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists (21 PRA), with 2 steals. For bettors, Denver’s balanced attack made single-player overs harder to target but provided solid combined markets.

Bucks: Giannis and Rollins Nearly Lead a Comeback

Milwaukee’s big guns nearly pulled off the turnaround:

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo posted 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists (42 PRA, 35 PR), though he was held without a three and had 4 turnovers.
  • Ryan Rollins was a surprise standout with 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist (26 PRA), drilling 4 threes.
  • Myles Turner contributed 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists (26 PRA), while racking up 6 blocks and 1 steal – 7 stocks total.
  • Kyle Kuzma added 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists (27 PRA).

Defensively, Turner’s 6 blocks was one of the most eye-catching stat lines of the day and a dream outcome for blocks or stocks markets. The total of 202 points came in on the lower side compared to other games on the slate.

Toronto Raptors vs Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers claimed a solid road win over the Toronto Raptors, 110–98. Portland led 19–12 after one and 50–43 at the half. Toronto tied the third quarter battle overall by winning it 31–26, but the Blazers ran away in the fourth 34–24.

Trail Blazers: Depth and Shooting Get It Done

Portland’s victory was built on multiple double-digit scorers and solid playmaking:

  • Sandro Mamukelashvili led with 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists (32 PRA, 28 PR), hitting 3 threes and grabbing 1 steal.
  • Immanuel Quickley posted 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists (35 PRA), knocking down 2 threes and picking up 2 steals.
  • Brandon Ingram contributed 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists (30 PRA), with 1 three and 2 steals.
  • Gradey Dick added 10 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist (13 PRA), hitting 2 threes.

Scottie Barnes delivered a versatile line with 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists (28 PRA), plus a huge 6 blocks, giving him 10 tos + steals + blocks when combined with turnovers and steals.

Raptors: Clingan and Sharpe Stand Out

Toronto had a few bright spots despite the loss:

  • Donovan Clingan put up 13 points, a massive 16 rebounds, and 2 assists (31 PRA, 29 PR), with 3 steals and a three-pointer.
  • Shaedon Sharpe led the scoring for Toronto with 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists (32 PRA), also adding a steal and a block.
  • Jrue Holiday delivered 21 points, 1 rebound, and 7 assists (29 PRA), including 3 threes.
  • Toumani Camara provided 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists (24 PRA), hitting 4 threes.

The total of 208 points put this game in the mid-range. For punters, rebounds and PRA overs on Clingan, Quickley, and Mamukelashvili all looked very healthy based on the final numbers.

Conclusion: What Today’s Results Mean for Your Betting Strategy

Across the board, this slate delivered everything: nail-biters like Denver vs Milwaukee and Indiana vs OKC, high-scoring shootouts such as New Orleans vs Memphis and Boston vs Brooklyn, and strong away wins from sides like the Trail Blazers and Rockets.

A few clear themes stood out:

  • Big-name stars – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown, Kevin Durant, Evan Mobley, Domantas Sabonis – routinely cleared common points and PRA marks.
  • Some games were tailor-made for overs, with totals reaching 240–260 range, especially in Pelicans and Celtics matchups.
  • Defensively, blocks-heavy bigs like Myles Turner, Chet Holmgren, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Scottie Barnes reminded everyone that stocks and blocks markets can be extremely valuable when you find the right matchup.

If you’re serious about finding value – whether it’s game lines, totals or player props – having all the numbers is only half the job. The other half is getting the best possible price before you lock anything in.

That’s where our odds comparison tool comes in. Before you place your next bet on the NBA:

  • Compare prices from multiple Aussie-friendly bookies in seconds.
  • Spot outliers on lines like PRA, threes made, or rebounds where the market hasn’t fully caught up.
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Next time you’re lining up a multi or a player prop after a big night like this, jump onto our odds comparison tool first. You’ll see who’s offering the sharpest number, where the value sits, and give yourself the best chance of turning today’s insights into tomorrow’s winnings.