Sunday’s NBA schedule is packed with stories. Some teams are fighting to stay in the playoff race. Others are trying to stop losing streaks or adjust to injuries and roster changes. Home courts matter in several matchups, while recent form gives a clear edge in others. From early afternoon games to late West Coast tips, January 11 offers a full day of action with wins that could shape the weeks ahead. (Odds via CBS Sports)
New Orleans Pelicans vs Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic center/forward Goga Bitadze (35) grabs the rebound in front of New Orleans Pelicans center Hunter Dickinson (4) during the second half at Kia Center. Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn ImagesDate: Sunday, January 11Time: 3:00 p.m. ESTVenue: Kia Center, OrlandoOdds: Orlando -6.5
Orlando comes into this game as a solid home team. The Magic are 12-7 at home and move the ball well, ranking near the top of the East in assists. Paolo Banchero continues to lead the offense and has been consistent over the last ten games. Desmond Bane adds reliable scoring and playmaking.
New Orleans struggles badly on the road. The Pelicans are 3-14 away from home and allow over 122 points per game. Defensive lapses remain a big issue. Trey Murphy III has been productive, but support has been limited. Injuries to Dejounte Murray, Herbert Jones, and Jose Alvarado thin the rotation.
Orlando’s depth and home defense give them a clear edge.
Predicted winner: Orlando Magic
Brooklyn Nets vs Memphis Grizzlies
Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) knocks the ball loose from Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7) as he drives to the basket during the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesDate: Sunday, January 11Time: 3:30 p.m. ESTVenue: FedExForum, MemphisOdds: Memphis -7.5
Memphis has struggled recently, but home court still matters. The Grizzlies rebound well and rank near the top of the West in that category. Jaren Jackson Jr. remains the focal point on both ends. Santi Aldama provides spacing and energy.
Brooklyn has been inconsistent away from home. The Nets are 6-9 on the road and often struggle in lopsided games. Michael Porter Jr. carries most of the scoring load. Egor Demin has shown promise, but the team lacks depth.
Even with injuries, Memphis matches up better physically and should control the paint.
Predicted winner: Memphis Grizzlies
New York Knicks vs Portland Trail Blazers
New York Knicks guard Delon Wright (0) dribbles as Portland Trail Blazers guard Dalano Banton (5) defends during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesDate: Sunday, January 11Time: 6:00 p.m. ESTVenue: Moda Center, PortlandOdds: Portland +4.5
Portland has quietly played strong basketball at home. The Blazers are 7-3 in their last ten games and defend better than expected. Deni Avdija has been outstanding as a scorer and playmaker. Shaedon Sharpe continues to improve.
New York is on a three-game road losing streak. Injuries to Josh Hart and rotation depth hurt their defense. Jalen Brunson still leads the offense, but support has been uneven.
Portland’s momentum and healthier lineup give them a good chance to win outright.
Predicted winner: Portland Trail Blazers
Philadelphia 76ers vs Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead (23) dribbles the ball against Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn ImagesDate: Sunday, January 11Time: 6:00 p.m. ESTVenue: Scotiabank Arena, TorontoOdds: Toronto +4.5
Toronto has already beaten Philadelphia once this season. The Raptors thrive in transition and lead the league in fast-break scoring. RJ Barrett sets the pace, while Immanuel Quickley has been steady.
Philadelphia enters with confidence after four straight road wins. Tyrese Maxey has been elite, averaging over 30 points. Joel Embiid anchors the paint despite a heavy workload.
Toronto’s speed and home crowd help keep this close, but Philly’s shot creation late should matter.
Predicted winner: Philadelphia 76ers
San Antonio Spurs vs Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) works around San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) during the second half at Target Center. Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn ImagesDate: Sunday, January 11Time: 7:00 p.m. ESTVenue: Target Center, MinnesotaOdds: Minnesota -2.5
Minnesota is coming off an emotional win against Cleveland. Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle carried the offense late. Defensive intensity has improved at home.
San Antonio has momentum after beating the Lakers. Keldon Johnson and Victor Wembanyama led the way. Wembanyama may see limited minutes, which changes the matchup.
Minnesota’s home form and rebounding advantage should be enough in a close game.
Predicted winner: Minnesota Timberwolves
Miami Heat vs Oklahoma City Thunder
Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (45) defends Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) as he dribbles down the court during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn ImagesDate: Sunday, January 11Time: 7:00 p.m. ESTVenue: Paycom Center, Oklahoma CityOdds: Miami +14.5
Oklahoma City remains the best defensive team in the league. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing at an MVP level after a 46-point outing. The Thunder force turnovers and control tempo.
Miami is coming off a heavy loss to Minnesota. Shooting efficiency dropped, and defense struggled on the glass. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo need support.
The spread is large, but Oklahoma City’s form supports it.
Predicted winner: Oklahoma City Thunder
Milwaukee Bucks vs Denver Nuggets
Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (3) drives to the net against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the fourth quarter at Ball Arena. Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn ImagesDate: Sunday, January 11Time: 8:00 p.m. ESTVenue: Ball Arena, DenverOdds: Denver +2.5
Denver’s offense remains elite even with injuries. Ball movement and shooting efficiency stand out. Peyton Watson has stepped up recently.
Milwaukee leans heavily on Giannis Antetokounmpo. Road struggles remain a concern. Close games have not favored the Bucks this season.
Denver’s home edge and offensive flow tip the scale.
Predicted winner: Denver Nuggets
Washington Wizards vs Phoenix Suns
Washington Wizards guard Malaki Branham (8) loses control of the ball in front of Phoenix Suns forward Isaiah Livers (18) during the fourth quarter at Capital One Arena. Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn ImagesDate: Sunday, January 11Time: 8:00 p.m. ESTVenue: Footprint Center, PhoenixOdds: Phoenix -14.5
Phoenix has been dominant at home. Devin Booker continues to lead with efficient scoring. Dillon Brooks brings energy and perimeter defense.
Washington struggles defensively on the road. Injuries to Trae Young and Cam Whitmore reduce scoring options. Alex Sarr remains a bright spot.
This matchup heavily favors the Suns.
Predicted winner: Phoenix Suns
Atlanta Hawks vs Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesDate: Sunday, January 11Time: 8:30 p.m. ESTVenue: Chase Center, San FranciscoOdds: Golden State -5.5
Golden State plays well at home and shares the ball effectively. Stephen Curry remains the engine. Jimmy Butler adds stability on both ends.
Atlanta scores in transition but gives up too many threes. Injuries continue to hurt depth. Jalen Johnson remains the main threat.
Golden State’s shooting volume creates separation late.
Predicted winner: Golden State Warriors
Houston Rockets vs Sacramento Kings
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) is fouled by Sacramento Kings guard Demar Derozan (10) during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn ImagesDate: Sunday, January 11Time: 9:00 p.m. ESTVenue: Golden 1 Center, SacramentoOdds: Houston -12.5
Houston controls the boards and plays physical basketball. Kevin Durant leads the offense, while Amen Thompson adds energy. Sacramento is on a seven-game losing streak.
The Kings are missing key players and struggle defensively. DeMar DeRozan continues to fight, but support is limited.
Houston’s size and form make this one-sided.
Predicted winner: Houston Rockets
Final Thoughts
January 11 is set up to be a revealing day across the league. Strong home teams have a chance to protect their floor. Short-handed squads will need big nights from their stars just to stay close. A few games look tight and could swing late, while others favor one side from the opening tip. By the end of the night, momentum will shift, streaks will end, and the standings will tell a slightly different story.