Dec 10, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) looks on from the bench during game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images If you want to stick with basketball, I’ve got a few NBA and college basketball markets in my best bets list.
But if you are open to something new and exciting, well—I’ve got something that may pique your interest; it certainly piqued mine.
Here are our best bets for Friday, Jan. 17.
Best Bets Jan. 17: NBA
Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics
Both teams are coming into this game off disappointing losses. The Magic was dominated by the Bucks in a 122-93 loss on Wednesday. Boston shockingly dropped a game Thursday night to lowly Toronto, 110-97.
It is easy to say that both underperformed in their respective games and will look to bounce back in this game. A healthy Paolo Banchero will help Orlando put up a fight, but while the Magic are still dealing with several injuries, Boston is relatively healthy.
However, while the Celtics may be healthy, they are not playing well. They just lost by 13 points to a team that only had nine wins. Boston is just 6-6 in their last 12 games, including a 108-104 loss to the Magic in Orlando (Dec. 23).
I have no doubt that Boston will win this game against an undermanned Magic team, but I’m not confident they can cover.
Take the Magic +12.5 at -110 (via Caesars).
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Best Bets Jan. 17: NCAAM
Air Force Falcons vs. Fresno State
When two of the worst teams in college basketball meet, like Air Force and Fresno State, someone has to win—right? Both are 0-6 in conference play, but Fresno State has four wins to their name, while Air Force only has three.
The Falcons have the worst offense in the Mountain West; the Bulldogs have the worst defense. Someone has to win, right? Put a gun to my head, and I’ll pick Fresno State to cover, but I’d rather bet on these two bad teams not scoring more than 142.5 points at -115 (via Caesars).
Take the UNDER.
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Best Bets Jan. 17: PBR
Professional Bull Riders – Unleash The Beast in Houston, TX, at the Toyota Center
No, I’m not referencing a beer company.
I’m talking about the Professional Bull Riders.
Their next event kicks off in Houston on Friday night, starting at 7 p.m. ET. Now I know what you are thinking, “I don’t know anything about bull riders. I’m not betting on that.”
That’s sound logic.
But the betting favorite, John Crimber, has +700 odds at DraftKings. He’s the No. 1-ranked bull rider on the circuit but placed in just four of his last six events with a best of fourth place.
However, he had two first-place finishes to start the season and ended the 2024 season with five consecutive first-place finishes.
He hasn’t been great in recent weeks, but the ability for greatness is there.
At +700, I’d roll the dice on him. I’d absolutely take him in a matchup vs. Dalton Kasel at -130. Kasel has had some good moments in 2025, but Crimber appears to be the better rider between the two.
In the second matchup, take Brady Fielder at -120 over Sandro Batista (-110). Fielder has placed 6th, 1st, 11th, and 3rd in his last four events. In the last four events he placed in, Batista finished 2nd, 14th, 11th, and 26th.
Before betting on anything here, head over to PBR.com. They’ve got a ton of helpful information to help you decide who to bet on and how you can watch the action unfold. If you don’t follow bull riding, it may seem insanely risky to put money on a PBR market.
I’m not saying put $100 down on anyone to win. But if you want something fun to do Friday night, put a few bucks down on a bull rider and watch this event. You’ll be happy, win or lose.
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