Saturday’s NBA slate packs in six games with playoff energy and clear betting angles. From Charlotte’s hot streak against San Antonio to Houston hosting an injury-hit Dallas side, every matchup has a story behind it. Some teams rely on rebounding, others on star scorers, and a few are just trying to survive tough stretches. Here is a closer look at who holds the edge and why these games matter. (Odds via CBS Sports)
San Antonio Spurs vs Charlotte Hornets
- Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
- Time: 12:00 p.m. EST
- Venue: Spectrum Center, Charlotte
- Odds: Charlotte +4.5
Charlotte enters this game riding a five-game winning streak. The Hornets have been strong on the glass, ranking near the top of the East in rebounding at 45.7 per game. Moussa Diabate leads them with 8.4 rebounds. San Antonio also rebounds well at 46.3 per game, with Luke Kornet setting the pace.
Victor Wembanyama continues to anchor the Spurs with 24.3 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. Miles Bridges leads Charlotte at 18.5 points, while Brandon Miller has averaged 23.4 points over the last 10 games.
Recent form favors Charlotte slightly. Over the last 10 games, the Hornets average 116.5 points and allow only 107.4. San Antonio has scored 110.7 in the same span. Home momentum and the +4.5 line make Charlotte the safer side.
Predicted winner: Charlotte Hornets
Atlanta Hawks vs Indiana Pacers
- Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
- Time: 7:00 p.m. EST
- Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
- Odds: Indiana +1.5
Indiana struggles in blowout games and owns an 8-24 record in the East. Still, the Pacers play closer games at home. Andrew Nembhard averages 17.4 points and 7.4 assists, while Pascal Siakam has scored 20.8 per game over the last 10.
Atlanta is 12-17 against conference teams and recently beat Indiana 132-116. Onyeka Okongwu leads the Hawks with 16.3 points and 7.9 rebounds. Nickeil Alexander-Walker has added 19.7 points per game over the last 10.
The Pacers shoot only 44.3 percent this season, but Atlanta allows 47.5 percent to opponents. With a short spread and home court edge, Indiana has a narrow path to control the pace.
Predicted winner: Indiana Pacers
New Orleans Pelicans vs Philadelphia 76ers
- Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
- Time: 7:30 p.m. EST
- Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia
- Odds: New Orleans +9.5
New Orleans comes in at 12-37 and allows 121.2 points per game. Defense has been the main issue. The Pelicans still rebound well at 44 per game and force nearly 15 turnovers. Zion Williamson remains their focal point, averaging 21 points in the last outing with 11 rebounds.
Philadelphia is 25-21 and just beat Milwaukee 139-122. Paul George scored 32 in that win. The 76ers average 116.6 points but sit near the bottom of the league in shooting efficiency at 45.8 percent.
The Pelicans allow 48.3 percent shooting, which keeps games close late. A large spread gives New Orleans room to stay competitive even if they do not lead for long stretches.
Predicted winner: New Orleans Pelicans
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Memphis Grizzlies
- Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
- Time: 8:00 p.m. EST
- Venue: FedExForum, Memphis
- Odds: Minnesota -7.5
Minnesota holds a 29-19 record and ranks fifth in scoring at 119 points per game. Julius Randle just dropped 31 points in a win over Dallas. The Timberwolves shoot 48.1 percent and allow only 114.1 points.
Memphis sits at 18-27 and struggles offensively at 45.4 percent shooting. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 26 in the last game, but team rebounding remains an issue. The Grizzlies were outworked on the boards by Charlotte in their last loss.
The Timberwolves force turnovers and defend the three well at 35.2 percent allowed. With better balance on both ends, Minnesota should control the matchup.
Predicted winner: Minnesota Timberwolves
Chicago Bulls vs Miami Heat
- Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
- Time: 8:00 p.m. EST
- Venue: Kaseya Center, Miami
- Odds: Chicago +5.5
Chicago enters after three straight losses but still averages 118.7 points over the last 10 games. Nikola Vucevic posts 17 points and 9.1 rebounds, while Coby White leads fast-break scoring.
Miami has gone 6-4 in its last 10 and scores 121.3 points per game in that span. Bam Adebayo averages 18 points and shoots 44.5 percent. The Heat won the last meeting 116-113.
The Bulls shoot 47.6 percent this season, slightly higher than what Miami allows. With a +5.5 line, Chicago can stay within range even if Miami controls the fourth quarter.
Predicted winner: Chicago Bulls
Dallas Mavericks vs Houston Rockets
- Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
- Time: 8:30 p.m. EST
- Venue: Toyota Center, Houston
- Odds: Houston -11
Dallas is 19-29 and missing key players like Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. Cooper Flagg has been productive, but the Mavericks give up 116.7 points per game.
Houston stands at 29-17 and thrives when limiting turnovers. Kevin Durant averages 26.5 points, while Alperen Sengun adds steady scoring inside. The Rockets allow only 110 points per game, which ranks among the league’s best marks.
Dallas won the last meeting, but the injury list has grown. Houston’s defense and depth give them a strong edge at home.
Predicted winner: Houston Rockets
Final thoughts
These six games shape a busy Saturday card. Charlotte and Indiana look strong at home. Minnesota and Houston hold the clearest advantages. New Orleans and Chicago bring value due to large spreads. Each matchup carries a different style of play, which should make January 31 a full night of competitive basketball.
The post NBA schedule for January 31: Matchups and predicted winners appeared first on The Big Lead.
