Basketball fans, get ready for a night of electrifying NBA action on January 5, 2026. Two matchups, in particular, are grabbing the spotlight with their potential for drama and high-stakes performances. Let's dive into what's making these games the must-watch events of the evening.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Toronto Raptors
The Atlanta Hawks travel north to face the Toronto Raptors in a game that our model predicts to be a nail-biter. With a projected score of 117.7 to 117.3, the Hawks are favored by the slimmest of margins, boasting a 50% win probability based on 160 simulations. The Vegas spread of -3.5 and an over/under of 236.5 suggest a tightly contested, high-scoring affair.
Jalen Johnson is expected to be a standout performer for the Hawks, with projections of 22.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists. His ability to fill up the stat sheet could be pivotal in tipping the scales in favor of Atlanta. On the other side, Brandon Ingram leads the charge for the Raptors with predicted stats of 22.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, making him a key player to watch.
For those interested in more detailed predictions, check out the full simulation here.
Denver Nuggets vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets are set to clash with the Philadelphia 76ers in a game where the Sixers are predicted to come out on top with a score of 120.9 to 118.6. Philadelphia holds a slight edge with a 53% win probability, despite a hefty Vegas spread of -11.5.
The Nuggets will rely heavily on Jamal Murray, whose projected 28.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 7.8 assists could be the key to Denver staying competitive. However, the 76ers' Tyrese Maxey is not to be outdone, with an expected stat line of 26.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, which could make him the star of the night.
Catch all the detailed breakdowns and odds for this matchup here.
New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons
Lastly, the New York Knicks head to Detroit to face the Pistons, with the Knicks favored to win 118.2 to 111.6, carrying a 58% win probability. Jalen Brunson, with his projected 27.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.8 assists, is expected to lead the Knicks' offensive charge, while Cade Cunningham of the Pistons is anticipated to deliver a stellar performance with 28.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, and an impressive 11.9 assists.
Find the full game insights here.
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