NBA analytics, odds: Data scientists release top trends for Friday, Jan. 15 slate

The SDQL Gurus get their edge by crunching numbers, and they have shown they are a step ahead of the curve when it comes to using analytics to handicap sports and identify the potential value position in every game.

They're a group of data scientists who use artificial intelligence, risk management and the Sports Data Query Language (SDQL) database to capitalize on inefficiencies in the betting market.

Debuting with SportsLine in 2020, the SDQL Gurus went 39-22 (64 percent) on college basketball picks, returning $1,421 to $100 players in the abbreviated season. Then they crushed MLB, going 154-90 (63 percent), returning $1,566 to $100 players.

Now, with the NBA regular season in full swing, the SDQL Gurus are using their vast database to run simulations and provide SportsLine members with helpful trends for NBA handicapping. Here are the top trends they generated for Friday's NBA slate:

(For NBA against-the-spread and over-under picks from the SDQL Gurus and all other SportsLine experts, check out our NBA picks page here.)

New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers (+2, O/U 196.5, 7:30 p.m. ET): The Knicks are 9-0 ATS (9.78 ppg) on the road with rest off a game as an underdog in which they scored fewer than 10 fast-break points.

Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics (-3, O/U 213, 7:30 p.m. ET): The Celtics are 9-0 ATS (9.17 ppg) at home off a home win in which they committed 20-plus turnovers.

Dallas Mavericks at Milwaukee Bucks (-7, O/U 228, 7:30 p.m. ET): The Mavericks are 17-0 against the spread (+9.03 ppg) as a road underdog when they are off two wins as favorites, with the most recent by double-digits.

Chicago Bulls at Oklahoma City Thunder (-1, O/U 224.5, 8 p.m. ET): The Bulls are 0-8 ATS (-12.31 ppg) off a loss as a road underdog in which their opponent shot 50 percent or better from 3-point range.

Memphis Grizzlies at Minnesota Timberwolves (-2, O/U 224.5, 8 p.m. ET): The Timberwolves are 0-11 ATS (-13.64 ppg) as a rested home favorite.

Atlanta Hawks at Utah Jazz (-6, O/U 226.5, 9 p.m. ET): The Jazz are 12-0 ATS as a favorite off a double-digit win as a road favorite in which their opponent shot under 40 percent from the field.

New Orleans Pelicans at Los Angeles Lakers (-10.5, O/U 218.5, 10 p.m. ET): The Lakers are 0-7 ATS (-13.86 ppg) at home after playing as a road favorite when they won four straight vs their opponent.

Los Angeles Clippers at Sacramento Kings (+7, O/U 227.5, 10 p.m. ET): The Clippers are 0-8 ATS (-14.25 ppg) off a game as a favorite in which they scored fewer than 25 points in the paint.

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