Lakers vs. Grizzlies Preview & PBA Semifinals: SMB vs. TNT | Dec 29 - Jan 4
Happy New Year, hoops fans! We are ringing in 2026 with a massive basketball schedule. The NBA New Year's Day slate features five games, while the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup has reached the Final Four.
Start your year with a win. Here is your betting guide for December 29 – January 4.
NBA Highlights: New Year's Day Slate (Jan 1)
The NBA owns New Year's Day. Here are the matchups bettors are eyeing:
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Celtics vs. Kings (Jan 1): A clash of styles. The Kings' fast-paced offense vs. Boston's elite perimeter defense. Expect Jayson Tatum to feast on the Kings' smaller wings.
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Sixers vs. Mavericks (Jan 1): Embiid vs. Luka. This game often comes down to pace. If the Sixers slow it down to a half-court game, they cover the spread.
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Lakers vs. Grizzlies (Jan 4): LeBron James faces Ja Morant to cap off the week. The Grizzlies' athleticism usually gives the older Lakers trouble, especially in transition.
PBA Local Action: The Semifinals Are Here
After a grueling Quarterfinals, only four teams remain. The Best-of-Seven Semifinals begin this week!
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San Miguel Beermen (#1) vs. TNT Tropang Giga (#4): The "Clash of Corporations." SMB breezed past NLEX in the quarters, but TNT's defense is a different animal.
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Key Matchup: June Mar Fajardo vs. Poy Erram. If Erram gets into foul trouble early, SMB will dominate the paint.
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Barangay Ginebra (#6) vs. Rain or Shine (#2): The crowd darlings survived a do-or-die game to get here. Coach Tim Cone faces Coach Yeng Guiao in a classic tactical battle.
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X-Factor: Scottie Thompson. His rebounding numbers have spiked in the playoffs. Look for "Over" on his rebound props.
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Injury Report: Start of 2026 Status
The holiday schedule is tiring. Watch out for "Load Management" on back-to-backs.
| Player Name | Team | Status | Betting Impact |
| Kyrie Irving | Mavericks | Questionable (Foot) | Huge blow to Dallas scoring if OUT. |
| Kristaps Porzingis | Celtics | Probable (Rest) | Celtics may rest him on the Jan 1 road trip. |
| Terrence Romeo | San Miguel | OUT (Hamstring) | SMB bench scoring is thinner; starters play more mins. |
| Ja Morant | Grizzlies | Active | Grizzlies are 8-2 ATS when Ja plays full minutes. |
Betting Preview: The "New Year" Lock
1. NBA: Boston Celtics vs. Sacramento Kings (Jan 1)
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Prediction: Celtics -5.5. The Kings struggle to defend the 3-point line, and Boston leads the league in 3s made.
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Prop Bet: Jayson Tatum Over 28.5 Points. He historically plays well in nationally televised matinee games.
2. PBA: San Miguel vs. TNT (Semis Game 1)
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Prediction: San Miguel Win. The Beermen are rested. TNT is coming off a physical series against Magnolia. Take SMB to strike first.
Original article link : https://mail.jilibet.news/post/sports/new-years-nba-preview-lakers-vs-grizzlies-pba-semis-odds-jan-1-4