The Silcoff Selections: Best NHL & NBA Bets For January 1, 2026

The Silcoff Selections are here for January 1st, 2026. With all the action in sports tonight, here are some my favourite plays across the hardwood and ice tonight.

NBA:

Detroit Pistons (-4.5) -110 vs Miami Heat

Detroit has covered seven of the last ten meetings against Miami and already proved they can handle this matchup with a win earlier this season. This will be the Pistons’ first home game since December 20, which should bring an added level of energy and urgency. With Tyler Herro ruled out for the Heat, Miami is missing a key offensive piece, making it harder to keep pace with the top team in the East.

Philadelphia 76ers Moneyline (-135) @ Dallas Mavericks

Philadelphia is getting healthier at the right time and has won seven of the last ten meetings against Dallas, including a home victory on December 20. With Anthony Davis out, it’s hard to see Cooper Flagg having enough support against a Sixers team that is starting to find its rhythm. Philadelphia is also coming off an impressive road win in Memphis on Tuesday, which adds to the confidence backing them in this spot.

NHL:

Toronto Maple Leafs Moneyline (-135) vs Winnipeg Jets

Auston Matthews returns to the lineup as the Maple Leafs host a Jets team that enters the new year sitting last in the Western Conference and starting backup goaltender Eric Comrie. Toronto has won seven of the last ten meetings against Winnipeg, which adds confidence in this matchup. While the Leafs aren’t always the most trustworthy and will be without William Nylander, Matthews’ presence raises their offensive ceiling. At home against a struggling Jets squad, I’ll take my chances with the Leafs.

Dallas Stars Moneyline (-185) @ Chicago Blackhawks

Dallas has won seven of the last ten meetings against Chicago, even though the Blackhawks did take the most recent matchup 4–3 in a shootout on December 27. With Chicago without Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, it’s hard to see this roster beating the Stars twice in less than a week. Given the talent gap and Dallas’ consistency, I’ll take the Stars on the road in this spot.