Monday's NBA slate is thin but juicy. We've got blowout potential, upset potential, and enough betting angles to keep degenerates entertained until the NFL playoffs take over.

Let's break down every game and find the value.

The Quick Hit

• What happened: Eight-game NBA slate for Monday, January 5
• The damage: Thunder -15.5 is the biggest spread, Celtics -11.5 vs Bulls close behind
• Why you should care: Two double-digit favorites means parlay opportunities and teaser plays
• The move: Pistons +2.5 at the Knicks feels like the sharp side

Thunder (-15.5) at Hornets | 8:00 PM ET

Oklahoma City is the best team in basketball right now. They're 30-5, on pace for 70 wins, and absolutely demolishing everyone in their path.

Charlotte is 10-25. They're playing out the string, developing young guys, and counting the days until the lottery.

The number feels right at 15.5, but the Thunder have covered this number in similar matchups all season. OKC is 12-3 ATS as double-digit favorites. They don't let off the gas, and their bench is deep enough to sustain blowouts.

The play: Thunder -15.5 if you believe in the league's most dominant team. The under at 232.5 has merit if Charlotte tries to slow the pace.

Pistons (+2.5) at Knicks | 7:30 PM ET

This is the game that sharp money is targeting.

Detroit has been one of the best stories of the season. They went 24-6 in December, covering spreads at a ridiculous rate. The Pistons are legit, and the market hasn't fully adjusted.

The Knicks are 20-15 and playing solid basketball, but they've been inconsistent against good teams. New York is 4-6 ATS in their last 10 home games.

Detroit plays suffocating defense and has enough offensive firepower to keep games close. Getting 2.5 points in a game that could go either way is value.

The play: Pistons +2.5. This could be a pick'em or Detroit favored by the end of the month.

Celtics (-11.5) vs Bulls | 7:30 PM ET

Boston is laying a lot of wood against a Chicago team that just won four straight on the road. That's not nothing.

The Bulls are 17-18 and playing for their playoff lives. They've shown flashes of competence when motivated, and this is a national TV spot where they could show up.

The Celtics are 22-12 and cruising, but they've been vulnerable to backdoor covers all season. Boston is 3-5 ATS as double-digit favorites.

The play: Bulls +11.5 if you want to fade the public. The Celtics should win, but covering nearly two possessions against a motivated team is asking a lot.

Raptors (-3.5) vs Hawks | 7:30 PM ET

Toronto has quietly put together a nice season at 21-15. Atlanta is 17-20 and can't figure out if they're buyers or sellers at the trade deadline.

The Raptors are 6-2 ATS in their last eight home games. The Hawks are 3-7 ATS on the road. That's a significant split.

The play: Raptors -3.5. Toronto is the better team at home, and Atlanta doesn't travel well.

Rockets vs Suns | 8:00 PM ET

Houston enters riding a four-game winning streak after beating Dallas on Saturday. Phoenix got a huge win over OKC recently but has been inconsistent.

This game has shootout potential. Both teams play at a fast pace and have offensive firepower. The total at 234.5 feels low based on recent results.

The Rockets have been one of the best bets in the league over the past month. They're covering at a 70% clip since December 1.

The play: Over 234.5. Both teams can score, and neither plays elite defense.

Other Games on the Slate

Clippers vs Warriors: Golden State is dealing with injuries, but they're still dangerous at home. Clippers are road dogs (+3.5), which feels about right.

Trail Blazers vs Jazz: Battle of lottery teams. The under is probably the play in a game neither team has incentive to win.

Parlay of the Day

• Thunder -15.5
• Pistons +2.5
• Over 234.5 Rockets/Suns

Three-leg parlay at roughly +600. The Thunder dominate, Detroit keeps it close in New York, and the Houston-Phoenix game turns into a track meet.

This is the kind of card where you pick your spots rather than bet everything. The Thunder are the lock, the Pistons are the value play, and everything else is matchup-dependent.

The Bottom Line

Monday's NBA slate is thin but actionable. The Thunder are the obvious play at any number, but the real value is in Detroit getting points against a Knicks team that's been vulnerable at home.

Find your spots, size your bets appropriately, and don't chase losses from the NFL weekend.

The playoffs are coming. Save your powder for the games that matter.