The NBA is back in full swing following the All-Star break, we have another action-packed Friday night with a total of 9 games being played. ESPN will have a double header starting at 7.30 pm ET between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves. The Clippers and Lakers cap off the night at 10 pm ET in what is a highly anticipated rivalry game.
I’ve prepared an NBA Best Bet for every single match-up taking place this evening, continue reading below to see them. Odds are courtesy of FanDuel, we’ll have NBA Picks for all the games on our website, but for now let’s dive into my bets now.
Jazz vs Grizzlies Best Bet: Lauri Markkanen 2+ Made Threes (+142)
Markkanen has cashed on this bet 13 times in 22 away games and in 6 of 9 meetings vs the Grizzlies. Memphis allows the 5th most threes as a team this season, they also rank 4th in threes given up to opposing PFs. The odds on this bet are just too good to pass up.
Cavaliers vs Hornets Best Bet: Cavs -4.5 (-110)
Cavs are yet to lose a game with James Harden, they lead the regular season series 2-1 vs the Hornets. Both teams played last night, I’ll give the edge to the more in-form team here.
Pacers vs Wizards Best Bet: Under 231.5 (-112)
Neither side has played well offensively in the 3 meetings so far with an average of just 206.3 points per game scored and the under cashing in all 3 of those games. I expect more of the same here – Washington is 11-4 on the Under in 15 home games, while the Pacers have cashed on that bet 12 times in 16 games vs East opponents.
Heat vs Hawks Best Bet: Norman Powell Over 21.5 Points (-112)
Powell has cashed on this bet in 56% of games played this season (25/45), playing the Hawks who are on a 2nd night of a back-to-back should allow him to add to that solid run. He’s connected back-to-back 20+ point performances in head-to-head meetings against this team.
Mavericks vs Timberwolves Best Bet: Timberwolves -13 (-108)
The Mavs are arguably the most out of form team in the NBA having lost 9 games in a row. On top of that they’ll be without Cooper Flagg here which is a massive handicap. Minnesota needs to take this team seriously despite that, they just beat two teams who are battling for the postseason by double-digits.
Bucks vs Pelicans Best Bet: Bucks +4.5 (-112)
Milwaukee has really impressed lately without Giannis, playing their hearts out and continuing to stay in the play-in tournament hunt until their superstar returns. Despite entering this game as 4.5 point underdogs I still like their chances, they’ve won 7 of 8 meetings and are 6-2 ATS against the Pelicans during that stretch.
Nets vs Thunder Best Bet: Nets +17.5 (-118)
OKC has lost 3 of 5 games, the Bucks beat them by 17 points entering the all-star break. They continue to be without SGA and Jalen Williams here, two of their best players. Brooklyn just suffered a heavy defeat at Cleveland, maybe that’ll wake them up a bit as they try to keep things somewhat close here? OKC has covered just once in 7 home games.
Clippers vs Lakers Best Bet: Rui Hachimura Over 10.5 Points (-128)
The math is simple for the Lakers here – when Hachimura plays well so does the rest of the team. He has cleared this line in 29 of 44 games this season which is a really solid success rate of 66%. The Clippers allow the 7th most points to opposing small forwards, let’s hope Hachimura can take advantage of the lack of paint protection after the Clippers got rid of Ivica Zubac.
Nuggets vs Trail Blazers Best Bet: Deni Avdija 2+ Made Threes (-198)
Trail Blazers fans are hoping this week long layoff has helped Deni Avdija finally get healthy from his constant back issues. I have him knocking down a pair of threes in tonight’s game vs the Nuggets – he’s cleared this line in 70% of games played this season (32/46), Portland will need a lift from their best player if they want to stay competitive here.
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