The NBA is back in full swing following the all-star break, and 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 with the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves going toe-to-toe before the battle of LA is renewed with the Clippers and Lakers locking horns at 10:00 pm ET.
I have combed through the entire slate and have picked out my NBA best bets for every single matchup taking place this evening. You can also find out all of our expert NBA picks for today and throughout the whole season.
Jazz vs Grizzlies NBA 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 against the Grizzlies. Memphis allows the fifth-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.
Read our full Jazz vs Grizzlies prediction
Cavaliers vs Hornets NBA best bet: Cavs -4.5 (-110)
The Cavs are yet to lose a game with James Harden and they lead the regular-season series 2-1 against the Hornets. Both teams played last night, I’ll give the edge to the more in-form team.
Read our full Cavaliers vs Hornets prediction
Pacers vs Wizards NBA 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 against East opponents.
Read our full Pacers vs Wizards prediction
Heat vs Hawks NBA best bet: Norman Powell over 21.5 points (-112)
Powell has cashed on this bet in 56% of games played this season (25 of 45), playing the Hawks — who are on the second night of a back-to-back should allow him to add to that solid run. He has connected back-to-back 20+ point performances in head-to-head meetings against this team.
Mavericks vs Timberwolves NBA 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, the will be without Cooper Flagg here which is a massive handicap. Minnesota needs to take this team seriously despite the fact that they just beat 2 teams that are battling for the postseason by double-digits.
Read our full Mavericks vs Timberwolves prediction
Bucks vs Pelicans NBA best bet: Bucks +4.5 (-112)
Milwaukee has really impressed lately without Giannis, playing its heart out and continuing to stay in the play-in tournament hunt until the superstar returns. Despite entering this game as +4.5 underdogs, I still like their chances. They have won 7 of 8 meetings and are 6-2 ATS against the Pelicans during that stretch.
Read our full Bucks vs Pelicans prediction
Nets vs Thunder NBA 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, 2 of their best players. Brooklyn just suffered a heavy defeat at Cleveland. Maybe that will wake them up a bit as they try to keep things somewhat close. OKC has covered just once in 7 home games.
Read our full Nets vs Thunder prediction
Clippers vs Lakers NBA best bet: Rui Hachimura over 10.5 points (-128)
The math is simple for the Lakers. 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 seventh-most points to opposing small forwards, so 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 NBA 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 has cleared this line in 70% of games played this season (32 of46). The Blazers will need a lift from their best player if they want to stay competitive.
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