On Friday night the NBA delivers us a 6-game slate. One of the games features the battle for New York, as the Knicks take on the Brooklyn Nets. That game starts off a night of action that features the top 3 teams in the Eastern Conference. With the recent injury to Cade Cunningham, there is still an outside chance that the top seed in the conference could be up for grabs. You can check out all of our expert NBA picks. But first, check out my NBA best bets for each of Friday’s games below.
Warriors vs Pistons NBA best bet: Gary Payton II over 4.5 rebounds (+102)
Gary Payton II has been one of the best rebounding guards in the NBA for a while now. That has been on show over his last 8 games through which he has averaged 5.8 rebounds per game. He has also recorded 6 boards in 3 straight contests. The Pistons have Jalen Duren inside meaning the Warriors bigs will need all the help they can get. No player is better positioned to offer help in that department than the guard.
Read our full Warriors vs Pistons prediction
Knicks vs Nets NBA best bet: Knicks -17.5 (-110)
The Knicks blew out the Nets when they last met, winning by 54 points. It marked the second time this season that they beat them by 18 or more. Over the last 10 games the visitors have been playing elite basketball too, ranking 3rd in net offensive and defensive rating. Against a Nets team that is dead last in offensive rating during that stretch and missing their leading scorer, we should witness a Knicks blowout.
Read our full Knicks vs Nets prediction
Hawks vs Rockets NBA best bet: Hawks ML (+135)
The Hawks have been the hottest team in the NBA. They have won 11 straight games and are leading the NBA in net offensive and defensive rating over the last 10 games. The Hawks are taking on a Houston Rockets team that seems to have run out of steam. Over that 10 game stretch they have won just 4 games. They are just 22nd in the league in offensive rating during, too. The hosts seem to be really lacking a playmaker at the guard positions as they are 28th in assist to turnover ratio. Back the in-form team as a result.
Read our full Hawks vs Rockets prediction
Celtics vs Grizzlies NBA best bet: Neemias Queta under 10.5 points (-120)
While he has had a couple of strong 20+ point performances, Queta is far from a consistent scorer. Over his last 10 games he has failed to hit double-digit points on 7 occasions. He will be taking on a Grizzlies team that is likely to go small due to their lack of healthy centers. The Celtics are better positioned than most to play small ball lineups so do not be surprised to see Queta have his role dimished tonight, limiting his scoring potential.
Read our full Celtics vs Grizzlies prediction
Trail Blazers vs Timberwolves NBA best bet: Over 231.5 (-110)
The last game between these sides saw a combined 245 points, and we could see more of the same here. Over the last 10 these teams both rank in the top 10 of the league in pace. The Timberwolves look best positioned to take full advantage as they are fourth in the NBA in true shooting percentage during that run. Even without Edwards they managed to drop 147 points in their last game and should be able to help carry this game to the 232-point mark.
Read our full Trail Blazers vs Timberwolves prediction
Raptors vs Nuggets NBA best bet: Sandro Mamukelashvili over 3.5 rebounds (-120)
Mamukelashvili has been consistently hitting the over on this line of late. He has managed to do so in 7 of 8 games this month, averaging 4.9 boards in the process. He will be up against a backup center in Jonas Valanciunas who does not space the floor, allowing the Georgian to stay in and around the paint. He pulled down 4 rebounds in 12 minutes when these sides last met too. Considering he has been averaging 20 minutes this month, it should be more than enough time for him to repeat this performance.
Read our full Raptors vs Nuggets prediction
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