The NBA week continues with a 9-game slate on Friday night. It features a double-header on Amazon Prime, starting with New York hosting Miami before Golden State visits San Antonio. Philadelphia, Houston, Dallas and both Los Angeles teams are also on the schedule. Let’s run through every game and give our NBA best bets for each of them. Be sure to also check out our NBA picks for every game, every day.
Heat vs Knicks best bet: Miami Heat +5.5 (-102)
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing
It was a rough one all around at home on Wednesday, as the Knicks lost to the Magic by 17 points and saw Jalen Brunson go down with an ankle injury. Given that Brunson is sidelined tonight, 5.5 points are too many to give.
Read our full Heat vs Knicks prediction
Nets vs Magic best bet: Over 223.5 (-110)
Odds available at bet365 at time of publishing
I have no interest in giving 13.5 points in pretty much any game, but I also don’t like backing a horrendous Brooklyn squad. Instead, let’s turn to the over/under. The Nets are second-to-last in the NBA in scoring defense. All but 1 of their outings this season have exceeded 223.5.
Read our full Nets vs Magic prediction
76ers vs Pistons best bet: Over 230.5 (-112)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing
This has low key become a must-watch matchup for NBA fans. The 76ers are 7-4, while the scorching-hot Pistons are 10-2. There will be a ton of offensive firepower on the floor, much of it young and on the rise. Detroit has scored at least 124 points in 3 of it last 4 contests.
Read our full 76ers vs Pistons prediction
Trail Blazers vs Rockets best bet: Portland Trail Blazers +8 (-114)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing
Portland (6-5) is playing solid basketball under interim head coach Tiago Splitter, with Chauncey Billups gone – presumably on a permanent basis – amidst the gambling scandal. Deni Avdija is on fire, so 8 points should be enough.
Read our full Trail Blazers vs Rockets prediction
Hornets vs Bucks best bet: Milwaukee Bucks -9.5 (-106)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing
The Hornets are 4-7 overall and 1-4 on the road. They have twice lost at Miami by 27 points and 18 points. They even lost at New Orleans. LaMelo Ball is out, so Charlotte’s road woes should continue against Giannis Antetokounmpo and company.
Read our full Hornets vs Bucks prediction
Kings vs Timberwolves best bet: Over 240.5 (-110)
Odds available at bet365 at time of publishing
Sacramento does not play any defense. It ranks last in the Western Conference in that department after just giving up 133 points to Atlanta on Wednesday. The Kings surrendered 144 to the Timberwolves this past Sunday.
Read our full Kings vs Timberwolves prediction
Lakers vs Pelicans best bet: Los Angeles Lakers -9.5 (-114)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing
The Pelicans (2-9) are horrendous, and what’s especially bad is that they don’t even own their 2026 first-round draft pick. As usual, Zion Williamson is hurt – he is still out with a foot injury. Give me the Lakers to win by double-digits.
Read our full Lakers vs Pelicans prediction
Clippers vs Mavericks best bet: Los Angeles Clippers -2.5 (-115)
Odds available at bet365 at time of publishing
It seemed like everything was back on track for the Mavericks when they improbably won the draft lottery and picked Cooper Flagg. Instead, they are 3-9 and embattled GM Nico Harrison has been fired. The Clippers aren’t good, either, but they should win and cover.
Read our full Clippers vs Mavericks prediction
Warriors vs Spurs best bet: San Antonio Spurs -1.5 (-114)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing
Today’s schedule concludes with the most intriguing matchup of all between Stephen Curry and Victor Wembanyama. The location should dictate the outcome. Golden State is 2-6 on the road; San Antonio is 5-1 at home.
Read our full Warriors vs Spurs prediction
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