We are less than a week into the NBA Playoffs and already the intensity in some of these series is through the roof. We get 3 more games on Friday, with the action starting at 7:00 pm ET in between the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics. Next up, it’ll be the Lakers and Rockets at 8:00 pm ET, while the Spurs and Trail Blazers close out the night at 10:30 pm ET. All 3 of these games will be live on Prime Video. My NBA best bets are ready for these 3 games, and I’ve focused on the point spread market after going 2-0 on Wednesday’s bets and hitting 76ers ML at +640 on Tuesday. You can also get our expert NBA picks for daily in-depth analysis of every game throughout the entire NBA postseason. Now let’s get to my bets for Friday!
Celtics vs 76ers NBA best bet: Celtics -7.5 (-106)
Boston losing Game 2 at home was hardly a surprise. I had a feeling it could happen after seeing them go 5-5 SU in their last 10 Game 2s when playing at home. Losing that game now puts a bit of pressure on the Celtics, which should bring their best on Friday as the series shifts to Philadelphia.
Philly got a career night out of VJ Edgecombe in Game 2 — 30 points — while the Sixers were red-hot as a team from deep and connected on 19 threes. That might have worked once, but I doubt a it happens again against a team coached as well as Boston. Look for the Cs to make the necessary adjustments. They have won 9 of the last 13 meetings with Philly, while they’re 5-2 SU in their last 7 visits to Xfinity Mobile Arena. I’ll take Boston to cover on Friday night.
Get our full Celtics vs 76ers Game 3 prediction for tonight’s huge matchup
Lakers vs Rockets NBA best bet: Lakers +9.5 (-115)
The Lakers have exceeded expectations so far in this series, going up 2-0 with 2 of their best players still out injured. With the series now shifting to Houston for the next 2 games, all the pressure is on the Rockets — who are basically in a must-win scenario in Game 3. No team in NBA history has come back from a 3-0 deficit, so KD and company have to come up with a game plan to pull one back on Friday.
Houston’s offense has been catastrophic in the first couple games. Alperen Sengun is averaging under 20 points and shooting under 39% from the field, while Durant put up a dud in Game 2 with 9 turnovers. As such, Houston has been the toughest watch in the NBA postseason thus far. Can they flip the script entirely just because the series shifts to their arena? I doubt it. LA is playing with very little pressure in Game 3, and the price is inviting considering the Lakers have covered in 7 of 8 meetings and are 9-4 ATS in 13 visits to Toyota Center.
Check out our full Lakers vs Rockets prediction for Game 3 in Houston
Spurs vs Trail Blazers NBA best bet: Spurs -2 (-110)
Not having Wembanyama at their disposal in Game 3 would undoubtedly be a big blow for the Spurs. Without him, they would have to come up with a completely different game plan. In 18 games without him this year, the Spurs are 12-6 SU. However, there was a noticeable drop-off in their defensive efficiency without Wemby, as it was 6.6 points higher than when he played.
Portland finally got a big game out of Scoot Henderson, who went off for 31 points in the Game 2 win. In addition, Jrue Holiday once again proved his value as the veteran leader of the team with 16 points and 9 assists. After just 40 and 42 paint points scored in Games 1 and 2, I’m expecting the Trail Blazers to attack the basket relentlessly here assuming Wemby is out of the picture. That said, teams can often rally around an injury to their best players, bringing out their best.
Considering San Antonio actually led by as many as 14 points with 8 mins remaining before their Game 2 collapse, the Spurs clearly have what it takes to beat the Blazers without Wemby. With 2 full days to come up with a plan for Game 3, I’m not going to count out a team that went 62-20 SU this year. I’ll back San Antonio even though they may be shorthanded.
Find our Spurs vs Trail Blazers Game 3 prediction for Friday’s NBA playoff action
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