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We have a big NBA slate on tap for tonight, so add some interest by tailing our top plays for Friday night’s action.
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Friday’s NBA Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Minnesota Timberwolves (-1) at Cleveland Cavaliers | O/U 209 (-110/-110)
The Timberwolves are in a tight race for the No. 1 spot in the Western Conference, holding a half-game advantage over the Thunder. This defense is the one they were hoping for last season, as they lead the league in defensive rating and opponent’s effective field goal percentage. They are a team that will pressure you at any point on the floor and are in the top five in field goal percentage allowed at the rim, mid-court, and three-point. The big question is how they will respond without Karl-Anthony Towns. Naz Reid will get more minutes, and he’s been good, getting 12 points per game on 23 minutes, but it’s tough to replace KAT.
If they were healthy, this would be a tough matchup against the Cavaliers, but they are not. Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Max Strus are all out for this game. All three play at least 30 minutes and average double-digit points.
We will see Anthony Edwards and Darius Garland trying to find shots, with Jarett Allen and Rudy Gobert fighting on the board. This is a low total, but it feels like an old-school NBA game.
Pick: Under 209 Total Points (-110)
Orlando Magic at New York Knicks (-1) | O/U 207.5 (-110/-110)
The Magic are getting hot at the right time as the season winds down. They have won eight of their last nine, including five straight. Those five wins have been against non-playoff teams, but good teams are supposed to win those. During this nine-game run, they do have a win against their opponent tonight.
The Knicks are falling at the wrong time, losing nine of their last 11. The problem has been injuries; Julius Randle and OG Anunoby are already ruled out with Jalen Brunson questionable. Those are your three most important players on both ends of the floor, especially Anunoby and Randle, who would guard Paolo Banchero.
Orlando has exceeded expectations this season and will be a fun team to watch down the stretch and in the playoffs. Look for them to grab a win against a depleted New York roster.
Pick: Magic Moneyline (-102)
Milwaukee Bucks (-1) at Los Angeles Lakers | O/U 233.5 (-110/-110)
Are the Bucks finally getting it together? They’ve won six of their last seven, including against Minnesota and the Clippers. The defensive guidance they brought Doc Rivers in for is coming together; they’re allowing 98.6 points and are third in defensive rating over their last seven games.
The Lakers have a firm hold on the tenth spot, and we saw what they could do when they got the chance to be in the playoffs last year. They have been fantastic offensively, with the second-highest field percentage and scoring the third-most points per game over their last ten. They needed to because the defense has been worse than their season average and is 26th in defensive rating during this time.
This will be an entertaining game in the Crypto. While the Bucks’ defense has been better, the Lakers’ offense should be fine, pushing this game toward to the over.
Pick: Over 233.5 Total Points (-110)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Friday:
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