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NBA Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Friday (3/17)

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Thursday was not kind to us, as we struggled to find our footing on the day but are undeterred as the calendar turns to the weekend. While the basketball world dials in on the NCAA game, we take a closer look at the Friday NBA slate and three spots I’m dialed in on.

YTD Record: 97-78-5 ATS

Also, take a look at our other best bets for Friday:

Friday’s Best NBA Betting Odds

All odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

Golden State Warriors vs. Atlanta Hawks

The Warriors’ injury report reads like a Sunday newspaper heading into this one, filled with some key personnel, including Steph Curry, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, Andrew Iguodala, and Gary Payton III. While the latter four are definitely out, there is a chance Curry plays, and I think that’s why we don’t see this number even bigger.

The Hawks come in on somewhat of a slide, having lost two straight and four of their past six. While they might get this one outright, I do expect some struggles.

Bet: Warriors +6 (-110)

Washington Wizards vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Wizards and Cavaliers will face off for the second time in the last two months, with the first being a trouncing by the Cavs in DC on February 6th. I was in attendance that night, and I can tell you that game was never remotely close, and though it was somewhat due to injuries (Beal and Kuzma out), it still shouldn’t have gotten out of hand so fast.

The Wizards head to Cleveland tonight having lost four of their past five games, winning earlier in the week vs. Detroit for just their second win since March 2nd. The Cavs, on the other hand, come in off of a loss but had won five of their previous six before then.

They get back on track here and cover in the process.

Bet: Cavaliers -5.5 (-110)

Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Make no mistake about it, the Mavericks are very much in danger of missing the 2023 NBA postseason. As the season winds down, the Mavericks are sitting in the eighth seed and leading the 11th-place Jazz by just 1.5 games.

More importantly, their superstar Luka Doncic continues to miss time, with the longer he is out, the more questions come into the equation of just how bad the injury is. New acquisition Kyrie Irving is already hurt (maybe) as well, as is listed as questionable tonight for personal reasons.

Even still, the Mavericks should play a desperate brand of basketball and have more than enough firepower to stay within this number vs. an also-flailing Lakers.

Bet: Mavericks +6 (-110)

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Johnny is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Johnny, check out his free UFC picks newsletter and follow him @JohnnyCovers.