We’re treated to a lineup of intriguing NBA matchups on Friday. We've handpicked two standout games to examine, so stay tuned as we break down the action.
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Friday's Best NBA Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics (-12.5) | O/U 211.5 (-108/-112)
The Celtics suffered one of the season’s biggest upsets, falling to the Raptors as a 13.5-point favorite. They had an awful night on the floor, shooting just 39.6%, their third-worst performance this season. They also allowed 45 field goals, the fifth-most allowed this year.
This is still the defending champions and as we get closer to the All-Star Break, this is when teams are ready for those few days off and you'll see some bad performances.
Going from facing one of the worst teams in the league to a higher-seeded team is tough. Orlando has dealt with injuries all season, including former No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero, who missed over two months, but they got through it and still hold the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference. A lot of young talent already have some playoff experience and now they are playing for the chance to get home-court advantage in the first round.
Boston is an exceptional team. While Orlando has Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, it is a defensive-centric team that allows the second-fewest points per game. We could see both teams making this a low-scoring affair.
Pick: Under 211.5 Points (-112)
Denver Nuggets vs. Miami Heat (-1.5) | O/U 226 (-112/-108)
The Nuggets are playing some of their best ball of the year, winning eight of their last 11. They are coming off a loss to the Rockets, but they get a pass because Nikola Jokic sat out this game after playing the night before. He'll be back in the lineup as he continues another MVP campaign, where he ranks in the top three in points, rebounds and assists.
For a Heat team that facing a lot of turmoil off the court, they are still successful on it. They are currently the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference, but only two games separate them from the No. 4 seed. They lost the first two games without Jimmy Butler but have gone 3-2 since. Tyler Herro has become their best scoring option since, and he's scored 30+ points in three straight.
You might think the center matchup between Jokic and Bam Adebayo would be tough for Jokic, but what makes him so good is that he can make plays from anywhere on the court and finds his mismatches. The Heat have been solid without Butler, but you’re getting the red-hot Nuggets with the best player in the league.
Pick: Nuggets Moneyline (+100)
