NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Friday (1/24)
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)
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies (-11.5) | O/U 245.5 (-108/-112)
It was a down year last season for the Grizzles, who finished third-last in the Western Conference. They dealt with a ton of injuries, including Ja Morant, who, between a suspension and injury, only played nine games. Morant has missed a few games this season, but this roster has a few playmakers, including Jaren Jackson Jr., who leads the team with 22.6 points per game. This is why they have the best offense in the league, scoring 123.3 points per game while holding down the No. 3 seed.
Memphis is coming in with a four-game winning streak, but so is New Orleans. Keeping players on the court has been their biggest problem, not just this year but for the last few. You wonder when they might think about starting fresh. We already know two key pieces will be missing this game: Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, which takes away their presence in the front court.
New Orleans doesn't have a signature win during this run, with two against the Jazz, one against the injury-riddled Maverick and the other against a Bulls team under .500. Now New Orleans has to turn around and try to keep up with the third-fastest offense in terms of seconds per possession while they are 15th.
Pick: Grizzles -11.5 (-112)
Cleveland Cavaliers (-10) vs. Philadelphia 76ers | O/U 228.5 (-112/-108)
The Cavaliers hold the top spot in the Eastern Conference but have hit their first stretch of adversity. It's not bad; they are 3-3 in their last six.
None were bad losses; Oklahoma City has the best record in the league, Indiana has played much better and Houston is the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. They should be fine as long as the league leader in offensive efficiency stays consistent.
The Cavs will head to Philadelphia to get a break from their tougher opponents. The 76ers’ bench is bare due to injuries. Kyle Lowry, Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, KJ Martin and Joel Embiid are all ruled out for this matchup, eliminating vital players at each spot on the floor.
The Sixers are riding a seven-game losing streak into a matchup against the best team in the Eastern Conference. Tyrese Maxey has been their best option throughout the season, and the Cavs are allowing the most points per game to point guards, but the depth isn't strong against the best offense in the conference.
Pick: Cavaliers -10 (-112)