NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Friday (1/31)
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)
Denver Nuggets (-9.5) vs. Philadelphia 76ers | O/U 233 (-112/-108)
The Nuggets' five-game road trip has not started well. They dropped the first three games, two of which were by double digits, including by 29 points to the Timberwolves. The defense has been regressing during this span, and their 125.9 defensive rating is 29th since January 25th.
The opposition has done a great job of containing Nikola Jokic in some of these games, forcing him to avoid the interior and pass to the perimeter.
That might be tough for the 76ers due to their depleted roster. Joel Embiid and Paul George will both miss another game due to injuries. They have no depth in the frontcourt, as Andre Drummond, Caleb Martin and KJ Martin are also out.
Even with injuries, the team is playing very well and has won four straight. Tyrese Maxey, who has averaged 34.6 points in the last three games, is carrying them.
If we're going by pure talent, the Nuggets are the favorite, but sometimes we have to go off momentum, and that favors the Sixers. Both teams have played well offensively, but Denver has had trouble stopping anybody recently. Look at taking the over.
Pick: Over 233 Points (-112)
Milwaukee Bucks (-3) vs. San Antonio Spurs | O/U 234 (-108/-112)
The Bucks have a tough schedule as they play seven of their next eight games on the road. It hasn't been a great start by losing two of the first three, one of which includes to the bottom-feeding Trail Blazers.
They already had a huge win against the Spurs in Milwaukee, thanks to a monster 65-point first half. They spread the ball well in that game and five players scored double-digit points, including three with over 20 points.
The Spurs cannot shoot 36.8% from the floor as they did in the last game because they lack the defensive capabilities to contain an offense like the Bucks. They were hanging around .500 for most of the year but are currently struggling. They are 2-8 in their last 10 games and have an awful 120.6 defensive rating, which is only better than the Wizards’ since January 4th.
The Bucks also contained Victor Wembanyama in that game, as he scored only 10 points. They can get another big win if they continue that and force San Antonio to keep the ball in the perimeter.
Pick: Bucks -3 (-108)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Friday: