NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Friday (2/21)
The NBA All-Star break is over and there will be no more interruptions until the playoffs. We’ve got another full slate of exciting matchups. Let’s examine some of them.
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Friday's Best NBA Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Oklahoma City Thunder (-14.5) vs. Utah Jazz | O/U 237.5 (-110/-110)
We could say the Thunder were one of the best teams in the first half of the season. It will be tough to get through this defense in a seven-game series, as they currently lead the league with a 1.021 defensive efficiency rating and allow 104.8 points per game. The offense is right there regarding productivity, as they are fifth in points scored per game (117.2). They have been even better recently, as their 126 points per game since February 1st ranks second in the league.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has played a large part in that offensive success due to leading the team in scoring in 42 out of 54 games this season. He is favored to win the NBA MVP award. Now that the team is fully healthy, the Thunder could pull away in the Western Conference race, even with the Nuggets red hot.
The Jazz were among the worst teams in the Western Conference in the first half, and their .241 winning percentage is only better than the Pelicans’. However, they have some young talent, including Walker Kessler and Keyonte George. If they can build around those two, they could eventually become a contender.
That time isn't now, though, and Oklahoma City has easily beaten Utah in the previous two games with 10+ point wins.
Pick: Thunder -14.5 (-110)
Detroit Pistons (-4.5) vs. San Antonio Spurs | O/U 234.5 (-110/-110)
The Pistons are the most surprising team halfway through the season. They went from one of the worst last year to a current playoff contender. This is largely due to the addition of J.B. Bickerstaff as head coach and bolstering this roster with complementary veterans like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Tobias Harris.
The young core is coming into their own, especially Cade Cunningham, who's 12th in points per game (25.4) and third in assists (9.4). Jalen Duran is also becoming a premier center, averaging a double-double with 10.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. His rebound average ranks 13th in the league.
The Spurs received a devastating blow and now have to go the rest of the season without Victor Wembanyama due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. This removes their presence in the frontcourt with a player averaging 11 rebounds (eighth) and 3.8 blocks (first) per game. They will now look to De’Aaron Fox as their primary scoring option. He’s already made a huge impact on this team, scoring 22+ points in five out of his six games with the team.
San Antonio will concentrate on shooting from the perimeter. Detroit struggles defensively from the mid-range and further. At the same time, the Spurs have been a below-average defense this season. Look for a high-scoring game.
Pick: Over 234.5 Points (-110)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Friday: