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Top NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Friday (1/5)

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We have a heavy NBA slate on tap for tonight, and add some interest by tailing our top plays for Friday night’s action.

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Friday’s NBA Best Bets

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Toronto Raptors at Sacramento Kings (-5) | O/U 238.5 (-110/-110)

The Raptors suffered an embarrassing loss last Saturday when they ended Detroit’s historic 28-game losing streak. This is skewed because they played without the players they lost in the Knicks trade, and the ones they got in return weren’t available. Since then, they have won back-to-back games and this new lineup with RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley has worked well so far.

There has been no drop-off for the Kings after their breakout 2022-23 season. We learned that De’Aaron Fox is an essential part of this team, as he has had a +10.6 point differential on the court, and Sacramento struggled to win when he was out with an injury. Domantas Sabonis is proving to be one of the better two-way forwards in the league, but he isn’t as impactful without Fox.

Don’t look at the records and think the Kings should take this easily. This new Raptors lineup has revitalized the team, and their outside shooting has improved, which is something the Kings struggle against.

Pick: Raptors +5 (-108)

New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers (-6.5) | O/U 227.5 (-110/-110)

Let’s look at the other side of that trade because the Knicks have looked great with back-to-back wins, one of which was against the Timberwolves. OG Anunoby has drastically improved New York’s defense, and they have a +41.0 net rating with him on the floor. 

While Anunoby is a top-tier defender on the wing, they need players to guard Philadelphia’s top players who play in different spots. The defensive depth is thin for who can contain Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, especially with Embiid looking like he could win back-to-back MVPs.

In New York’s game against Minnesota, they allowed Anthony Edwards to get 35 points and Rudy Gobert to grab 15 rebounds. Embiid has the same rebound ability as Gobert but with elite scoring capabilities. This is a matchup the Knicks defense can’t handle.

Pick: 76ers -6.5 (-110)

Orlando Magic at Denver Nuggets (-10) | O/U 223.5 (-110/-110)

The Nuggets had a miraculous comeback last night after trailing by 13 heading into the fourth quarter, which ended with Nikola Jokic hitting a three-point buzzer-beater to get the win at Golden State. It’s not easy playing on back-to-back nights, but they have been one of the better teams on their home court at 14-3.

The Magic come into this game limping as their injury list reads a mile long. Franz Wagner, Jonathan Isaac, Gary Harris, Joe Ingles, and Markelle Fultz are already out, while Wendell Carter Jr. is listed as a game-time decision.

It is tough for a young team to have key players out, and you’ll see Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs get a bump in minutes. Taking on the champs on the road, even with the rest advantage, is hard without your starters.

Pick: Nuggets -10 (-110)

Make sure to check out our other best bets for Friday:

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