Top NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Friday (2/2)
We have a heavy NBA slate on tap for tonight, and add some interest by tailing our top plays for Friday night's action.
Friday's NBA Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Orlando Magic at Minnesota Timberwolves (-7.5) | O/U 212 (-110/-110)
The Timberwolves we expected to see last year are the ones we're finally getting. The addition of Rudy Gobert has finally elevated this defense, as they are the best in Adjusted Defense Rankings. The offense sits near the middle, but they are getting fantastic contributions from Karl-Anthony Towns, who is averaging 22.5 points, and Anthony Edwards, who is scoring 25.5.
The Magic are another team whose success is from their defense, as they're fourth in Adjusted Defensive Ranking. Unfortunately, the offense has not been doing its part. They've hit a rough patch by dropping 11 of their last 14 and have scored below 110 in nine of those. They might need some offensive upgrades with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner being the only two averaging over 15 points per game
One of those 11 losses came against the Timberwolves, who blew the Magic out by 21 in Orlando. It's a tough spot on the road, with Minnesota being 18-4 at home.
Pick: Timberwolves -7.5 (-108)
Sacramento Kings (-3) at Indiana Pacers | O/U 247 (-110/-110)
Sacramento is on a good run at the moment, winning four of their last five and scoring 120+ in three. Those high-scoring games were against some below-average defenses, which plays right into this matchup. De'Aaron Fox is essential in the backcourt and Domantas Sabonis is one of the best two-way wings in the league, but now they're starting to see Harrison Barnes heat up, as he's scored 30+ in two of his last five.
The Pacers play into the Kings' game so well because Sacramento is one of the fastest-paced offenses in the league while they're 15th in pace-of-play defense. They know defense isn't their game, so they run the fastest-paced offense. We saw the return of Tyrese Haliburton as he clocked in for 22 minutes against New York on Thursday. On the second leg of a back-to-back, expect Halliburton to play, at best, the same amount.
The last time these two faced off, Indiana didn't have Halliburton or Pascal Siakam. The addition of those two on the court is a big offense boost, but still expect the Kings to push the offense.
Pick: Over 247 (-110)
Los Angeles Clippers (-11.5) at Detroit Pistons | O/U 236.5 (-105/-115)
It's hard not to favor a healthy Clippers roster in a loaded Western Conference. They have been one of the hottest teams over the last two months. They were 21-5 in their previous 26 games and have lost back-to-back just once. The big reason why this is working is because they've gotten James Harden to mesh with this offense; he's become a facilitator as he leads the team with 8.5 per assist game.
The Pistons ended that 28-game winning streak, and maybe that could have helped their confidence, and maybe they could have started winning, but that's not happening. They are just 3-12 since, and two of those came against Charlotte and Washington, who are just above them in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Clippers will cruise to a win.
Pick: Clippers -11.5 (-110)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Friday:
- Super Bowl Sports Betting History: Spreads, Totals & Moneylines
- 6 Super Bowl Betting Trends to Know: 49ers vs. Chiefs (2024)
- UFC Fight Night Dolidze vs. Imavov Odds, Picks & Predictions
- College Basketball Odds, Picks & Predictions
- Top NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions
Our NHL Prop Bet Cheat Sheet assists bettors by comparing lines from leading sportsbooks with our daily projections >>
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | RadioPublic | Breaker | Castbox | Pocket Casts