Top NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Friday (3/22)
We have a big NBA slate on tap for tonight, so add some interest by tailing our top plays for Friday night’s action.
Friday’s NBA Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Indiana Pacers at Golden State Warriors (-4.5) | O/U 238 (-110/-110)
The Warriors could potentially schedule tee times in a few weeks. The talent of this roster is evident, with several Hall of Famers, but the lack of consistency and the absence of key players throughout the year have them just 2.5 games up on the tenth seed. There are no excuses right now, as all of their key players are healthy, but are just 4-5 in their last nine with losses to San Antonio and Chicago.
All of those offensive weapons will need to be ready to face the Pacers’ offense. They are second in adjusted offensive rating, and they will play at a fast tempo, so teams had better keep up. They know their objective is to out-score you because they barely play any defense, ranking 25th in adjusted defensive rating.
Golden State can play uptempo when necessary, with the 11th-most possessions per 48 minutes. Each should have plenty of possessions to send this total Over.
Pick: Over 238 (-110)
Cleveland Cavaliers at Minnesota Timberwolves (-6) | O/U 210.5 (-110/-110)
Minnesota has lost its hold on the top spot of the Western Conference, but it’s only 1.5 games out with 13 left to play. It’s been a tough adjustment with Karl-Anthony Towns out, as the team has a -3.9 point differential and -6.3 points per possession when he’s off the court. Although defensively, they haven’t seen that much of a dip and they are still the top-rated defense.
Cleveland has been dealing with its own injury issues, as Max Strus, Dean Wade, and Donovan Mitchell are all out for this game. Mitchell has played just two games in Cleveland’s last 11 after missing time with a knee procedure, returning on March 13th and 16th before suffering a broken nose. Darius Garland has played well, averaging 21 points in his last 12, while Jarrett Allen has 17.9 points and 11.7 rebounds.
In this last matchup, the Cavs won at home, but the T-Wolves had played their fourth game in six days and on the second leg of a back-to-back. Minnesota has been off since Wednesday and has the rest advantage.
Pick: Timberwolves -6 (-110)
Boston Celtics (-13) Detroit Pistons | O/U 224 (-110/-110)
The Celtics continue to prove why they’ll be the favorite in the playoffs. They’ve won 18 of their last 20 and are coming off a win against Milwaukee. They play well on both sides of the court, with the top-adjusted net rating, the best-adjusted offensive rating, and the second-best adjusted defensive rating. A lot of players have the GTD tag, but they have a deep bench and have the top bench net rating.
In addition, they’re playing the Pistons, who have the second-lowest winning percentage in the league. Their roster is also depleted; Isaiah Stewart and Ausar Thompson are done for the year, with Quentin Grimes, Taj Gibson, Stanley Umude, and Simone Fontecchio out for this game.
Only Jrue Holiday is confirmed out for this game for the Celtics, so they should have most of the starters in, and it should be an easy rout.
Pick: Celtics -13 (-110)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Friday: