NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Friday (1/10)
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.
Go premium to view top prop bets based on Cover Probability, Expected Value & Star Rating >>
Friday’s Best NBA Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Oklahoma City Thunder (-4) vs. New York Knicks | O/U 225.5 (-112/-108)
The Thunder’s franchise-record winning streak ended at 15 games with a loss to the Cavaliers on Wednesday. It was a valiant effort against one of the best offenses in the Cavaliers, and the game remained within a couple of possessions. Thanks to their best defensive efficiency in the league, the Thunder are still the team to beat in the Western Conference.
We're seeing how deep this team is because some of their best players, including Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso, are injured. This has forced Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to step up. His 31.3 points per game ranks third.
Part of the Thunder's winning streak was against the Knicks. That loss by the Knicks snapped their own nine-game winning streak. The Knicks have struggled since, as they've lost three of their last four games, including against a depleted Orlando lineup with zero players averaging double-digit points.
There are a lot of things New York did right in that game. They hit 43 field goals, the same as Oklahoma City, they won the turnover margin 12-13 and they out-rebounded the Thunder 42-41. The problem was they were brutal from three, going 9-of-32 against the league's best three-point defense. The problem is that the Thunder are either first or second at each point of the court, which is why they should start a new winning streak tonight.
Pick: Thunder -4 (-108)
Golden State Warriors vs. Indiana Pacers (-7.5) | O/U 225.5 (-112/-108)
The Warriors started this season red-hot, going 12-3. It looked like they were ready to return to their elite status. Suddenly, it all came crashing down, as they are just 7-14 in their last 21 games. It's all bad right now; they're shooting terribly (43.3%) and allowing opponents to shoot 47.5%. They are also turning it over 14 times per game.
Golden State is also dealing with some injuries; Jonathan Kuminga will miss the next few weeks and Andrew Wiggins will be out for this game.
Those are the two best offensive options behind Steph Curry and now they have to go up against an excellent Pacers offense. Their 115.6 points per game is 10th in the league. They've been even better recently, scoring 124 points per game during their four-game winning streak. The defense has also been fantastic. The 106.7 points per game they have allowed over the last three games ranks third.
Pick: Pacers -7.5 (-112)