Top NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Friday (1/12)
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)
New Orleans Pelicans at Denver Nuggets (-8.5) | O/U 229.5 (-110/-110)
The Pelicans have been one of the better teams over the past couple of weeks by going 11-4 in their past 15 games. The record is what it is, but so are the underlying metrics; in that 15-game span, they're leading the leagues in net rating, adjusted defensive rating, and second in adjusted offensive rating.
The Nuggets haven't been bad either by recently going 9-3, but two of those losses have come through the past three games. Both came in games in which the Nuggets were favored; the first was in a close matchup at home against the Magic, and then were destroyed by the Jazz on the road.
The big thing to look at is the injury report for the Pelicans, as several key players are currently game-time decisions. In a marquee matchup, I expect these guys to play. This total has gone over in Denver's last four and New Orleans's last two; this should be a fun offensive matchup.
Pick: Over 229.5 (-110)
Indiana Pacers at Atlanta Hawks (-5.5) | O/U 252.5 (-110/-110)
The loss of Tyrese Haliburton is a big one for the Pacers, as he led the team with 23.6 points and 12.5 assists. This should hurt their momentum, as they've won eight of their past ten but lost their first game without Haliburton.
The Hawks are just like the Pacers: They are one of the better offenses in the league, but they play no defense. Atlanta is sixth in adjusted offensive ratings while down at 26th on the defensive. With the same structure, they haven't bee as successful as they're just 15-21 and tied for tenth in the East.
The first two matchups between these two have seen a high total, including both putting up 150+. There are a lot of players on the injury report; we know Haliburton isn't playing, but Trae Young and Clint Capela are game-time decisions for the Hawks. Even if those guys play, we should still believe in a lower-scoring game than usual.
Pick: Under 252.5 (-110)
Los Angeles Clippers (-7.5) at Memphis Grizzlies | O/U 227 (-110/-110)
Everything looked promising for the Grizzlies with Ja Morant back in the lineup, as they went 6-3 since his return. Unfortunately, that ride was short-lived, as Morant needed season-ending shoulder surgery.
A healthy Clippers team is proving to be dangerous. After the initial struggles of adjusting with James Harden in the lineup, Los Angeles has been one of the best teams going 16-3 over their last 19. It's not just one side of the ball; they're seventh in net rating, ninth in adjusted offensive rating, and 11th on defense.
Both of the previous matchups have seen low-scoring results. A Morant-less Memphis offense is not inspiring, but they've been effective all year defensively, which has impacted the Clippers' lineup.
Pick: Under 227 (-110)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Friday:
- NFL Wild Card Player Prop Bets Odds, Picks & Predictions: Fitz's Favorites
- NFL Wild Card Same Game Parlay Picks & Predictions (Saturday)
- NFL Wild Card Betting Primer & Expert Picks (Sunday)
- College Basketball Odds, Picks & Predictions
- Top NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions
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