Top NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Friday (12/29)
Continue your holiday vacation with a heavy NBA slate on tap for tonight, and add some interest by tailing our top plays for Friday night's action.
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
Friday's NBA Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Toronto Raptors at Boston Celtics (-9) | O/U 224.5 (-110/-110)
We almost saw one of the biggest upsets in NBA history as the Celtics, who have the best record, were taken to the brink of defeat by the Pistons, who came in one shy of tying the longest losing streak in any of the major American professional sports leagues. Playing overtime against a well-below-average team and turning around to play the next night is not ideal. The Raptors played the Celtics tough in their In-Season Tournament matchup, and the difference was only a Derrick White late three for the Boston win. Don't be surprised if Boston is short-handed after last night, and Toronto takes advantage of that.
Pick: Raptors +9 (-112)
Memphis Grizzles at Los Angeles Clippers (-6.5) | O/U 225.5 (-110/-110)
Tell me if you've heard this before: Kawhi Leonard is dealing with an injury. The lack of Leonard's presence is already felt as the Clippers are 1-2 without him, and he holds a team +15.0 point-differential when he's on the floor. The Grizzles may also not have their best player on the floor after Ja Morant missed the game against the Nuggets due to an illness. However, he could be ready for this one. Memphis has won all four games with Morant back in the lineup, and his presence has already seen the team's overall performance in shooting take an uptick, especially from three, where they have been the league's worst. These highly talented defensive teams are in the top 12 in adjusted defensive ranking, so grab the under.
Pick Under 225.5 (-110)
Sacramento Kings at Atlanta Hawks (-1.5) | O/U 250.5 (-110/-110)
The Kings are in a rough patch, dropping three of their last four. A couple of those games were against the best defensive teams (Boston, Minnesota), and oddly, Portland has played them tough in both matchups this year. They don't have to worry about defense because the Hawks don't play it. Atlanta is coming into today 28th in adjusted defensive rankings and has allowed 120+ points in five of their last six. These two go out and try to outscore their opponent. Atlanta has the fourth-highest over-the-total percentage, and Sacramento is over on 55% of their games.
Pick: Over 251 (-110)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Friday:
- NFL Week 17 Player Prop Bets Odds, Picks & Predictions: Fitz's Favorites (2023)
- NFL Sunday Betting Primer & Expert Picks: Week 17 (2023)
- Thor Nystrom's Best College Football Bowl Game Bets
- NBA Same Game Parlay Odds Picks & Predictions
- College Basketball Odds, Picks & Predictions
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | RadioPublic | Breaker | Castbox | Pocket Casts