Top NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Friday (3/1)
We have a big NBA slate on tap for tonight, so 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)
Charlotte Hornets at Philadelphia 76ers (-11) | O/U 213.5 (-108/-112)
Is there anyone who impacts their team more than Joel Embid? Since he’s been out, the Sixers have been dreadful, and they are currently 4-12 in their last 16. We saw how important Embiid’s low post presence was as now teams have been able to drive inside without getting contested at the rim.
Most of Charlotte’s shots come within five feet (34.8%), so they will try to exploit that weakness. The Hornets have been playing much better recently, and if you take away the games against Milwaukee, they’re recently 5-1.
They covered the spread in the last game against Philly with Embiid in the lineup. As long as they don’t try to shoot from the perimeter too much, they should cover this spread.
Pick: Hornets +11 (-108)
Washington Wizards at Los Angeles Clippers (-14) | O/U 240.5 (-110/-110)
The Clippers’ reign as the top seed in the Western Conference didn’t last long, as they’ve struggled by going 3-5 in their last eight. The last game was a low point as they blew a 21-point fourth-quarter lead to their big brother, the Lakers. Paul George is likely out again as he deals with a knee issue, and Ivica Zubiac is questionable with an illness.
The Wizards are trying their best to be the worst team in the league. They now own the worst record and are the only team still with single-digit wins (9-50) as they come in losers of 13 straight.
Washington played some extra minutes against the Lakers on Thursday, so the Clippers will have the rest advantage against a team they beat by 16 in the last matchup.
Pick: Clippers -14 (-110)
Dallas Mavericks at Boston Celtics (-10) | O/U 237 (-110/-110)
There is no doubt who the clear-cut best team in the NBA is. The Celtics have been winning, and it’s been consistent; they are coming with a season-high nine consecutive wins, and it is the fifth time they’ve won five straight or more this season. What makes them so good is they’re balanced on both ends of the court, as they lead the league in adjusted offensive ranking and are third in adjusted defensive ranking.
This will not be the same Mavericks team they faced in January. They’re highly improved thanks to some of the moves they made during the trade deadline, including P.J. Washington. The most important thing is that the team is healthy; Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving have been a potent duo as Irving is averaging 27.7 points in his last ten, and Donicic, the NBA points per game leader, is averaging 32.7 during that time.
As great of a defense as the Celtics are, the Mavericks’ offense has been tough to stop. Their defense is still below average, and with Boston’s top offense, we should expect a high-scoring and exciting game.
Pick: Over 237 (-110)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Friday: