Top NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Friday (4/19)
There are just two games before the NBA Playoffs begin, and it will determine the 8-Seeds in the playoffs.
Friday's Best NBA Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Chicago Bulls at Miami Heat (-1.5) | O/U 205 (-110/-110)
It was a rough second half in the 7-seed game for the Heat. The defense was unable to adjust and the 76ers got hot in the fourth quarter, especially Joel Embiid, and now they are one loss away from their first lottery pick since 2019. The biggest question is, how will the Heat do without Jimmy Butler? He went out against Philadelphia with an MCL sprain, and now he'll miss tonight. Butler is a key player in a sub-par offense, as the team has a +2.0 net rating when he's on the court and -5.5 when he's off.
The Bulls took advantage of an Atlanta team that plays no defense, and thanks to Coby White's career-high 42 points, they dropped 131 points in the win. They also have an injury problem, as Alex Caruso is doubtful for this game after suffering a left ankle injury. This slightly diminishes the impact of Butler's injury, which will certainly help Tyler Herro.
The loss of Butler hurts, but they'll have Bam Adebayo in the front court, and Duncan Robinson should also be back in the lineup. The Heat should grab the win at home.
Pick: Heat -1.5 (-112)
Sacramento Kings (-1) @ New Orleans Pelicans | O/U 209.5 (-110/-110)
The Kings team avenged last year's first-round loss to Golden State. Sacramento was able to gain and lose a large lead in the first half, just to adjust in the second half, and never allowed the Warriors to come back. This team loves to play fast and doesn't try to pass too often before finding the open shot.
New Orleans has owned the Kings this season, beating them in all five matchups, four by double digits. Is there a chance it would be any different without Zion Williamson in the lineup? It's possible, but Williamson did miss one game against the Kings in the regular season. They do have Brandon Ingram back in the lineup after missing 12 games with a knee injury, and although he's on the floor, he hasn't looked like himself in the two games since his return.
New Orleans will get plenty of perimeter shot opportunities, and if they sink them, they can make it six against Sacramento. The Kings will not get 39 three-point attempts like they did against Golden State. They will have to attack the rim, and with no Williamson, we should see Domantas Sabonis get the ball a lot. New Orleans has been able to take each of these games, even without a full lineup, so they can do it again.
Pick: Pelicans Moneyline (+100)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Friday: