There were only three games on the NBA docket on Thursday, and we split our two best bets on the night – cashing on the Nuggets in a wild win over the Trail Blazers but losing out on the Rockets as rare favorites. Who knew the Spurs knew how to win again?
We’re back to a regular slate on Friday with 20 of 30 teams in action heading into the weekend. Here are a few of our favorite bets to make at BetMGM, including two of the NBA’s best teams at surprisingly short prices:
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NBA Friday odds, lines, picks (via BetMGM)
- Knicks -3.5 @ Hornets
- Pelicans +1.5 vs. Suns
- Bucks -1.5 @ Mavericks
Hornets vs. Knicks prediction and analysis
Are the Knicks finally turning a corner? After a rocky season to this point, they’ve strung together consecutive double-digit wins against the Cavaliers and Hawks, respectively, and are prime candidates for another big win on Friday.
New York is 3-1-1 ATS over its last five games – which includes those two wins, a close loss to the juggernaut Bucks, and a 30-point win over the lowly Pistons. We’re finally seeing the 1-2 punch of Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson come to fruition for this group, which is also about as healthy as it’s been all season long.
Conversely, the Hornets finally got star LaMelo Ball back in the lineup only for him to re-injure his ankle in mid-November. Charlotte has lost seven of 10 games dating back to that loss when he suffered the injury, and with secondary scorer Gordon Hayward (shoulder) also out, this feels like too short of a price for the road favorites.
Hornets vs. Knicks pick: Knicks -3.5 (BetMGM)
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Pelicans vs. Suns prediction and analysis
Earlier this week, the Pelicans wrestled away the top seed in the West away from the Suns and have posted elite numbers across the entire season. So why are they dealing as home underdogs in this matchup?
Indeed, Phoenix has been one of the NBA’s best teams this year and in recent seasons, but New Orleans boasts the second-highest net rating (+11.4) since Nov. 11, trailing only the Celtics (+11.7) and nearly doubling the mark of the next-best team. That’s come even with Brandon Ingram (toe) sitting each of the last five games, as he’s expected to do again on Friday.
Zion Williamson has picked up the slack, averaging 28 points on a ridiculous 65% shooting to carry the Pelicans to five straight wins in Ingram’s absence. With the Suns struggling to regain their early season rhythm – they’re 1-3 in December after Wednesday’s 27-point blowout loss – I’ll happily take the points on the home side.
Pelicans vs. Suns pick: Pelicans +1.5 (BetMGM)
Mavericks vs. Bucks prediction and analysis
It’s rare to see the Bucks ever dealing at such a short price like the one we’re seeing on Friday. It’s rarer yet to see that come against a team as flawed as the Mavericks.
Dallas has shown flashes of brilliance this year behind MVP contender Luka Doncic, who leads the league in scoring (32.9 PPG) and win shares (4.6). Ironically, it hasn’t always resulted in wins for the Mavericks, who have the 10th-best record straight up (13-11) and the NBA’s second-worst mark against the spread (8-15-1).
Compare that to the Bucks, who own the second-best SU record (18-6) and fifth-best ATS (14-9-1) after winning six of their last seven games – all by at least six points. With the league’s second-best scorer in Giannis Antetokounmpo (32.1 PPG) leading the charge, expect Milwaukee to secure the road win here.
Mavericks vs. Bucks pick: Bucks -1.5 (BetMGM)
