There were only three games on the NBA docket Thursday, and we split our two best bets on the night — cashing in on the Nuggets in a wild win over the Trail Blazers, but losing to the Rockets as rare favorites. Who knew the Spurs would win again?
We’re back to a regular Friday schedule with 20 of the 30 teams in action before the weekend. Here are some of our favorite bets to make at BetMGM, including two of the NBA’s best teams at surprisingly low prices:
Up to $1000 Risk Free First Bet with NPBONUS
New customers only. Must be 21+. AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, LA, MI, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY only. (Welcome offer not available in NY & PA) Full Terms and Conditions apply.
Bet up to $1,250 on Caesar first
New users only, 21 or older. NY, CO, DC, IA, IN, IL, MI, NV, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV only. Full terms and conditions apply.
No bets up to $1000
21+. New customers only. AZ, CT, IA, IL, LA, MI, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WV, WY only. Terms apply
NBA Friday Odds, Lines, Picks (via BetMGM)
- Knicks -3.5 @ Hornets
- Pelicans +1.5 vs Suns
- $ -1.5 @ Mavericks
Hornets vs Knicks Predictions and Analysis
Are the Knicks finally turning a corner? After a tough season to this point, they’ve reeled off back-to-back 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 in its last five games, including two wins, a close loss to the juggernaut Bucks and a 30-point victory over the lowly Pistons. Finally, we’re seeing the 1-2 punch of Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson pay off for this group, which is as healthy as it’s been all season.
Conversely, the Hornets finally got star LaMelo Ball back in the lineup after he re-injured his ankle in mid-November. Charlotte has lost seven of 10 games at the time of the injury, and with secondary scorer Gordon Hayward (shoulder) out, the road seems too short for the favorites.
Hornets vs. Knicks picks: Knicks -3.5 (BetMGM)
Need to bet on the NBA?
Pelicans vs Suns Predictions and Analysis
Earlier this week, the Pelicans took the top seed in the West away from the Suns and have posted elite numbers all season. So why are they acting as home underdogs in this game?
Indeed, Phoenix has been one of the best teams in the NBA this year and in recent seasons, but New Orleans has the second-highest net rating (+11.4) since Nov. 11, trailing only the Celtics (+11.7 ) and almost doubled this figure. the next best team. That’s also the case with Brandon Ingram (toe) sitting out each of the last five games, as he’s expected to play again on Friday.
Zion Williamson picked up the slack and scored 28 points on a ridiculous 65% shooting to lead the Pelicans to five straight 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 loss — I’ll happily take the points on the home side.
Pelicans vs. Suns pick: Pelicans +1.5 (BetMGM)
Mavericks vs. Bucks predictions and analysis
It’s rare to see the bucks trade as short as we saw on Friday. A matchup against a team as flawed as the Mavericks is rare.
Dallas has this year’s top prospect Luka Doncic, who leads the league in scoring (32.9 PPG) and win shares (4.6). Surprisingly, that hasn’t always led to wins for the Mavericks, who have their 10th-best straight-game record (13-11) and second-worst in the NBA ( 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. Led by the league’s second leading scorer, Giannis Antetokounmpo (32.1 PPG), expect Milwaukee to win on the road here.
Mavericks vs. Bucks pick: Bucks -1.5 (BetMGM)
.