The NBA regular rolls on with an excellent slate of matchups this Friday, with a total of 8 games on the docket today. So, our staff of basketball experts dug into the latest odds and identified all the best betting value on the board for tonight's contests.
Our betting experts have looked over the odds and made 6 NBA picks for today's matchups. Continue below for our NBA best bets and predictions for Friday, December 13.
NBA Best Bets, Predictions, Picks: Friday, December 13
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
  | 9:30 p.m. | |
  | 9 p.m. | |
  | 10 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Pacers vs. 76ers
The 76ers are getting the core of their team back and should have Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George active for this game. The Pacers, on the other side, are healthy in their depth as well, with Nembhard and Myles Turner back after missing time recently.
Because the speed of the Pacers, and the recent returns of some key players for the Sixers, I think the Pacers can win with familiarity.
The Pacers will force the 76ers into quick decision making, which is tough for guys with limited court time and practice time together.
The line has moved towards the 76ers, but only because the injury repricing, and I feel it creates a buy-point for the Pacers. Play at anything +200 or better.
Pick: Pacers Moneyline (+215)
| | | | | |
Nets vs. Grizzlies
This is a revenge game for the Grizzlies, who have lost both of their matchups against Brooklyn this season, one of which was on their home floor. Ja Morant and company will not forget that.
Morant has been sensational this season, even if his individual numbers haven't been quite as eye-popping as other NBA superstars.
However, he has been utterly dominant in his past four matchups against Brooklyn, two of which have come this season, averaging 28.3 points, 8.8 assists, and 6.8 rebounds per game on 50% shooting from the floor and 42.1% from behind the arc.
The Nets have allowed opposing point guards to score the seventh-most points per game of any team in the NBA, and they rank 21st in defensive rating and 24th in opponent effective field goal percentage on the road. In short, revenge game incoming for Morant.
Pick: Ja Morant Over 21.5 Points (-110)
| | | | | |
Lakers vs. Timberwolves
LeBron (foot problem) misses a second straight game for the Lakers, though his plus-minus has been so bad in recent weeks that it might not be such a big negative for Los Angeles. The Lake Show did win without him midweek vs. the Blazers, but it was a sluggish display in a 107-98 victory.
The last time the Lakers faced the Timberwolves on December 2, it was a 109-809 romp for Minnesota, with LeBron enduring a painful 4-for-16 shooting display. That was just one of several poor efforts lately for LA, but also be reminded that the T-Wolves are capable of playing the type of elite defense that often holds foes under 100 points.
That Wolves romp two weeks ago was part of their latest five-game stretch in which they are allowing only 86 points per game, suggesting it might be a tall order for these teams to clear 214 tonight at Target Center.
Pick: Under 213.5 (-110)
| | | | | |
Suns vs. Jazz
Kevin Durant has gone over this number in 9 of 13 games this season and played 30 minutes when returning from injury last time. He's gotten this over against the Jazz in every opportunity going back to 2018 — when he was a Golden State Warrior.
Utah can't guard him, Durant gives you a high floor, and as long as he plays like his usual self, and takes enough shots, we're good here. I don't mind this at 23.5, but I'm staying away beyond that.
Pick: Kevin Durant Over 22.5 Points (-120)
| | | | | |
Clippers vs. Nuggets
By Ray Monohan
The Clippers and Nuggets have value to the under here. Los Angeles has been a solid under team all season long, and this is a game they're going to slow things down.
The Clippers come in averaging under 109 points per game on both the offensive side and when it comes to giving points up defensively.
Los Angeles has done a great job at knocking some teams off their rhythm with their slow tempo. They've been able to force teams to play a half court style game, and that will likely be the case here once again on Friday.
Look for Denver to be out of their rhythm, and for this game to be slow-developing from the start. Take the under.
Pick: Under 227.5 (-110)
| | | | | |
Spurs vs. Trail Blazers
By Nick Parsons
While I do think an outright win is possible for Portland tonight, in the end I'll recommend that you grab as many points as you can with the revenge-minded home side.
San Antonio just broke a three-game slide with a 121-116 win over New Orleans at home, but with a home game against the Wolves up next, I believe the favored visitors may get caught looking ahead here.
The Blazers are desperate to break a four-game SU/ATS slide and as mentioned, and Portland will be seeking revenge after a 118-105 loss at San Antonio in early November.
The Blazers are 4-1 ATS in the last five instances in which they were trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss against a given opponent. So, in a contest that I see being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I'm grabbing the points with Portland.
Pick: Trail Blazers +3.5 (-110)
| | | | | |
