The NBA regular season resumes with another excellent slate this Friday, with a total of 8 matchups on the docket scheduled for 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 5 NBA picks for today's matchups. Continue below for our NBA best bets and predictions for Friday, December 27.
NBA Best Bets Today, Predictions, Picks: Friday, December 27
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
  | 9 p.m. | |
  | 7:30 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. | ||
Knicks vs. Magic
By Ray Monohan
I see value in backing the Magic here as they take on the Knicks tonight.
Orlando has won two of its last 3 games, as they continue to grind out wins defensively.
They're giving up just 103.5 points per game so far this season, and they are putting the clamps down defensively on teams from the start.
This will be a good matchup for them against a Knicks team that is being overvalued in this spot a bit.
Orlando can slow this game down and they're going to force the Knicks into some difficult shots defensively. Grab the points with the Magic.
Pick: Magic +7 (-110)
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Grizzlies vs. Pelicans
Without Jose Alvarado, Zion Williamson, and Brandon Ingram, it will be up to CJ McCollum to have a massive game if the Pelicans want any chance at keeping this game close.
Luckily for New Orleans, McCollum has been a "Grizz Killer" of sorts, posting huge numbers offensively every time he sees a Memphis uniform.
McCollum has poured in 25 points per game in his past 27 outings against the Grizzlies on 51/44/77 shooting splits. Those splits (from the field and behind the arc) are reminiscent of prime Steph Curry.
Further, without Brandon Ingram on the floor, McCollum has gone over this line in nine of his past 11 games.
The tempo that Memphis plays at (ranked 1st in pace) could allow McCollum to find some clean looks despite the fact the Grizzlies have a few elite wing defenders, including rookie Jaylen Wells, who will likely draw the assignment.
The volume should be there for McCollum without any other legitimate primary scoring threat on the floor, and there will be more possessions and scoring opportunities because of the speed at which Memphis plays.
Pick: CJ McCollum Over 20.5 Points (-125)
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Cavaliers vs. Nuggets
By Joe Dellera
This is a high line, but Nikola Jokic has been dominant on the glass against the Cavaliers historically. They are elite defensively but they still rank just 19th in Rebound percentage.
Jokic secured 20 boards on 27 chances about a month ago in this matchup, and when both Mobley and Allen play for Cleveland, he’s at 16.7 rebounds on 24.3 chances per game while going over in 5/6 games the last few seasons.
No Aaron Gordon also means more rebounding opportunities for Jokic tonight. He has averaged 14 rebounds per game this season without Gordon.
I’ll back Jokic to exceed 12.5 rebounds in tonight's marquee matchup.
Pick: Nikola Jokic Over 12.5 Rebounds (+100)
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Spurs vs. Nets
By Vince Akins
This is the largest road favorite the Spurs have been since the 2021 season. But it is well-warranted against this thin Nets team that got a big, hard-fought win last night.
San Antonio is the strong road favorite in this game. Road favorites of more than 5 points tend to be a strong bet against the spread.
Whenever the Spurs are tagged as road favorites the results are usually pretty strong. The Spurs are 7-2 ATS since January 2022 as a road favorite.
San Antonio was off yesterday, while the Nets played. Road Favorites past the first 1/3 of the season when they are rested and their opponent is not are 412-314 ATS in the last 716 instances.
I'll lay the points with the Spurs.
Pick: Spurs -6.5 (-115)
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Warriors vs. Clippers
The Golden State Warriors will be without the services of Steph Curry when they take on the Los Angeles Clippers tonight.
With or without Curry though, the Clippers have owned the Warriors as of late, winning six straight against Golden State.
It also doesn't help that the Dubs are 3-7 in their last 10 games.
The Clippers, meanwhile, have won three of their last four, and have compiled a record of 10-6 on their home court.
On top of that, the Clippers are 6-1 as a home favorite this season. Lay the points with Los Angeles tonight.
Pick: Clippers -4.5 (-110)
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