Friday's NBA slate is loaded. The Knicks look to get on a roll after a big win over Miami against the Pistons. The Lakers look to bounce back against the Raptors. The Celtics take on Charlotte off a rare loss, the Magic face their first game without Paolo Banchero against the red-hot Cavaliers, and Denver and Minnesota renew their rivalry after their 7-game series last spring.
Let's get to our NBA picks and best bets today from the "Buckets" crew.
NBA Picks, Best Bets Today
Knicks at Pistons
| Knicks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6.5 -112 | 218 -110o / -110u | -278 |
| Pistons Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6.5 -108 | 218 -110o / -110u | +225 |
By Joe Dellera
"Karl-Anthony Towns just dropped 44 on Bam Adebayo, who’s one of the best defenders in the league. If he can do that, he should have no problem against the Pistons’ frontcourt. Detroit gives up a lot of opportunities to bigs who can stretch the floor, and I think Towns continues his hot streak."
Pick: Karl-Anthony Towns Over 21.5 points (-110)
Thunder at Blazers
| Thunder Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-11.5 -108 | 220 -108o / -112u | -625 |
| Trail Blazers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+11.5 -112 | 220 -108o / -112u | +455 |
"It’s simple: you have the best defense in the league against the worst offense. The Thunder are holding opponents to just 94.8 points per game, and Portland’s offense has been abysmal. Even though 105.5 isn’t a high number, this should be a 90s-style, low-scoring game."
Pick: Trail Blazers Team Total Under 105.5
Magic at Cavaliers
| Magic Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8 -110 | 216.5 -110o / -110u | +270 |
| Cavaliers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8 -110 | 216.5 -110o / -110u | -340 |
"Without Paolo Banchero, Orlando is severely weakened on the boards. Allen had monster games against the Magic in the playoffs, including 16 and 20 rebounds. He just dominated Anthony Davis, so I like him to control the glass again in this matchup."
Pick: Jarrett Allen Double Double (-115)
BUCKETS BONUS PARLAY:
Jarrett Allen Double Double
Cavaliers Moneyline
Karl-Anthony Towns over 21.5 points
Knicks Moneyline
"Karl-Anthony Towns 20+ Points, Knicks Moneyline, Jarrett Allen Double Double, Cavs Moneyline. We’re keeping it chalky, but it’s a solid setup. We just need wins from the favorites and our key player props to hit."
Parlay:+405 (bet365)
