Another week down as the NBA season continues to roll on. Many teams will be back in action on a jam-packed Friday night after a slow slate on Thursday. This is a chance for teams and fans to get a head start on the weekend.
When looking at the current slate, there are many good games that will be available to watch and place some wagers. Here are three bets near the top of the list that might work out around the NBA.
Sacramento Kings vs. Charlotte Hornets
The Kings have fallen back in the standings just like they were expected to. For the Hornets, it is important to win games they are expected to as they hope to make a run at the postseason. This is one of those games.
The Hornets will welcome the Kings to town in a game between two fast-paced teams. This is the reason the total is set so high at 228.5. Both sides have been trending towards going over a bit.
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Both LaMelo Ball and De’Aaron Fox have been playing well within the offense and setting their teammates up. Even in today’s NBA, this is a number that is high and all it takes is one stretch of cold shooting to get this pick rolling.
There is not a reliable side to take here.
The Kings have a chance to come away with a victory in this one and if so, they might need to play their style. The Hornets will try to speed it up in transition but this is a game that could get a bit ugly.
Pick: Under 228.5
Boston Celtics vs. Phoenix Suns
There is a clear side that is better than the other in this one. The Suns have been near the tip of the NBA since the opening week while the Celtics continue to struggle with inconsistencies. With Phoenix being home in this one, they will have to defend their territory.
Boston comes to town still searching for an identity. Injuries will play a part in this game right away. Jaylen Brown will continue to miss time for the Celtics while Devin Booker will also sit nursing a hamstring injury.
There might be some concern about the spread in this one but the Suns should remain reliable.
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Phoenix has lost just one game since Oct. 27. They are on an incredible run and still have plenty of firepower without Booker. This might make one think that this number should be a bit higher but the Celtics are a major-market team that always gets respect.
Do not be fooled by this one. The Suns will continue to roll and show that they are once again a title contender in the NBA.
Pick: Suns -5.5
New York Knicks vs. Toronto Raptors
This is a game between both teams that could desperately use a victory. The New York Knicks have struggled in recent weeks while the Raptors continue to search for answers. This will be a road game for the Knicks and they come in as a slight underdog.
This is telling of how bad the Knicks have been recently. The Raptors are going on two years of poor play and remain a slight favorite. The Knicks are coming off a blowout loss to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night and need to right the ship. Kemba Walker remains on the bench while inconsistencies hurt the team. RJ Barrett is impossible to predict while Julius Randle is not the start everyone thought.
With that being said, if the Knicks can put together a complete game, they could win this one. The Raptors are not going to outscore anyone and this could be a defensive game.
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This works in the Knicks’ favor, even though they have not been good defensively in recent weeks. New York is another team that will not outscore anyone right now and has to play in the low 100’s.
If this is the type of game that it becomes, the Knicks could steal one up in Canada. If they fall behind early, the Raptors might have an edge but that does not seem likely here.
