The NBA is back, and we have a full slate of games. We’re going to highlight a couple you pay attention to.
Friday’s Best NBA Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Brooklyn Nets at Orlando Magic (-12) | O/U 216 (-110/-110)
The Magic got an easy win against the Heat in their season opener. Part of that is because Miami doesn’t look like a good team, but the Magic’s emergence last year is also carrying over.
This core of young stars looked great; Paolo Banchero scored 33, Franz Wagner 23, and Wendall Carter Jr. had 14 rebounds. The bench was also great, with Cole Anthony having six assists and Gary Harris having 18 points in 22 minutes.
Brooklyn’s expectations aren’t high, but they have pieces. Cam Thomas scored 36 against Atlanta and will need to come close to give the Nets a shot at winning any night. Nic Claxton was disappointing the first night, but he averages nearly a double-double every season, which is essential to their frontcourt. They also have Bojan Bogdanovic off the bench, who is currently injured.
The defense is what will help Orlando each night. This is too high of a spread to take this early, so side with the Under.
Pick: Under 216 Total Points (-110)
Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers (-2) | O/U 228.5 (-110/-110)
The Suns took the first game in the Intuit Dome as they beat the Clippers in overtime. We see what makes this team good enough to make a run: the ability to elevate others and step up when needed.
Devin Booker made an early exit when he fouled out in the fourth quarter; this forced Kevin Durant to take over and finish with 25 points. The role players they’ve gathered also did their part; Tyus Jones finished with eight assists, and Jusuf Nurkic had nine rebounds. This is looking like a balanced offensive lineup.
The Lakers made history with the first father and son to share the court, but more importantly, they won against the Timberwolves.
If the Lakers are going to be a playoff contender, they need Anthony Davis on the court as much as possible. He was the star of Game 1, scoring 36 points and 16 rebounds, and when he’s on, he is the most dominant player on the floor. Overall, the starting five played well in that game, scoring double digits.
Each team has scoring options, and we won’t see much defense.
Pick: Over 228.5 Total Points (-110)
