Friday night brings us a loaded 10-game NBA slate to get after. In about a week from now, we will be getting ready for the play-in tournament, but there is still a lot on the line, so games this weekend carry massive importance. Tonight’s odds are powered by PointsBet.
Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls (+4) Total: 222
The Celtics need to string together some wins so they can stay out of the play-in tournament, while the Bulls have an outside chance at making the play-in tournament. However, I see Chicago’s season likely ending before the playoffs.
Boston has won three of its last four games, but will be without star shooting guard Jaylen Brown tonight. The Celtics are in a tough spot, and it’s become difficult to back them when they are on the road without key players. The Total in this game opened at 223.5 and that number is now sitting at 222 at most shops. The Under has cashed in their previous two meetings this season.
Edge Finder Tip: The Celtics are 6-10 ATS as road favorites this season.
Edge: Under 222
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Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz (+4) Total: 216.5
Utah and Denver, which have split their two previous matchups this season, get set for a divisional clash tonight in Salt Lake City. The Nuggets will have most of their players available, while the Jazz will be without Mike Conley.
This game opened with the Jazz as a 2.5-point home favorite, but the line has steamed up to 4 points. It’s worth noting that Utah is 8-8 ATS since the All-Star break as a home favorite. These two teams played some classic games in the bubble last season and I think tonight’s game will have a playoff intensity. This could very well be a preview of a second-round playoff series in the Western Conference. In a game like this, I want to be on the book’s side, so I’m going to fade the public and back the Nuggets.
Edge: Nuggets +4
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New York Knicks vs. Phoenix Suns (-7) Total: 217.5
The Knicks play their fourth-straight road game tonight when they visit the Suns. When these teams met in New York last week the Suns scored an eight-point victory. Phoenix is currently one game behind Utah for the top seed in the West, while New York still needs a strong finish to secure the fourth spot in the East. The Knicks are 15-8 ATS as road underdogs this season, displaying just how tough they have been all season. I think they will give the Suns a fight, but will ultimately lose the game while covering the spread.
Edge: Knicks +7
San Antonio Spurs vs. Sacramento Kings (+5) Total: 225
The Spurs and Kings are teams going in different directions as the season winds down. San Antonio has lost five straight games, while Sacramento has won four in a row and is now just 2.5 games behind the Spurs for the final spot in the play-in tournament. I want to back the Kings in this spot, but injuries could be a problem for them tonight with Tyrese Haliburton out and Harrison Barnes listed as questionable. However, the Spurs are 8-3-1 ATS as a road favorite this season, so I’m laying the points.
Edge: Spurs -5
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers (-8) Total: 221.5
The Lakers enter tonight’s game in need of a win. Anthony Davis is questionable and LeBron James continues to nurse his injury. The Lakers have lost four of their last five games and are in danger of dropping to the seventh seed in the West. The team that would move up to the sixth seed would be the Blazers. It’s obvious how important tonight’s game is for both teams.
Portland returns home after going 5-1 SU and ATS on a season-saving road trip. The Blazers are 8-13 ATS on the season as home favorites so I can see them beating the Lakers. Still, there is just no way I can back them against the number. This game will be played as if it’s a playoff game so the Under has a good chance to hit.
Edge: Under 221.5
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