NBA Expert Picks and Best Bets | Jan 19

In the world of NBA sports betting, Friday night promises an exciting lineup of games that basketball enthusiasts and bettors alike won't want to miss. As the hardwood action unfolds, three matchups stand out as prime opportunities for making informed wagers.

First up, the Philadelphia 76ers (26-13) will take on the Orlando Magic (22-19) at the Kia Center in Orlando, FL. The 76ers, fresh off an impressive victory over the Nuggets, are looking to continue their winning ways, led by the dominant Joel Embiid. Meanwhile, the Magic aim to bounce back from a narrow defeat against the Hawks, with Paolo Banchero leading the charge.

Next, the Denver Nuggets (28-14) will clash with the Boston Celtics (32-9) at TD Garden in Boston, MA. The Nuggets, featuring the versatile Nikola Jokic, seek redemption following a close loss to the 76ers. The Celtics, riding high on their strong performance against the Spurs, will look to maintain their winning streak on home turf.

Last but not least, the Brooklyn Nets (16-24) face the Los Angeles Lakers (21-21) at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. The Nets, despite their record, have offensive firepower, while the Lakers are riding momentum from a convincing victory over the Mavericks, led by D'Angelo Russell.

In this NBA sports betting preview, we'll delve into each matchup, analyze recent team performances, key player contributions, and odds to provide insights into which teams have the potential to cover the spread and secure victory. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or a casual fan, these games offer exciting opportunities to engage with the NBA action and potentially make profitable wagers.

76ers -5 | -108 at FanDuel

In Friday night's NBA showdown, the Philadelphia 76ers (26-13) will face off against the Orlando Magic (22-19) at the Kia Center in Orlando, FL. The 76ers are coming off an impressive 126-121 victory against the Nuggets, showcasing their offensive prowess led by Joel Embiid, who had a phenomenal 41-point performance. With a 26-13 record, the 76ers are eager to continue their winning ways.

On the other hand, the Orlando Magic recently suffered a narrow 106-104 defeat against the Hawks, despite Paolo Banchero's 26-point contribution. The Magic, with a 22-19 record, will aim to bounce back in front of their home crowd.

FanDuel has set the point spread at -5 in favor of the 76ers, indicating oddsmakers' confidence in their ability to secure a victory with a margin exceeding five points. The 76ers, known for their efficient offense and defensive prowess, have the potential to cover the spread against the Magic.

Considering the 76ers' recent form and their dynamic duo of Joel Embiid and strong supporting cast, they are well-positioned to cover the -5 spread. While the Magic have shown resilience this season, they may face a tough challenge against the formidable 76ers.

As the game unfolds, individual player performances and team dynamics will play a crucial role. However, the odds suggest that the 76ers are favored not only to win but also to cover the spread with a margin surpassing five points. Bettors should keep a close eye on this matchup, as the 76ers aim for another convincing victory on the road.

Celtics -5.5 | -105 at BetMGM

In a highly anticipated clash, the Denver Nuggets (28-14) will take on the Boston Celtics (32-9) at TD Garden in Boston, MA, on Friday night. The Nuggets are coming off a narrow 126-121 loss to the 76ers, where Nikola Jokic's 25-point, 19-rebound performance wasn't enough to secure a win. With a 28-14 record, Denver is determined to get back on track.

On the other hand, the Boston Celtics are riding high after a convincing 117-98 victory over the Spurs, with Jayson Tatum leading the way with 24 points. The Celtics boast an impressive 32-9 record and will aim to continue their winning streak on their home court.

BetMGM has set the point spread at -5.5 in favor of the Celtics, suggesting that oddsmakers expect them to secure a victory with a margin exceeding 5.5 points. The Celtics, with their strong offensive and defensive capabilities, are well-positioned to cover the spread against the Nuggets.

Considering the Celtics' recent form and their home-court advantage, they have the potential to cover the -5.5 spread. However, the Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic, are a formidable team capable of keeping the game competitive.

As the game unfolds, individual player performances and team dynamics will play a crucial role. The odds indicate that the Celtics are favored not only to win but also to cover the spread with a margin surpassing 5.5 points. Bettors should closely follow this matchup, as both teams strive for victory in what promises to be an exciting showdown at TD Garden.

Lakers -6.5 | -110 at DraftKings

In a marquee matchup, the Brooklyn Nets (16-24) will face off against the Los Angeles Lakers (21-21) at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA, on Friday night. The Nets are coming off a narrow 105-103 loss to the Trail Blazers, where Mikal Bridges' 21-point performance couldn't secure a win. With a 16-24 record, the Nets are looking to bounce back.

On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers are riding high after a convincing 127-110 victory over the Mavericks, with D'Angelo Russell leading the way with 29 points. The Lakers have a 21-21 record and will aim to build on their momentum.

DraftKings has set the point spread at -6.5 in favor of the Lakers, indicating that oddsmakers expect them to win by a margin exceeding 6.5 points. The Lakers, with their strong offensive capabilities, are well-positioned to cover the spread against the struggling Nets.

Considering the Lakers' recent form and their home-court advantage, they have the potential to cover the -6.5 spread. However, the Nets, despite their record, possess offensive firepower and should not be underestimated.

As the game unfolds, individual player performances and team dynamics will play a significant role. The odds suggest that the Lakers are favored not only to win but also to cover the spread with a margin surpassing 6.5 points. Bettors should closely follow this matchup, as both teams aim to secure victory in what promises to be an exciting clash at Crypto.com Arena.