It’s been a long time since we’ve read positive news about Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons, but that changed on Thursday, as he had 15 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists in 32 minutes of a 109-107 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Simmons had played well on Tuesday, but the Nets were routed by the Sacramento Kings. By adding a commitment to attacking the rim to his game, Simmons jump-started the Nets’ offense, and even when Portland decided to foul Simmons on purpose because of questions about his free-throw shooting ability, he answered those questions by making 3 of 4 from the charity stripe down the stretch. A rejuvenated Simmons would make the Nets (currently in 12th in the East) more likely contenders as the season goes by. Let’s take a look at two matchups you should add to your NBA betting for Friday night.
NBA News: Top Betting Games for the Weekend
→ Friday, November 18
Boston Celtics (-2.5) at New Orleans Pelicans (O/U 230.5)
(8:30 pm ET)
Boston (12-3) looks to win five in a row away from the TD Garden as they visit the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans to take on the Pelicans (9-6). Boston routed Atlanta, 126-101, in a pick’em game, while the Pelicans just beat Chicago, 124-110, having gone in as 1 ½-point favorites. The teams have split their last ten meetings. Boston has won eight games in a row overall, putting up 120.4 points per game on the season. They are shooting 54.5% overall from the floor and 45.7% from behind the three-point arc. In the win over Atlanta, Jaylen Brown led the team with 22 points and grabbed five rebounds. Jayson Tatum had 19 points, seven boards and eight assists, and Grant Williams chipped in 18 points and one rebound. Defense has been a challenge for the Celtics, as they permit 113.3 points per game. However, limiting the Hawks to just 101 was a positive sign.
The Pelicans have a winning streak going as well, looking to make it four in a row on Friday night. The Pelicans are putting up 116.7 points per game, shooting 50.6% overall from the floor – and a red-hot 51.5% of their shots from downtown. Against the Bulls, C.J. McCollum was the Pelicans’ top scorer with 23 points, and he added eight assists and four rebounds. Jonas Valanciunas dominated the paint, putting up 22 points, seven boards and two assists. Trey Murphy III had the double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Zion Williamson (foot contusion) has missed the last two games and is questionable for the Celtics game. However, the team has been rolling without him. Even so, I like Boston to continue their dominant style. Boston to win and cover.
Phoenix Suns (-2) at Utah Jazz (O/U 228.5)
(9:00 pm ET)
The Suns (9-5) head to the thin air of Salt Lake City, looking to make it two wins in a row after knocking off Golden State, 130-119, on Wednesday despite being 2 ½-point underdogs. Cameron Johnson (knee) will miss Friday’s game, while Chris Paul (heel) is questionable. On Wednesday, Cameron Payne led Phoenix with 29 points and seven assists, going 6 of 10 from behind the arc. Devin Booker added 27 points, nine assists and three blocks, and Mikal Bridges posted 23 points, nine boards and nine assists – and a +23 net rating. Phoenix currently ranks fourth in 116.3 points per 100 possessions. On defense, they are also fourth, permitting just 109.7 points per 100 possessions.
Utah (10-6) has lost three in a row, including a 118-111 home loss to the New York Knicks on Tuesday, despite entering as four-point favorites. The Jazz turned the ball over 21 times while shooting just 32.6% from three-point land, clanking 29 of 43 shots from distance. Kelly Olynyk led the Jazz with 27 points and 11 rebounds in just 29 minutes. Jordan Clarkson added 15 points and five assists, and Lauri Markkanen contributed 13 points, six boards and four assists. Utah scores 114.9 points per 100 possessions, seventh overall, but they are ranked just 15th on defense, permitting 113.1 points per 100 possessions. The Jazz will need to shore up that defense to slow down the Suns. Phoenix to win and cover.
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