NBA Top Betting Games: Expert Picks for the Second Round of the Playoffs

Friday night brings NBA fans three exciting Game 3s from the first round of the playoffs. Milwaukee heads to Indiana with their series tied at a game apiece; Dallas welcomes the Clippers with their series also knotted up. Minnesota heads to Phoenix having won the first two games in their series at home. Let’s break down each of these matchups as you plan your NBA Top Betting Games for the weekend.

Must-See Matchups & Insights: NBA Top Betting Games for Your Wagers in April 26

Milwaukee Bucks at Indiana Pacers

When: 5:30 pm ET, ESPN
NBA Playoffs Odds: Bucks (+6.5) at Pacers (O/U 223.5)

The Bucks opened this series with a 109-94 victory that showed their ability to play lockdown defense. However, the Pacers figured out how to get through that D in Game 2 as they got the road win, 125-108. Milwaukee fans have to be concerned about the team’s offense. For the season, the Bucks finished fourth in team scoring and sixth in offensive rating, but things have gone south in April. In 10 games this month, the Bucks have only hit 115 points one time. Injuries to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, both of whom will miss Game 3, have a significant effect. The team also has Damian Lillard, who has gone over 30 points in both GAmes 1 and 2, but he can’t carry the team by himself. The rebounding needs to improve; for the season, the Bucks ranked just 26th in offensive rebounding percentage.

Indiana feasted on Milwaukee’s defense when they played the Bucks at home this season, scoring 126 and 142 points in their two meetings at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers were tops in the NBA in scoring and second in offensive rating. Their shooting in the playoffs are down, but the sample size is small, and Game 1 was a rough shooting night. One problem that the Indiana defense allowed the most shots within five feet of the basket. If the Bucks can attack the rim and knock down their midrange shots, they should be able to take advantage of a Pacers team that was 26th in defensive rebounding percentage, and they will also get to the free-throw line. But will they show the discipline to attack the rim on offense and grab offensive boards to stack up second-chance points?

L.A. Clippers at Dallas Mavericks

When: 8:00 pm ET, ESPN
NBA Playoffs Odds: Clippers (+4.5) at Mavericks (O/U 212.5)

The Clippers won the season series with Dallas, 3-2, and they dominated the first half of Game 1 of this playoff series, but since then, the Mavericks have controlled the pace in this playoff series. They were unable to come back from a sizable halftime deficit in Game 1, but they controlled the pace in Game 2, more of a defensive struggle. The Clippers did get Kawhi Leonard back for Game 2, but they ended up losing that matchup. He is questionable for Game 3 but is likely to play. Their shooting let them down in Game 2, and even if Leonard is limited, Hames Harden and Paul George are available and are shooting well.

The Mavericks have one of the best records in the NBA since the trade deadline, when they added P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford to make their interior as imposing as their perimeter, where Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving have been producing at an elite level. Tim Hardaway Jr is out for Game 3, but the Mavericks have a lot of other options when it comes to clutch shooting from downtown, including Dante Exum and Maxi Kleber. Doncic was locked in on defense in Game 2 after getting some criticism after Game 1, and I expect to see that intensity continue.

Minnesota Timberwolves at Phoenix Suns

When: 10:30 pm ET, ESPN
NBA Playoffs Odds: Timberwolves (+4.5) at Suns (O/U 207.5)

The Suns have won seven of their last 10 against Minnesota, but they have lost the last two, to open this playoff series. Those games have not been close, with the average margin of victory sitting at 18 ½ points. The Timberwolves got 25 points and eight boards from Jaden McDaniels in Game 2. Rudy Gobert put up 18 points and nine boards, and Mike Conley chipped in 18 points, four boards, and four assists. The Timberwolves’ defense only allowed 93 points to a Phoenix team that is built to score in bunches.

Phoenix rolled into the postseason with a three-game winning streak, but the Timberwolves have taken away that momentum. They averaged 115.7 points per game during the regular season, so that 93-point outing in Game 2 was a concerning outlier. Devin Booker led Phoenix with 20 points and five assists in the loss, and KD contributed 18 points and six boards. The other Sun to hit double figures was Eric Gordon (15). Their defense permits 113.2 points per game, so their offense needs to click for them to have a chance.

NBA Top Betting Games: A year after the Dallas Mavericks traded for Kyrie Irving, it looks like things are finally clicking. It also helped that the Mavs shored up the paint this season, bringing in P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford at the trade deadline, but Dallas now has a seven-game winning streak going. Irving scored 29 points and, perhaps most impressively, posted a +20 plus/minus for the game. Luka Doncic posted 41 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds as the Mavericks beat the Phoenix Suns on Thursday, 123-113, in their first game after the All-Star break. Let’s look at a couple of high-quality NBA betting picks from pro hoops for this coming weekend.

2024 NBA Top Betting Games for the Weekend – Week 17

Cleveland Cavaliers at Philadelphia 76ers

When: Friday, February 23, 7:30 pm ET, ESPN

The Cavaliers (36-17) head to Philadelphia in second place in the Eastern Conference, three slots ahead of the 76ers (32-22). Both teams look to bounce back on the second night of back-to-backs as the Cavaliers lost at home to Orlando, 116-109, on Thursday, and the 76ers lost at home to the Knicks, 110-96. The 76ers are still without Joel Embiid (knee) and need to figure out how to win without him. That wasn’t a problem in their last game before the All-Star break as Kelly Oubre Jr put up 24 points, as did the newest Sixer, Buddy Hield. Tyrese Maxey added 22 points and nine assists. With Embiid on the shelf for at least six more weeks, figuring out the new offensive rhythm is a must. Maxey is the team’s next-best scoring option, and he has averaged 25.7 points per game this season. He averages three made three-balls per game, and Hield joins him in the perimeter shooting corps, averaging 22.3 points per game over his four contests with Philadelphia. The paint becomes a problem for the 76ers as they have 6’9” Paul Reed starting at rim defender, and Mo Bamba has played some off the bench.

Cleveland won 10 of 11 going into the All-Star break – with that one loss coming against Philadelphia. Donovan Mitchell is having a career year in multiple ways, but the five-time All-Star needs help from the likes of Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley and Darius Garland to make an extended postseason run. Mitchell missed the loss to Orlando and is questionable for tonight’s game in Philadelphia. Darius Garland (18.2 points per game) would be the top scorer on the floor if Mitchell has to miss again. Evan Mobley (15.8 points, 10.2 rebounds per game) and Jarrett Allen (15.6 points, 10.6 rebounds per game) both average double-doubles and should be able to feast in the paint with Embiid out. The Cavaliers already rank second in defensive efficiency, and with their advantage in the paint, they should be able to control this game. Cavaliers to win.

Milwaukee Bucks at Minnesota Timberwolves

When: Friday, February 23, 10:00 pm ET, ESPN

We have a possible NBA Finals preview when the Milwaukee Bucks (35-21) take on the Minnesota Timberwolves (39-16). The Bucks need to figure out their defensive problems as changing head coaches to Doc Rivers has not yet brought positive change. They lost in Memphis going into the All-Star break and have slid to third in the East, 8 ½ games behind Boston for the conference lead and just 4 ½ games ahead of Miami and Orlando for the last guaranteed slot in the playoffs. The Bucks gave up a key 12-1 run with 3:29 left in regulation and were down by nine with 49.1 seconds left. They shot 46.7% from the floor but clanked 33 of their 44 three-point attempts while allowing Memphis to shoot 53% overall, wasting a 35-point night from Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Timberwolves headed into the break on a four-game winning streak after rolling over Portland on the second night of a road back-to-back. That gave them a 1 ½-game lead over Oklahoma City in the Northwest Division and the Western Conference as a whole. Minnesota took control in the first quarter, putting together a 44-14 margin within the game’s first 12 minutes, and Portland never got closer than nine after that. The Timberwolves shot 51.7% overall from the floor and made 11 of 30 from downtown. They also outrebounded the Trail Blazers, 52-35. Can the Bucks deal with this team? Timberwolves to win and cover.

NBA Betting: Best Games to Win this Weekend with Hawks at 76ers and Nuggets at Kings

The Dallas Mavericks have been busy at the trade deadline, scurrying to assemble the right pieces around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, as the team’s hot start has seen a downturn. Irving had to miss extended time early in the season, and with injuries to rookie center Dereck Lively II, the paint has been a problem for the Mavericks. Deals for center Daniel Gafford from Washington and forward P.J. Washington from Charlotte cost the team reserve center Richaun Holmes, forward Grant Williams and guard Seth Curry. As we head into the weekend, many teams will look to build chemistry with their newest teammates. Check out our NBA Top Betting Games picks from pro hoops.

Atlanta Hawks at Philadelphia 76ers

When: Friday, February 9, 7:00 pm ET, NBA TV

Both Atlanta (22-29) and Philadelphia (30-20) enter Friday’s game looking to end losing streaks. The 76ers have dropped seven of ten and are now in fifth in the East, 2 ½ games behind Milwaukee and New York. They lost their third straight game when Golden State came to town and blew them out, sending them to a 4-12 mark this season when Embiid is on the shelf. Against the Warriors, Ricky Council IV led the team with 17 points, but the team clanked 24 of their 32 three-point attempts. Tyrese Maxey had just a dozen points and has only managed 50 points combined in three games since his 51-point outburst against Utah last week.

The Hawks lost to the league’s best team on Wednesday, falling to Boston by eight despite 25 points from Saddiq Bey and a 20-10 night from guard Trae Young. Jalen Johnson and Onykea Okongwu chipped in 19 points apiece. The Celtics just could not miss, shooting 52% overall from the floor and nailing 17 of 49 from downtown. In the fourth quarter, the team went 9 of 16 to ice the game. The Hawks only made four of 17 three-point attempts in the second half, and center Clint Capela (hip) missed his second game in a row. The Hawks are just 28th in the NBA in defensive rating, and the 76ers could feast – if they can get a scorer. With the 76ers going through several possible trades today, their roster will be in flux. Hawks to cover.

Denver Nuggets at Sacramento Kings

When: Friday, February 9, 10:00 pm ET

The Nuggets (35-16) continue their road trip on Friday in Sacramento after facing the Lakers on Thursday night. The Kings (29-21) will host Denver looking to bounce back from a 133-120 home loss to the Detroit Pistons. In that loss, the Kings had a five-point lead after the first quarter but allowed 39 points in the second and went into the locker room at the half down, 70-63. The Kings went back up by the end of the third but were outscored by 15 in the fourth in the loss, wasting a 30-12 night from Domantas Sabonis and double-digit scoring nights from Kevin Huerter (16), De’Aaron Fox (12) – and a 23-10 night from Malik Monk.

The Nuggets stopped Portland on Sunday, 112-103, behind 29 points from Nikola Jokic, and 21 points and 10 boards from Jamal Murray. Michael Porter Jr, Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson all chipped in a dozen points, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope contributed 11. The Nuggets’ defense allows 110.6 points per game, good for third in the league. They score 114.8 points per game and shoot 49.4% overall from the floor. Their offensive rating (118.9) is eighth in the league. Denver does come in on the back of a back-to-back in this game, but Sacramento has a porous defense, and the Nuggets have a lot more weapons than the Pistons do. Nuggets to cover.

2024 NBA Top Betting Games for the Weekend – Week 15

The NBA has seen historic scoring performances at an unprecedented rate this season. In just the last two weeks, Luka Doncic has put up 73 points, Joel Embiid has hit 70, and Karl-Anthony Towns and Devin Booker have each posted 62. Even so, the league’s scoring average is just slightly ahead of where it was last year, just an increase of 0.78% over the 2022-23 season. The scoring does seem unusual: two players had not scored at least 60 points on the same day since April 1978, but it happened twice last week as Embiid and Towns went off on January 22, while Booker and Doncic hit the jackpot four days later. NBA executive vice present and head of basketball operations Joe Dumars attributes it to the game’s pace and the number of three-point shots players are taking in today’s game. As we head into the weekend, don’t forget to check out our NBA Top Betting Games and picks from pro hoops.

Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets

When: Friday, February 2, 9:00 pm ETC

These Western Conference teams begin their four-game regular-season series on Friday night; the Nuggets (33-16) have won the last three meetings straight up while the Trail Blazers (15-33) have a six-game losing streak against the spread in Denver. Don’t sleep on the Trail Blazers, though, as they have a three-game winning streak going, including a 130-104 rout of the Philadelphia 76ers and a 119-116 upset of the Milwaukee Bucks, winning straight up as 10 ½-point home underdogs. Portland shot 53.3% overall and went 12 of 28 from behind the arc while also winning the inside scoring battle by 10. Six different Trail Blazers scored in double figures, led by 24 from Anfernee Simmons, who nailed four three-balls all by himself. Portland is still 8 ½ games out of tenth in the West, and their offensive rating (109.1 points per 100 possessions) is still second-worst in the NBA, but things may be improving.

The Nuggets have split their last four games, beating the 76ers and the Bucks at home while losing in New York and Oklahoma City. Their loss to the Thunder came on Wednesday in 105-100 fashion as they covered as six-point underdogs despite missing Nikola Jokic (back). Denver’s leading scorer was Aaron Gordon, who had 16 points, 13 boards, seven assists, and four blocks. Even so, they’re still just 1 ½ games out of the top seed in the West, and their offensive efficiency (118.5 points per 100 possession) ranks eighth in the league. Jokic remains questionable for Friday’s game, so you’ll want to check the latest injury updates before you lock in your wager. If Jokic can’t go, I like Portland to cover.

Los Angeles Lakers at New York Knicks

When: Saturday, February 3, 8:30 pm ET, ABC

The Lakers knocked off Boston on the road on Thursday, 114-105, despite playing without LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Guard Austin Reaves went off for 32 points in 35 minutes, but he was just one of six Lakers in double figures. Jaxson Hayes had 16 points and 10 boards, and D’Angelo Russell had 16 points and 14 assists. The Lakers turned things on last year in the playoffs, rolling from the play-in tournament to the Western Conference Finals, and they might have to do the same thing this year as they are just ninth in the West right now at 25-25.

The Knicks won on Thursday, edging the Indiana Pacers, 109-105, behind 40 points from Jalen Brunson. The trade for OG Anunoby appears to have paid off, as the Knicks now have a nine-game winning streak and occupy third place in the East. Two games ago, the Knicks took down Utah and got 33 points out of Donte DiVincenzo. The Knicks did get some bad news on the injury front as Anunoby is questionable (elbow). Also, Julius Randle (shoulder) is likely to be on the shelf for several weeks. Brunson has picked up the slack averaging 26.8 points per season but putting up 29 or more points in his last three games while shooting 42.2% from downtown. Knicks to cover.

2024 NBA Top Betting Games for the Weekend – Week 14

The Denver Nuggets got undressed by the New York Knicks on Thursday, 112-84, at Madison Square Garden. Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic showed up for the Nuggets, putting up 31 points and 11 rebounds. The Joker went 13 of 18 from the floor despite getting poked in the eye by Donte DiVincenzo. Jokic was able to finish the game, but his eye was red after the poke and is questionable for Saturday night’s showdown with Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. Let’s take a look at the NBA Top Betting Games for your best sports betting choices including the Clippers’ visit to Boston to take on the Celtics.

Philadelphia 76ers at Denver Nuggets

When: Saturday, January 27, 5:30 pm ET, ABC
NBA Odds: Nuggets -4.5 / OU 229

The 76ers also come into Saturday off a loss after falling to the Indiana Pacers, 134-122, on Thursday despite 31 points from Joel Embiid. Over their last 10 games, both teams have gone just 6-4. The 76ers have lost Embiid to an ankle injury during that time period, but the Nuggets have kept Nikola Jokic healthy – except for that aforementioned eye poke. Both teams are dropping off a bit on offense; over their last 10 games, the Nuggets’ scoring average has dropped by 1.4 points; the 76ers’ output has dropped by 2.7 points per game over that same time span.

After Jokic, the Nuggets’ other double-digit scorers are Jamal Murray (21.3), Michael Porter Jr (16.1) and Aaron Gordon (13.6). Porter grabs 7.0 rebounds per game, while Murray dishes out 6.5 assists on average. Jokic is the team leader in both boards (12.0) and assists (9.1) per game as the offense consistently runs through him. For the 76ers, Tyrese Maxey has emerged as the second-biggest scoring threat after Embiid (25.8 points per game). Kelly Oubre Jr (12.7) is the other double-digit scorer for Philadelphia. Maxey is the team’s assist leader with 6.7 per night. It’s hard to imagine Jokic missing a matchup with Embiid unless he absolutely has to, but check that injury report before locking in. If Jokic can play, I see the Nuggets bouncing back at home, and taking advantage of that high-altitude home court edge. Nuggets to cover.

L.A. Clippers at Boston Celtics

When: Saturday, January 27, 7:00 pm ET
NBA Odds: Celtics -7.5 / OU 232.5

The Clippers have won 11 of their last 13 as they prepare to take on the Toronto Raptors on Friday night. That will send them into the TD Garden on the second night of a back-to-back. The Clippers dusted the Lakers, 127-116, on Wednesday night before setting out for their East Coast swing. Kawhil Leonard had his second career triple-double, putting up 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. James Harden added 23 points and 10 assists. When the Clippers played the Celtics in L.A., the Celtics rolled to a 145-108 laugher. The Clippers’ offense is ninth in scoring, fifth in overall field goal percentage, and first in three-point percentage. They rank tenth in scoring defense and eighth in field goal percentage permitted, but they are just 23rd in rebounding, which can turn into a major liability.

Boston just finished a three-game road swing by sweeping Houston, Dallas, and Miami, torching the Heat, 143-110, to end the trip. In that game, the C’s made 22 three-pointers and set a franchise record for points in a game against the Heat. They shot 64% on the night and outrebounded Miami, 47-31. Jayson Tatum led Boston with 26 points, and Kristaps Porzingis added 19. However, Porzingis sprained his ankle and missed most of the second half. He is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game, so you’ll want to check out the latest injury report before you lock in your wager. The Celtics’ 35-10 record is the best in the league; their scoring offense ranks fourth, and they lead the league in three-point field goals made per contest. Their scoring defense is fifth, and their field goal percentage permitted is third. They also rank third in rebounds per game. With a 20-1 home record, the Celtics have made the TD Garden an intimidating place to play. Celtics to win and cover.

2024 NBA Top Betting Games for the Weekend – Week 13

One of the first big NBA trades of 2024 went down on Wednesday as the Indiana Pacers got All-Star forward Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors as part of a three-way deal. The Raptors got Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora and three first-round draft picks from Indiana, along with Kira Lewis Jr from New Orleans via Indiana. The Pelicans also sent a 2024 second-round pick to Indiana. Two of the first-round picks that Toronto picked up are for the 2024 draft, and the third is for 2026. Can Siakam jump-start the Pacers by helping them control the paint? We will see. In the meantime, check out our basketball betting picks for the NBA Top Betting Games this coming weekend.

Philadelphia 76ers at Charlotte Hornets

When: Saturday, January 20, 7:00 pm ET

The 76ers (26-13) are in third place in the East and continue their road trip in Charlotte on Saturday in what will be the back end of a back-to-back for both clubs. The 76ers have a three-game winning streak going into their Friday night date with the Orlando Magic thanks to the return of Joel Embiid from injury. He has broken the 40-point barrier twice in this streak and is averaging more than 37 points per night since his return, including a 41-point game in the 76ers’ win over the Denver Nuggets. The team’s offense is sixth in scoring in the league, 12th in three-point shooting and 13th in overall field goal percentage. Their scoring defense ranks ninth, and they are seventh in overall field goal defense and first in three-point shooting defense.

The Hornets (8-30) will take on San Antonio on Friday night in a dreadful stretch, having lost 16 of 17. All-Star guard LaMelo Ball has returned from injury, but that has not ended the drought as the team’s losing streak currently sits at six. Ball was on the shelf for more than six weeks with an ankle injury, and his 24.5 points per night should be a welcome addition, but the team is 0-3 since he came back. The Hornets’ offense is struggling, ranked just 28th in field goal shooting and scoring, and 20th in three-point shooting percentage. Their defense isn’t much better, ranked 27th in field goal defense and dead last in three-point field goal defense. Their ball security is also a problem as they rank 19th in turnovers per game. Philadelphia to win and cover.

Oklahoma City Thunder at Minnesota Timberwolves

When: Saturday, January 20, 8:00 pm ET

If you’re not used to reading about these two teams as elite West contenders, you’re not the only one. Even so, the Thunder (28-13) and the Timberwolves (30-11) have stayed near the top of the standings, and they have split their previous two meetings this season. The Thunder lost to both tenants of the Staples Center, falling to the Lakers by seven and the Clippers by 11, but they bounced back with a 134-129 win in Utah on Thursday. Despite the high altitude in Salt Lake City, the Thunder shot extremely well, making 55.8% of their shots overall and going 14 of 32 from downtown. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put up 31 points and six assists, Jalen Williams added 27 points and eight assists, and Josh Giddey had 20 points, 10 boards and six assists. The Thunder offense ranks third in adjusted efficiency, scoring 121.3 points per 100 possessions, while their defense ranks seventh in the same metric (113.2).

The Timberwolves ride a four-game winning streak into Saturday’s game, with home wins over Portland, the Clippers and Memphis, as well as a seven-point win in Detroit. They played the Grizzlies on Thursday, covering as 12 ½-point favorites and outscoring the Grizzlies by 14 in the paint. The Timberwolves went 12 of 28 from downtown and shot 55% overall. Anthony Edwards was the top scorer with 28 points, and Mike Conley had the double-double with 17 points and ten assists. Rudy Gobert chipped in 17 points, 10 boards and six blocks. Right now, the Timberwolves lead the West, two games ahead of the Thunder. In their last ten meetings, Minnesota has an 8-2 straight record against the Thunder, going 6-3-1 against the spread. Timberwolves to win and cover.

2024 NBA Top Betting Games for the Weekend – Week 12

The Oklahoma City Thunder are rounding into form as an elite team, and the latest sign of their arrival was the 139-77 shellacking they dealt Portland on Thursday. It was the biggest margin of victory in franchise history, smashing the previous record of 45, which the team actually set twice during the 2012-2013 season. The 62-point win was the fifth-largest victory in league history. Jalen Williams put up 21 points, Chet Holmgren chipped in 19, and Josh Giddey had his ninth triple-double with 13 points, 12 assists and 10 boards. He went 5 for 5 from the floor and 3 for 3 from the charity stripe, becoming the youngest player ever to have a triple-double and shoot 100% in an NBA game. As a team, the Thunder shot 57% from the floor – and this game came on the second night of a back-to-back with the team getting home at 3:00 am the morning of the game. Going into the NBA Top Betting Games, let’s break down some quality sports betting picks from the Association.  

Golden State Warriors at Chicago Bulls

NBA Odds: Warriors (+3.5) at Bulls (O/U 228.5)
When: Friday, January 12, 8:00 pm ET

The Warriors (17-20) are really struggling at this point, heading on the road after getting routed twice to finish a 2-5 homestand. They lost to New Orleans, 141-105, at home on Wednesday and are now in last place in the Pacific Division and 12th place in the West, 1 ½ games behind Houston for the last play-in slot. Moses Moody came off the bench to lead the Warriors with 21 points in what was a dreadful night all the way around. The team is still tenth in the league in scoring (116.8 points per game) and third in rebounding, but their defense ranks 22nd in scoring permitted (117.6). Stephen Curry is the top scorer with 26.7 points per game, while Andrew Wiggins chips in 11.7. When Draymond Green returns from his extended suspension, the team will be glad to see his 9.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game back in the lineup. Klay Thompson (17.1) is another key scoring contributor.

The Bulls (18-21) have a three-game winning streak going as they prepare to face the Warriors. They are fourth in the Central Division and ninth in the East. Their most recent win came in 124-119 fashion over the Houston Rockets, who came back from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to force overtime. The Bulls actually trailed by five with 2:50 left in the extra session but ran off a 10-0 run to finish the game. Coby White was the top scorer for Chicago with 30 points and eight assists. The Bulls are one of the more grinding offenses, ranking just 27th and scoring 109.7 points per night. Their scoring defense ranks eighth as they permit 111.7 points per game. DeMar DeRozan is the top scorer with 22 points per night, and Zach LaVine (20.3) is right behind him. The Bulls are playing well right now, while the Warriors are still looking for confidence. Bulls to win and cover.

New Orleans Pelicans at Denver Nuggets

NBA Odds: Pelicans (+8.5) at Nuggets (O/U 228.5)
When: Friday, January 12, 10:00 pm ET, ESPN

New Orleans has risen to sixth place in the West, currently winners of six of seven and holding a 23-15 record. They started their West Coast swing with routs of Sacramento (by 33) and Golden State (by 36). In that win over the Warriors, Jonas Valanciunas controlled the paint, putting up 21 points and grabbing nine rebounds – with 15 of those points coming in the third quarter. The Pelicans shot better overall (57% to 44%), better from behind the arc (48% to 31%) and won the rebounding battle (47-43). Brandon Ingram has been the team’s top scorer with 22.0 points per game, and Valanciunas adds 14.2 points and 9.7 boards, along with 1.2 blocks per game. Ingram (Achilles) is questionable for Friday, along with Zion Williamson (quad) and CJ McCollum (ankle).

The Nuggets (26-13) are playing well in defense of last year’s NBA title, sitting in third in the West. They have dropped two of their last three, falling to Orlando by two before beating Detroit by 17 and then losing to Utah, 124-111 despite being a 6 ½-point road favorite. Both teams shot 39.4% from behind the arc, but Utah got six more rebounds and shot 55% overall while the Nuggets shot just 46% on the night. On the season, Nikola Jokic once again leads the team in scoring (25.5 points per game), rebounding (11.8), assists (9.2) and blocks (0.9). Jamal Murray runs the point and scores 20.5 points per night. While I expect the Nuggets to win, this is a big spread given their recent struggles and the big offense that the Pelicans have been putting up. Pelicans to cover.