This Friday, we’re treated to a lineup of intriguing matchups. We’ve handpicked two standout games to examine, including a potential conference final matchup. Stay tuned as we break down the action.
Friday’s Best NBA Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (-9) | O/U 223.5 (-112/-108)
The Bucks will play their first game since winning the NBA Cup, and they must be ready to see everyone’s best each night. They have been hot, winning 11 of their last 13 games, including the NBA Cup final. While the offense has been their driving force, the defense helped them against OKC. They held the Thunder to only 33.7% from the floor and 15% from three.
While 97 points isn’t their best offensive effort, Giannis Antetokounmpo had his. He again led the team in points, rebounds, and assists with an accompanying triple-double. Antetokounmpo could have a massive game with Damien Lillard out with a calf strain.
Winning the NBA Cup is great, but now they must focus on the real goal. Their opponent looks like the favorite to win the championship in June. The Cavaliers have the best offense, leading the league in points and offensive efficiency. They move fast with the seventh-best offensive pace of play and like to make minimal passes before attempting to score.
Milwaukee allows their opponents to have quick possessions, which could result in extra ones for each team and many points. This could be an entertaining and high-scoring game.
Pick: Over 223.5 (-112)
Oklahoma City Thunder (-1) vs. Miami Heat | O/U 215 (-110/-110)
After that tough loss, OKC bounced back and won against Orlando. Despite that dreadful performance in Las Vegas, this is still one of the best teams in the league.
They are leading in adjusted net rating, and although they didn’t play well offensively, they still held an Antetokounmpo and Lillard-led offense to under 100 points.
Miami has many questions about how this team will look in the future. Rumours are the Heat have begun listening to teams interested in Jimmy Butler. This is an excellent defensive lineup, and we just saw them go on a four-game winning streak, beating teams like Cleveland and Phoenix. However, they just suffered a bad loss to the Pistons in overtime.
The Heat continues to play to their competition, whether good or bad. They are also well rested, having not played since Monday, with the Thunder having to play three games in four days. It’s shocking to see the spread as basically a pick ’em’, but Miami can pull off this win.
Pick: Heat Moneyline (-110)
