The weekend is here and it begins with a full slate of NBA on Friday night. This is one of the best days of the week when looking for some big-time action on the basketball court.
The Golden State Warriors are back in action after taking care of business in Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. They will travel to Boston to take on the Celtics. This is one of the top games of the night when looking at games to place a wager on. Here are three solid options to keep an eye on heading into the night.
Golden State Warriors vs. Boston Celtics
It has been three days since Steph Curry became the NBA’s all-time three-point king. Now, the season for the Warriors can continue as they are one of the best teams in the league. While Klay Thompson might not return until after the holidays, the season is still looking all the way up for Golden State.
The Warriors are a slight favorite as they travel across the country to take on the Celtics. This is an inconsistent team in Boston and now they will face the team that allows the fewest points in the league. The Warriors have been strong defensively led by Draymond Green. They have it working on both ends and it might be difficult for the Celtics to keep up.
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Even with Jaylen Brown back in the lineup, the Celtics do not seem complete. They are 7-4 at home this season but just 14-13-1 against the spread. They are still gaining some respect as a slight underdog here at home. At this point of the season, the Celtics should struggle to keep up with Golden State. They might improve as the year goes on but we are not there yet.
Golden State has not played since Tuesday and will look to keep pace with the Phoenix Suns at the top of the Western Conference. This is a small spread but should be a comfortable win.
Pick: Warriors -2.5
San Antonio Spurs vs. Utah Jazz
The Jazz are on an eight-game win streak looking to make it nine against a struggling Spurs’ team at home. Coming off the last outing for San Antonio, it is hard to believe in them on the road here.
The Spurs allowed 131 points to the Charlotte Hornets in their previous game. Over the last three games, the Spurs are allowing 118.3 points per game. Their offense is not explosive enough to match this scoring output. The Spurs are scoring just 102.4 points per contest this year. There is plenty to be concerned about in San Antonio. This was expected coming into the season and it is playing out that way.
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Utah is seeing consistent production on both ends of the floor. Rudy Gobert leads a team that is dominant on the boards and allows opponents to shoot just 44.2% from the field. Donovan Mitchell is one of the best guards in the league and Mike Conley is healthy. This should give Dejounte Murray fits.
When looking at this game on paper, there is a clear favorite and the double-digit spread shows it. The Jazz should be relied on here to win easily at home and extend their win streak.
Pick: Jazz -11.5
Orlando Magic vs. Miami Heat
The Magic have lost six in a row and have just wins wins on the year. The Heat are five games over .500 and looking to contend in the Eastern Conference. This game is not in Miami but the Heat get to remain in their own state and are a seven-point favorite.
There is no shortage of injuries in this game. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo remain out for the Heat while Tyler Herro is day-to-day, he should be in the lineup. For Orlando, they have been without Jalen Suggs since fracturing his thumb. Jonathan Isaac and Markelle Fultz are also out while Cole Anthony is banged up.
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Herro has stepped up in Butler’s absence. He leads the team scoring 20.3 points per game. Kyle Lowry has also played a big part in his first season with the Heat. Anthony is the big gun for the Magic this season but that is about it. While Miami remains hurt, it does not have to worry about much for the Magic. If Anthony is contained, Orlando will struggle to put the ball in the basket.
This is a reeling team and the Heat can keep the Magic down a bit. Here is a perfect time to take the Heat and now look back.
