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Thursday night was pretty insane, as Stephen Curry got all historic on us and then James Harden led a fiery comeback in Portland. Friday night should have trouble topping what we saw last night, but it should still be plenty of fun with a healthy eight games on the docket. It should also yield plenty of NBA betting action with at least three huge conference clashes and a few other games that promise to offer up plenty of scoring.
For a full breakdown, join us as we run through each game and pick a winner:
Magic @ Knicks
Something has to break at MSG tonight, as the Magic and Knicks both aim to end small losing skids. New York has been in it’s own way for over a week with a rough 1-9 record in their last 10 games, but they can take solace that they’re at home against a Magic team that struggles to close games. Orlando would normally be a pretty good pick here, but they’re just 10-16 away from the Amway Center and always have a tough time slowing down Carmelo Anthony. They’ve actually gone up 2-0 in the season series, but the odds are against a 3-0 lead. Look for the Knicks to come together at home and get back in this series.
Pick: Knicks 94, Magic 91
Bulls @ Hawks
Atlanta took care of the Bulls when they faced just over a week ago, so they’ll enter tonight as the mild favorites. The big thing is the Bulls are just too beat up and even Pau Gasol could sit this one out due to an illness. It’s tough to go against ATL on their home floor either way, but if Gasol is out, the Bulls probably don’t have much of a chance.
Pick: Hawks 106, Bulls 102
Clippers @ Kings
Expect a ton of points when Chris Paul leads the Clippers into Sac-town. Everyone knows these two teams hate each other and the Kings play their best ball at home, but it may be tough to ignore Sacramento’s awful defense (allowing 109 points per game) as well as the fact that L.A. has been keeping things together (6-4 in last 10 games) despite not having Blake Griffin. All three games to this point have been extremely high-scoring with both teams always over at least 100 points, but this game gives the Kings a chance to tie the season series. Los Angeles won’t want that to happen, so look for CP3 and co. to be assertive as they try to take down the series, 3-1.
Pick: Clippers 112, Kings 108
Hornets @ Pacers
Indy hosts as the Pacers and Hornets square off for the second of three meetings on Friday night. Charlotte got the best of Paul George and co. in an easy 117-95 win earlier this month, and did it in Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Charlotte has Al Jefferson back and could easily go up 2-0 in this series, but it’s tough to imagine the Pacers getting rocked by the Hornets twice at their own stadium. I expect Paul George to come through in a nice home win, leaving their March 4th battle to be rather intense.
Pick: Pacers 105, Hornets 102
Wizards @ 76ers
Philly plays host in what should be a very fast-paced game, but with six straight losses and 8 wins total on the year, they’re impossible to bet on tonight. John Wall and Marcin Gorat both crushed the Sixers earlier this year and it’d be rather surprising if the Wiz didn’t blow the Sixers out for the second time this year.
Pick: Wizards 107, Sixers 94
Cavs @ Raptors
LeBron James and the Cavs head to Air Canada Centre for a huge battle with the Raptors tonight, one that could decide whether or not the Raptors have a realistic shot at over-taking the Cavs for the Eastern Conference’s best team. Playing at home surely helps them (20-6 on their home floor), but Cleveland should come in pretty determined, especially with the season series tied up at one game a piece.
Pick: Cavs 104, Raptors 99
Nuggets @ Mavericks
Denver visits Dallas in what could be a little one-sided, but still a pretty explosive offensive game. The Mavs have slipped a bit over their last 10 games (4-6 during that stretch), but are still 16-12 at home and took the Nuggets down in their only other meeting this year. They should maintain their solid play in front of their home crowd tonight, but I expect more points than November 28th’s 92-81 battle presented.
Pick: Mavs 103, Nuggets 97
Grizzlies @ Lakers
Memphis and Los Angeles just played two days ago, but they’re back at it again as the season series (led 2-0 by the Grizz) shifts to the Staples Center. The Lakers have been atrocious on the year and are stuck on an ugly 7-game losing streak, so it’s unlikely they snap out of it against a fairly tough opponent. The one silver lining is big man Marc Gasol is sidelined with a foot injury, but Memphis still has enough talent to get the job done.
Pick: Grizzlies 105, Lakers 96
