The weekend is here and what better way to start it than with a few wins at NBA betting? The night is packed with betting opportunities, however, we have our eye on a select few games. Read this to get our best NBA bets of January 28.
Against The Spread: Boston Celtics at Atlanta Hawks
Two streaky-hot teams face-off in the early-window game. Given those recent surges, it’s no wonder why the best Canadian sportsbooks have this Celtics-Hawks game as almost a pick ’em on the spread. The home Hawks are favoured, but just barely. Atlanta has gutted out five straight victories, while Boston is 7-3 in its last 10.
We should note that four wins on Atlanta’s streak have been at home — including victories over Milwaukee and Miami, two Eastern Conference contenders. This offence can already shoot lights out as is, but this homestand has invigorated them even more. In their previous three contests, the Hawks are averaging over 114 points per game, which is about three more than their season average.
Generally speaking, the C’s can defend well — but less so on the road. In fact, Boston has dropped four of the previous six when away from home. We expect those struggles to continue on Friday, which is why we’re betting on the Hawks here.
Moneyline: Detroit Pistons at Orlando Magic
It’s a battle of two bottom-feeders, but one team has to win. The Pistons and Magic are second-to-last and dead last, respectively, in the Eastern Conference standings with a mere 20 wins combined. This game might not receive a lot of volume at top NBA betting sites, but we feel that’s an oversight on the behalf of voters.
Here’s why: Detroit has beaten Orlando twice already this season. Sure, both wins came on the Pistons’ home floor, but hey, a ‘W is a ‘W. Both matchups were relatively close being seven- and five-point victories for Detroit. Maybe that changes on the road, but we doubt it. Orlando has one of the most lukewarm fanbases in the league so it shouldn’t be anything this young Pistons team can’t handle.
Against The Spread: LA Clippers at Miami Heat
Miami is one of the best teams on their home court. This season, they’re 17-5 in home games — which is the third-best mark in the entire league (behind Golden State and Phoenix only). Therefore, we understand why bookies have pegged the Heat as six-point favourites versus a so-so Clippers team. But you know what? We like the value on the other side.
Even without Kawhi Leonard, LA hasn’t sunk. They’re 6-4 in the last 10 and remain slotted in the West’s eighth seed. Stout defence has been the key to staying afloat. On the season, the Clippers are giving up 105.6 points per game.
But there’s one more reason why we’re fading the favourites: Jimmy Butler has reappeared in the injury report. Butler has an irritated left big toe (quite the descriptive injury), which could slow him down in this Friday night contest. We’re not sure the Clippers can win, but they’ll keep it close enough to cover the spread.
Over/Under 224 Points: Utah Jazz at Memphis Grizzlies
When evaluating this over/under between Utah and Memphis, a telling stat jumped out of the page to us: in its last 29 home games, the Grizzlies have hit the over a meagre 11 times (38 percent). It’s not that Memphis can’t score (they most certainly can), but bookmakers are overrating them a tad when at home.
We sense that happens here again. These two teams are neck-and-neck in the Western Conference standings — Grizzlies are third and Jazz are 2.5 games behind in fourth — and both teams should bring the intensity more so than usual. Give us the under in this one!
How To Bet On NBA Tonight?
There are ten different games to bet on Friday night. We believe the top four wagers are most worth your dollars, but if you want a full list of NBA bets tonight, then visit one of the sportsbooks listed underneath. Spreads, moneylines, over/unders, props, they have it all for you below.
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