Table of Contents
  1. NBA Best Bets Today, 1/2: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - Friday 
  2. NBA Prop Bet Today, 1/2
  3. Get $200 in Bonus Bets Today At DraftKings Sportsbook When You Sign Up

There was one successful bet and one unsuccessful bet yesterday. We would have recorded Meatloaf five days in a row had Michael Porter Jr played, but he sat out yesterday’s game. Thus, his point proposition best bet was voided. The Boston Celtics and Sacramento Kings game fell one field goal (three points) short of going over the projected total. Were it a slightly more competitive game, it would have been successful. 

The Miami Heat outscored the Detroit Pistons 63 - 54 in the first half. This forced Cade Cunningham to attempt more field goals. He did deliver on his point proposition despite the Pistons losing. He scored 31 points in 40 minutes, easily clearing the 26.5 point line. 

There is a loaded slate of games across the NBA today. Ten games to be exact. The second-third of the NBA regular season has produced several injuries. But some teams are returning to healthy lineups and playing well. Today is a mixed bag of straight bets and player props, starting with an Eastern Conference duel.

 

 

 

NBA Best Bets Today, 1/2: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - Friday 

Brooklyn Nets vs Washington Wizards: Friday 1/2

Game Time: 7:00 PM ET | TV: Local | Location: Capital One Arena | Odds: BKN -1.5 | O/U 225.5

The very first Fantasy Alarm NBA Best Bets column of this season featured a bet between these two teams. The thought was to take advantage of these teams before they are in the cellar. Realizing that could be as quick as two weeks into the season. And it was. But they are not in the gunk at the bottom of the barrel. Three teams have a worse record than the Wizards. Meanwhile, the Nets are just 4.0 games back from the play-in. 

Both teams have won five of their last ten games and are playing better basketball than they did to begin the season. The Nets have a slight advantage in this match as -1.5 favorites. However, they played a game last night, and the Wizards did not. Nor did the Wizards have to travel, which is why today’s best bet is the even odds of Washington to win at the Capital One Center.

The Wizards won their most recent match, have a slightly better home record, and have a more well-rested roster. Michael Porter could play for the Nets tonight after voiding yesterday’s bet. If so, he will be the best player on the court. However, Alex Sarr has improved his game this season. Maybe it’s scheme, maybe it’s playing with veterans CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton. Sarr will be an issue for Nic Claxton and Brooklyn. The Nets could also declare players out, which will influence the odds, but help this best bet. Put a unit on the Wizards to win at home today.

Denver Nuggets vs Cleveland Cavaliers: Friday 1/2

Game Time: 7:30 PM ET | TV: Amazon Prime | Location: Rocket Arena | Odds: CLE -13.5 | O/U 241.5

The Denver Nuggets are currently the most injured team in the Association. Four of five starters are out, including Nikola Jokic, who was on pace for another historic season. Backup center Jonas Valanciunas strained his calf in the Nuggets' most recent game. He was playing well for the Nuggets in Jokic’s absence, but is out for at least four weeks. Now the Nuggets are starting their third-string center, DaRon Holmes.

This does not detour us from taking the massive +13.5 spread on Denver. Jamal Murray is the only healthy player. Some might find that surprising due to Murray’s tenacity to be injured or coming into the season out of shape. He’s playing the best basketball of his career and is now drawing triple coverage. This is freeing up his teammates for higher-quality field goal attempts.

The Nuggets have their best bench in years. Tim Hardaway is a proven veteran. Bruce Brown was one of two bench players to play every playoff game during their 2023 championship run. And Peyton Watson displayed that he’s capable of being the leader of the team. Vocal in the huddles, and led the team in points against the Toronto Raptors. 

The second unit of the Nuggets are underrated and have played several minutes this season due to injuries at the 2 and 3 position (scoring guard/small forward). The Cavaliers are coming off significant injuries, but are not playing their best basketball. Put a unit on the Nuggets to cover their spread today.

 

 


 

NBA Prop Bet Today, 1/2

The Indiana Pacers host the San Antonio Spurs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. What a difference a player, an injury, a moment can make. The Indiana Pacers were one win away from being NBA champions, and are currently the worst team in the Association. This column has repeatedly stated that the Pacers' goal is to improve their chances of getting a high lottery pick. They currently hold that position with the worst record in the Association.

Jay Huff has benefited from this action with playing time, but he is dealing with an injury. His minutes have decreased due to it, and that has naturally affected his statistics. He played just 11 minutes in the most recent Indiana game and just 19 in the game prior to that. He has played over 21 minutes just once in his past four games.

Huff has recorded under 4.5 rebounds in his last four games as well. If this game becomes a blowout, Huff will play fewer minutes, possibly less than ten. Even if it is not, he could play 19 or fewer minutes. Put a unit on the plus odds best bet on under 4.5 rebounds for Jay Huff. For those starting the new year off as new bettors, make sure to take advantage of the promotional offer below.

 

 

 

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Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy G. -
*All bets placed at 1 unit unless specified otherwise. 

 

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