There are six games to pick from on Friday’s NBA slate, and our best bets feature games between the Nets and the Warriors, and the Rockets taking on the Pelicans.
Brooklyn Nets vs Golden State Warriors
10:40am, Barclays Center
It’s hard to feel confident backing the Nets, but they have fared well in these cross-conference games – particularly at the line where they’ve gone 13-10 overall. Brooklyn meets Golden State at a vulnerable time after playing a back to back set against the Hornets and Knicks earlier in the week, two games the Dubs won quite handily. That said, this is the final game in a lengthy five-game road trip, so I think the double digit head start on Brooklyn is worth taking.
Tip: Back the Nets to Cover the Line (+10.5 Points)
New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets
11:00am, Smoothie King Center
The Rockets head to the Big Easy laying a five-point head start against the struggling Pelicans. Houston has won both of its meetings against New Orleans by double digits this year, and a win should be their top priority after losing three in a row to the Kings, Thunder and Pacers this month. With a solid 10-3 record at the line against division opponents (which happens to be the second-best mark in the league), Houston looks a nice bounce back bet.
Tip: Back the Rockets to Cover the Line (-5 Points)