SI Gambling’s Corey Parson breaks down his Friday NBA wagers and shares his best bets, target lines, props and more.
Another big night in NBA action on deck, and just like earlier this week we have another tough slate to deal with. Donovan Mitchell, Joel Embiid, Lonzo Ball, and O.G. Anunoby are the injuries that we need to keep an eye on for tonight. Also, after looking doubtful for tonight, both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are still considered questionable.
The final game on the slate is the night's main attraction. The Utah Jazz will look to win their 11th game in a row when they host Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. Dallas is on a three-game losing streak, they have not played well to start the season, and it's showing in the MVP odds, Luka Doncic was the MVP favorite to start the season at the DraftKings Sportsbook, well now LeBron James at +400 is the favorite, Luka and Joel Embiid are next at +550, while Kevin Durant is hanging around at +600. If Donovan Mitchell sits for the Jazz I like Dallas to cover the number.
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NBA Betting Plays - Friday, January 29th
ODDS AVAILABLE AT DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks (+1) Total: 209
The Cavs and the Knicks meet tonight for the third time this season with each team having a win. Both games were in Cleveland, but tonight they play at the world's most famous arena. The Knicks are coming off a tough road trip where they lost three of four games. Meanwhile, the last time Cleveland played they blew out the Pistons. I can see both of these young Eastern Conference teams being in the play-in game mix.
As far as tonight, I'm backing the Cavs. Darius Garland and Collin Sexton have really turned it up a notch this season. Ultimately, I see a close game, but the Cavs will have too much offense for the Knicks.
The Pick: Cavaliers -1
BET CAVS VS. KNICKS AT DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK
Los Angeles Clippers vs Orlando Magic (+4) Total: 213.5
For some odd reason, I keep running to the window to back the Orlando Magic. Tonight they host the Clippers who are playing the second night of a back-to-back. This will also be the Clippers' third straight road game and may not have both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. Even though they let me down versus the Kings earlier this week, I’m laying the number with Orlando. We have also seen some reverse steam hit this number; driving it up from -2 to -4.
The Pick: Magic +4
Denver Nuggets vs San Antonio Spurs (+4.5) Total: 221.5
The Spurs and Nuggets in San Antonio this evening could very well be the most intriguing game on the slate. Denver has won five straight games and are healthy coming into tonight's contest. San Antonio has won two games in a row, and the last time they hit the floor they upset the Boston Celtics. Denver is playing very well right now, but tonight will be their fifth straight road game. We just saw the Lakers lose their fifth straight road game last night in Detroit. This is a tough schedule spot for the Nuggets, and I expect the Spurs to take advantage of it.
The Pick: Spurs +4.5
Overall Record: 21-22 ATS
The People's Parlay - Friday, January 29th
(Odds via Draftings Sportsbook +243)
- Milwaukee Bucks vs New Orleans Pelicans Over 230 -114
- Brooklyn Nets Moneyline - 455
- Toronto Raptors Moneyline -210
Updated Player Awards Futures Favorites
- MVP - LeBron James +400
- Rookie of the Year - LaMelo Ball - 177
- Most Improved Player - Christian Wood +130
- Sixth Man - Jordan Clarkson -172
- DPOY - Rudy Gobert +200