NBA weekend betting preview: Trust the Raptors' defense on no rest
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The NBA will play second fiddle to the Super Bowl this weekend, but there's still value across the board over the next few days. Whether you are tying the NBA into a cross-sport prop for the big game, need a little action before Sunday, or are treating it as a normal weekend, we've got you covered.
Here are the best betting angles on the hardwood for this weekend.
Friday
Toronto Raptors at Detroit Pistons (+4.5, 223.5)
How a team performs on the second leg of a back-to-back is always intriguing. In seven such situations this season, the Raptors have only covered three times, but their defense has played extremely well in those contests. Toronto's allowed fewer than 100 points four times on no rest, and, had a couple of games not gone into overtime, the club would be holding opponents to 6-1 on the team total under in those situations.
Denver Nuggets at Milwaukee Bucks (-10, 224)
The Nuggets are another team playing a back-to-back Friday, though their results have been alarming. Denver is a dreadful 2-6 against the spread (ATS) on zero days' rest, while six of the club's eight opponents have cashed the team total over. That's bad news against a Bucks offense that hung 151 points on the Washington Wizards on Tuesday without Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers (-12.5, 229.5)
Portland's been one of the worst teams ATS this season at 18-28. Friday's spot doesn't do the Trail Blazers any favors, either. They're 4-12 ATS over their last 16 games as underdogs and 6-15 ATS in their last 21 away from home. The double-digit 'dog doesn't look too appealing in this one.
Saturday
Los Angeles Lakers at Sacramento Kings (NA)
L.A. will take the short trip to Sacramento to complete the second leg of a back-to-back Saturday against the Kings. The Lakers have fared well in this spot. They're 5-1 ATS on zero days' rest this season and have posted a +95 point differential over that span. Meanwhile, Sacramento is just 2-11-1 ATS over its last 13 home games.
Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics (NA)
Philadelphia's had a tough time coming through for bettors away from home. The 76ers are riding a 5-14 ATS streak on the road and will have to play their best ball against a hot Celtics club.
It's a little off the cuff, but do you want a good cross-sport prop? Take Kansas City Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill's longest reception over Ben Simmons' combined points, rebounds, and assists - Boston is allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing point guards this season.
Sunday
New Orleans Pelicans at Houston Rockets (NA)
Since we're on the subject of cross-sport props, there's one I've endorsed plenty since the market opened: Rockets guard James Harden -7.5 points over the first-half total between the Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers. Harden's averaging roughly 36 points this season and gets a Pelicans defense that's surrendering the fourth-most points to opposing point guards in 2019-20. If he's even in the neighborhood of his scoring average, I think he'll take this comfortably.
Denver Nuggets at Detroit Pistons (NA)
Detroit's been the worst team in the league ATS and things look bleak for Sunday's game against a solid Nuggets team. The Pistons haven't covered in each of their last four and are a woeful 2-11 ATS at home since early December.
Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.