NBA Friday best bets, player props: Celtics are dangerous 'dogs
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The NBA schedule is fully stocked for the first weekend back in Orlando. After dishing out our best bets and player props for opening night, we'll make sure you're covered for Friday, too.
Here's what stands out.
Best bets
Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks (-5, 217)
It's going to take a herculean effort to knock Milwaukee off its throne in the East. If there's any team in the conference to pull it off, it'll likely be Boston.
The Celtics left some wins on the table prior to the layoff. The franchise went an impressive 43-21, but should have been 46-18 based off point differential. We still haven't seen the club at its peak.
One of the biggest factors to account for in the restart will be health. Boston should benefit from the five-month hiatus after ranking No. 2 in the league in games lost due to injury. And with the eighth-youngest roster in the league, there should be plenty of fresh legs for the stretch run.
The Celtics are 20-8 against the spread over the last 28 as underdogs. They'll stay within the number on Friday, and might just take it outright.
Pick: Celtics +5
Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks (-1, 227)
This total has seen some money come in on the over, as the number has climbed from 225.5 to 227. We mentioned the total was a great play once the lines were released, but is there still value at the current number?
This Mavs offense can make you pay in a number of ways. They're No. 1 in the NBA in offensive rating, No. 3 in points per game, No. 4 in true shooting percentage, and No. 5 in efficient field-goal percentage. The unit should jell in the bubble, too - they're No. 1 in offensive efficiency away from home this season.
The Rockets will have no other choice but to push the pace, which plays right into their frenetic style. Houston can score on anyone, ranking No. 2 in both offensive rating and points per game.
The two clubs had no problem going over the total in both meetings this season. They combined to average a whopping 254.5 points per contest.
Oddsmakers set too low a total and the market didn't push this one out of range. There's still plenty of value on the over.
Pick: Over 227
Player props
Ja Morant under 18.5 points
Morant saw the Trail Blazers once this season. Portland defended the rookie well, limiting him to just 15 points on 9-for-23 from the field. The 39.1% shooting for Morant was his second-worst clip in a game with 15-plus attempts from the floor.
There could be some free-flowing, scrimmage-type games in the bubble between teams close to elimination. Friday's tilt between Memphis and Portland shouldn't be one of them.
The Grizzlies currently occupy the final playoff spot in the West, while the Blazers are just 3.5 games out. Expect a defensive battle, with Morant ultimately held well under the point total.
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.