3 minute read

We’ve taken a close look at our three best bets for Friday's NBA games.

LA Clippers @ Golden State Warriors

Clippers -2.5 $1.90

Los Angeles comes into this game on a three-game losing streak but Clippers fans would have reasons to feel hard done by in their last few games. Double and Single overtime losses to Sacramento and Denver have certainly hurt the Clippers whose stars have been playing well. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard continue to play well offensively but the defensive side of the ball has been a worry. After a flurry of additions at the trade deadline, Los Angeles would be hoping things start to settle down and the team can move forward confidently. A Warriors team with no Steph Curry may provide the perfect opportunity to do so.

Indiana Pacers @ San Antonio Spurs

Pacers -4.5 @ $1.96

The Pacers and the Spurs are two teams with vastly different expectations for the remainder of the season. San Antonio looks to continue to develop their younger talent as they get more experience into their players of the future. Indiana, on the other hand, feels the urgency of the closing season. Currently two games out of the 10th seed and play-in tournament, the Pacers have improved their form as they make the late season charge. Myles Turner has been key in this momentum as he has averaged 29.3 points since the All-Star break. The Pacers would be hoping for a comfortable win here to keep their momentum going.

Toronto Raptors @ Washington Wizards

Raptors -0.5 @ $1.86

Perhaps the tightest game of the day, Toronto and Washington provide a true pick-em game. The 9th and 10th placed teams play their first game in a back-to-back series as both look to try and sneak into the playoffs. This game should be extremely close but there is one clear advantage for Toront - a well-constructed roster along with a strong coaching influence and well-run organisation. They will have their hands full with Bradley Beal of course but the balance of Toronto may be enough for them to get over the line.