Free NBA Picks Friday 1/31/2020 and Opening Line Report

by Jason Radowitz - 1/30/2020

Friday's basketball action features the return of the Las Angeles Lakers since the tragic accident of Kobe Bryant. Also, in the seven-game slate, we'll get to see Zion Williamson vs. Ja Morant in the battle of the top two rookies from the latest NBA Draft. Ja Morant will likely win rookie of the year, but is he truly better than Zion? Here are the early leans for the seven NBA games on Friday.

Raptors vs. Pistons 1/31/20 (+4, 223)

The Raptors are 9-1 in their last 10 games but will have to play the Cavaliers in the first night of a back-to-back. Normally, I wouldn't take teams on a back-to-back, but playing the Cavaliers isn't going to tire out the Raptors too much. The Raptors are playing extremely well right now. They're playing fast, getting good looks, and playing solid defense throughout this stretch, while the Pistons have lost four straight games, doing the exact opposite of the Raptors. Allowing a ton of points and not scoring enough. Take the Raptors on the road.

Key trends: Raptors are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall.

Early lean: Raptors, Over

Bulls vs. Nets 1/31/20 (-5, 220.5)

Kyrie and Dinwiddie honored Kobe in their win over the Pistons last time out. Dinwiddie dropped 28 points in his new jersey, number 26. The Bulls have played fairly well as of late. However, putting all numbers aside, it looks like the Nets are going to find themselves in a groove post Kobe. I'll take the Nets at home to beat the 19-31 Bulls. The Nets need to start getting some wins behind Kyrie if they want to stay in the playoff race. This is a must win.

Key trends: Nets are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 Friday games.

Early lean: Nets, Over

Mavericks vs. Rockets 1/31/20 (-5, 239.5)

If you like scoring, watch this one. The Rockets have won three of their last five but lost their last one against Portland on the road, 125-112. The Rockets played four straight games on the road and will now be home. Their last home game was against the Nuggets where they won 121-105. The Rockets should fuel off playing home and get this win with a couple late shots down the stretch.

Key trends: Rockets are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Early lean: Rockets, Over

Grizzlies vs. Pelicans 1/31/20 (-4.5, 241.5)

The Grizzlies just got into a scuffle with the Knicks. You've likely seen the whole thing between Payton and Crowder; Crowder stole an inbounds pass, and took a shot from three when he didn't have to. There's arguments for both sides. Either way, the Grizzlies are 24-24 on the season and are starting to get a little cocky out on the court. It's not a bad thing. However, the Pelicans are going to welcome Memphis in. And Memphis won't win any kind of shoving match-up with the Pelicans. I like the Pelicans at home in a game between the first and second overall picks in the draft.

Key trends: Pelicans are 13-3-1 ATS in their last 17 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

Early lean: Pelicans, Under

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Nuggets vs. Bucks 1/31/20 (-3.5, 226)

Giannis Antetokounmpo has right shoulder soreness and will be questionable for this game. But it doesn't matter. Khris Middleton dropped 51 last time out on Tuesday with Giannis out of the game. The Bucks have the most chemistry on a team I've ever seen. They can score in so many different ways and have so much hidden talent. The Bucks are 41-6 on the year and will likely win this game by double digits. The Bucks average 11 more points a game than the Nuggets and allow around the same points against.

Key trends: Bucks are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.

Early lean: Bucks, Over

Thunder vs. Suns 1/31/20 (+1, 222.5)

The Thunder are serious. Like, really serious. They're good. And with a win against the Suns, they'll be 30-20 on the season. The Thunder have done a great job beating up on teams below .500, and the Suns are just another team in their way that's below .500. The Thunder have one of the better defenses in the league and should be able to showcase that in the game against the Suns on the road.

Key trends: Thunder are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games following a ATS win.

Early lean: Thunder, Under

Trail Blazers vs. Lakers 1/31/20 (-12, 229.5)

I honestly have no idea what to expect from this game. This will be the first game for the Lakers since the tragic accident. I'd love to think that the Lakers come out and win for Kobe, but another part of me thinks the team might be emotionally drained and come out flat. Portland has won their last two games and will be prepared for this game. I'm not so sure the Lakers will be. All the money will be on the Lakers. But I think Portland will win this one, at least against the spread.

Key trends: Lakers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite.

Early lean: Trail Blazers, Over

Start:	November 23, 2024 @ 10:07 PM
Expert:	Vernon Croy
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Free NBA Picks Friday 1/31/2020 and Opening Line Report

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