Free NBA Picks Friday 8/7/2020 and Opening Line Report
Friday’s main event features a potential Eastern Conference finals matchup between the Celtics and the Raptors. The Bucks, 76ers and Pacers will have things to say about that statement, but it’s no surprise that the showdown between the Celtics and Raptors will take the primetime spotlight. Here are the leans for Friday’s NBA action in the bubble.
Jazz vs Spurs 8/7/20 (+2.5, 227)
The Jazz ended a two-game slide with a win over the Memphis Grizzlies, 124-115, while the Spurs have lost two straight games after starting the bubble 2-0. The Jazz really haven’t blown anyone away with their style of play in the bubble. There’s been nothing special, and potential chemistry issues might still be lingering. Meanwhile, the Spurs have allowed 132 points in two straight contests and show no signs of defense in the bubble. The Jazz are coming off a 124-point performance against the Grizzlies after struggling a little bit offensively in the first three games. This is likely a better match-up for the Jazz.
Key trends: Spurs are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games playing on 1 days rest.
Early lean: Jazz, Under
Thunder vs Grizzlies 8/7/20 (+3, 225)
The Thunder are the real deal. There’s talk that maybe this team can go deep in the playoffs. The Thunder beat up on the Lakers on Wednesday, winning 105-86. The team is led by Chris Paul, but there are plenty of young shining stars on this squad. The Thunder have also played some solid defense all season long and continue to make a difference in the West. Meanwhile, they’ll go up against a Memphis Grizzlies team that is also young but not nearly as effective. The Grizzlies have lost all four games since the restart with brutal defense and offense that can’t be found. The losing streak should continue until the Grizzlies are asked to leave before the playoffs.
Key trends: Grizzlies are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Early lean: Grizzlies, Over
Kings vs Nets 8/7/20 (TBD, TBD)
The Nets upset the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this week but were than pounced on by the Boston Celtics, losing 149-115. That’s more like it. The Nets are without plenty of superstar talent and have injuries that have really turned the season around, for the worse. However, the Kings will be playing a second game of a back-to-back. Maybe the Nets have the edge in this one. Make sure the Nets have Caris Lavert, Joe Harris and Jarrett Allen in the lineup before making your selections.
Key trends: Nets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Early lean: Nets, Under
Magic vs 76ers 8/7/20 (TBD, TBD)
The Magic have lost two straight games in the bubble to the Pacers and Raptors. Now they’ll have to face another top East team in the 76ers. While the 76ers are winning, the team isn’t looking the best, especially with Ben Simmons and his knee injury that he had on Tuesday. The 76ers are playing close games against opponents they shouldn’t be. We’ve also seen some arguing on the sidelines between the 76ers. This team has enough talent to get by. They’ll beat the Magic. But don’t expect big things come playoff time.
Key trends: 76ers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Early lean: 76ers, Under
Wizards vs Pelicans 8/7/20 (TBD, TBD)
The Wizards are the laughing stock of the bubble. Without Bradley Beal and Davis Bertans, the Wizards have dropped four straight games in the bubble after their loss to the 76ers. This team even lost to the Nets by eight points. I’m not sure we’ll see a Wizards win in this bubble, unless something miraculously happens. The Pelicans have so much more talent. And although they’re 29-38, as of now, the Pelicans could ruin other teams’ chances at the playoffs down the line.
Key trends: Pelicans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 0 days rest.
Early lean: Pelicans, Over
Celtics vs Raptors 8/7/20 (-1.5, 217.5)
The NBA saved this game for the prime time slot, and for good reason. The Celtics are coming off a 149-point performance against the Brooklyn Nets, winning 149-115 and are currently 45-23 on the season. Meanwhile, the Raptors are on a seven-game winning streak dating back to March and have won all three games in the bubble as of now. Both of these East teams have plenty of solid defense, but the Celtics showed off their offense as well in their most recent game. You can expect a tight, close, defensive game in this one. The Raptors, do however, look more in sync as a whole, since the restart.
Key trends: Raptors are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Early lean: Raptors, Under
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