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Free NBA Picks Friday, January 17 and Opening Line Report


by Jason Radowitz - 1/16/2020

Ja Morant Memphis Grizzlies

Friday's NBA slate features seven games with the intrigue going to the Heat playing on the road at the Thunder . We know the Heat are hard to stop at home, but on the road, against an improved Thunder team, it's going to be an exciting finish. Also, the Grizzlies will put their six-game winning streak on the line against the Cavaliers , while Luka Doncic continues his fine play without teammate Kristaps Porzingis. Here's the early leans for Friday.

Wizards @ Raptors (-10, 229)

As predicted, the Raptors got a big road win against the Thunder on Wednesday. The Raptors scored 130 points without Fred VanVleet and Marc Gasol. The Wizards have dropped their last two games to Utah and Chicago and are 4-6 in their last 10 games. If the Raptors put up 130 points, this game will be over in a hurry. Washington has one of the worst defenses in the league. At home, take the Raptors.

Key trends: Raptors are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games as a home favorite of 5.0-10.5.

Early lean: Raptors, Over

Timberwolves @ Pacers (TBD, TBD)

Nope, Karl-Anthony Towns is not back. Minnesota has lost four of their last five without Towns and will be facing a hot Pacers team that's on a three-game winning streak, at home. The Pacers just defeated the Timberwolves on the road and will get the chance to defeat them again at home. The hard part was winning on the road. This will be the easy part. Take the Pacers.

Key trends: Pacers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Friday games.

Early lean: Pacers, Under

Bulls @ 76ers (-7.5, 215.5)

The 76ers were down six in the fourth quarter to the Nets and made a statement in the fourth quarter to grab the win. The 76ers are impossible to beat at home. And with the way the Bulls have been playing, the 76ers can absolutely win by double digits and cover this spread.

Key trends: 76ers are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

Early lean: 76ers, Under

Heat @ Thunder (TBD, TBD)

Miami's Tyler Herro was a late scratch on Wednesday due to a sore left knee, and at this point he's questionable for Friday. Thunder center Steven Adams exited Wednesday's game against the Raptors with a bruised right knee and is also questionable for the game. The Thunder have lost two straight at home and two of their last three outright, but they're taking on a Miami team that is way better at home than on the road. Grab the Thunder at home. This team will be fine.

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

Early lean: Thunder, Over

Cavaliers @ Grizzlies (-8, 229)

Memphis has won six straight games behind Ja Morant's likely Rookie of the Year season. The Grizzlies are now three games away from .500. So, while it's highly unlikely Memphis sneaks into the playoffs, it's not out of the question. With a game against the Cavs at home, you can make this winning streak 7. The Cavs have lost by large double digits to the Lakers and the Clippers and are drained at this point.

Key trends: Grizzlies are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

Early lean: Grizzlies, Under

Hawks @ Spurs (-8, 229.5)

The Hawks won their ninth game of the season over the Suns at home, 123-110, while the Spurs are coming off a road loss to Miami, 106-100. The Spurs were on a four-game road trip and went 2-2. San Antonio's last home game was against the Bucks where they won soundly 126-104. Take the Spurs at home against a really young Hawks team. Their 10th win will have to wait.

Key trends: Spurs are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up loss.

Early lean: Spurs, Over

Trail Blazers @ Mavericks (TBD, TBD)

Kristaps Porzingis is unhealthy. What's new? But Luka Doncic is doing just fine by himself with three-straight wins after defeating the Kings, 127-123. Portland just defeated the Rockets in Houston. It was just another game for Carmelo Anthony where he defeats his former team. You love to see it. Melo never played with Dallas, so you don't need to worry about all of that. Let Doncic do his thing and bring in the money.

Key trends: Mavericks are 10-3-2 ATS in their last 15 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

Early lean: Mavericks, Over

 

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