The NBA regular season continues with a loaded eight-game slate on Friday, March 8, headlined by a nationally televised doubleheader on ESPN as Wolves vs Cavs tips off the early window, and then Bucks vs Lakers takes center stage a little bit later in the evening.
Our NBA betting experts are ready with six NBA best bets for tonight's action.
We have four picks against the spread, one total play, and one player prop for tonight’s slate in our NBA expert picks for Friday, including a bet for Zion Williamson in Pelicans vs 76ers.
Find our best NBA bets for today below.
NBA Best Bets | Expert Picks, NBA Bets for Friday
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7:00 p.m. | |
  | 7:00 p.m. | |
| 7:00 p.m. | |
  | 7:30 p.m. | |
  | 7:30 p.m. | |
  | 10:00 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Hornets vs. Wizards
By Chris Baker
It’s gross but this total is too low for a Wizards game. The Hornets rank dead-last in adjusted net-rating (-10.2) while the Wizards are 29th (-8.7) according to dunksandthrees.com but both teams have started to experiment with lots of small-ball.
We’ve seen the Hornets play Grant Williams at the 5-spot, and we've seen the Wizards do the same with Kyle Kuzma in many of their games lately. This obviously lends itself to an over as this typically leads to more spacing as well as less rim-protection and defensive rebounding.
The other factor leading me to this over is the fact that the Wizards have leaned into their offensive identity and played at an extremely fast pace since the All-Star break. The Wizards have failed to cover this number just once over their last 12 games as they are playing historically bad defense over their recent stretch.
Initially, I wanted to take the Wizards in this spot but when I saw how bad their defense has been as of late I simply couldn’t do it.
On the Hornets side of the ball we’ve seen them start to play elite shooter Davis Bertans and playmaker Vasijile Micic major minutes, which should continue to benefit their offense.
This number is just too low for two unserious teams and I think it should be closer to 228. Take the over 225 here.
Pick: Over 225.5 (-110)
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Pelicans vs. 76ers
The Sixers have struggled since Joel Embiid went down with a meniscus injury at the end of January. They're just 9-19 without their reigning MVP and now they'll be without their front runner for Most Improved Player, Tyrese Maxey who missed last game with a concussion.
The Sixers are just 2-7 ATS in their last nine games, and they even lost to the Memphis Hustle — sorry, I meant Grizzlies — who aren't even fielding a full NBA roster at the moment. Now they find themselves at home playing their fourth game in six nights against the New Orleans Pelicans at a time of the season where the rest advantage makes a huge impact.
And the Pelicans are playing well. New Orleans is 3-1 straight up and against the spread in their last four games and 17-14 on the road, including 6-4 ATS in their last 10 road games.
Additions of Kyle Lowry and Buddy Hield are positive acquisitions that have bolstered Philly's depth, but in a bad rest spot, they'll struggle against this Pelicans team that is looking to make its way up the standings.
At -7.5 this line is too short for New Orleans, and I'd take them down to -8.5.
Pick: Pelicans -7.5 (-115)
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Pelicans vs. 76ers
By Joe Dellera
The Pelicans head to Philadelphia to take on the 76ers in the absence of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
One player that I am targeting is Zion Williamson, who should have a soft matchup on the interior even in a game that has some blowout potential.
Philadelphia has a relatively undersized on the interior while relying on Paul Reed and Mo Bamba for defense. This is a spot where Zion should be able to excel. Recently, Philadelphia has allowed strong games to the power forward position including Jaren Jackson Jr (30) and Giannis (30) in the past two weeks.
At 21.5, Zion has exceeded this number in 53% of games this season. But the hit-rate dramatically increases when he is well rested. In 22 games where Zion has had 2+ days of rest, he is averaging 23.5 points and has exceeded 21.5 points in 15 of 22 games (68%).
Zion has averaged 33 points against Philadelphia in four career matchups, and without Embiid, there’s no reason to think that trend won't continue.
I expect Zion to exceed 21.5 points tonight.
Pick: Zion Williamson Over 21.5 Points (-115)
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Timberwolves vs. Cavaliers
The Timberwolves are on the second leg of a road back to back, but the matchup is so strong I am willing to back them. The Wolves will be without Karl-Anthony Towns.
But on the other side, the Cavaliers are missing Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Max Strus.
Instead Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen will have to outplay the size and strength and defensive prowess of Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert.
I expect Kyle Anderson to fill in seamlessly for Towns in this contest.
Pick: Timberwolves +1 (-110)
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Magic vs. Knicks
Despite this being the third road game in four days for the Orlando Magic, the travel schedules were relatively light.
The Magic played games at Charlotte and Washington. They have won five straight in the process, and take on a reeling Knicks team tonight.
Tom Thibideau said Jalen Brunson “got through most of practice” on Thursday. However, the Knicks have been particularly vague with injuries this year.
I expect Brunson to sit again and the Magic to be favorites by tipoff.
Pick: Magic -1 (-110)
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Bucks vs. Lakers
By Chris Baker
In no world should this Bucks team be underdogs or close to a pick-em against this lowly Lakers squad. They are a full three points better on a neutral court according to dunksandthrees.com, and they also matchup very well here as with the combination of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez defending the rim against a Lakers offense that ranks second in the NBA in rim-rate.
The Bucks are eighth in defensive rim rate and 12th in FG% allowed at the rim. Another issue for the Lakers is that the Bucks rank ninth in defensive rebound rate while the Lakers rank 30th in offensive rebound rate. So there will be little-to-no opportunities for second-chance points.
The Lakers defense also ranks 24th in three-point attempt rate, while the Bucks have the sixth-highest offensive three-point attempt rate. So expect the Bucks to win the math game in terms of getting up more high-quality threes.
These are two teams trending in opposite directions, and I think people are overreacting to the Bucks embarrassing loss to the Warriors due to the immediacy of it. Take the Bucks and play this up to -2.
Pick: Bucks -1 (-110)
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