The NBA regular season rolls on with a relatively light slate this Friday, with a total of only 3 matchups on the docket scheduled for today. However, our staff of basketball experts still dug into the latest odds and identified all the best betting value on the board for tonight's contests.
Our betting experts have looked over the odds and made NBA picks for all 3 of today's matchups. Continue below for our NBA best bets and predictions for Friday, December 20.
NBA Best Bets Today, Predictions, Picks: Friday, December 20
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
  | 7:30 p.m. | |
| 8 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. 76ers
The Hornets will try to snap a three-game losing streak when they visit the 76ers on Friday night. Charlotte will also be on a back-to-back following its 123-114 road loss to the Wizards.
As for the 76ers, they’ve won six of their last 10 games for just the first time this season. However, Philadelphia is still 8-16 on the year and one game outside of a playoff play-in spot.
The 76ers sluggish start has primarily been due to injuries that forced key players in and out of the lineup.
Although Joel Embiid is on the injury report with a sinus fracture, his questionable status might suggest he’s likely to play.
Yet, surprisingly, we’ve seen the total adjusted down from 221 to as low as 215 at some sportsbooks.
The line movement does feel a bit aggressive with a 76ers team that looks closer to full strength. This season, when an opening total of 221 or higher moved down by 5+ points, the over is 17-11-1 for +4.47 units.
My model projects a total closer to 218, giving me enough of an edge to sanction a play on the over.
Pick: Over 215.5 (-110)
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Thunder vs. Heat
The Thunder have seen the total go under the number in three straight games. Now, playing on a second of a back to back, I don't expect them to go crazy from the field, especially against the Heat.
Miami has had explosive scoring performances, but not typically against OKC-level defenses.
This feels like a game that'll be more in the mud than a run-and-gun atmosphere.
You have the No. 1 defense vs. The No. 10 defense, and Miami ranks bottom-four in pace. Not expecting a ton of prop overs here either.
Pick: Under 216.5 (-110)
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Bucks vs. Cavaliers
By Ray Monohan
The Cavaliers and Bucks meet in Cleveland on Friday night, and this is a good spot for the home side.
Cleveland continues to be one of the best teams in the NBA at home, and they are rolling once again. They are catching the Bucks in a great spot here too.
The Bucks just won the NBA Cup earlier this week and travel will cause them some added fatigue.
Damian Lillard is also out for Milwaukee on Friday, which takes away a huge piece to this offense.
Cleveland will use their quick tempo to get out in transition here. They're going to push the ball and open up a lot of shooting lanes for their outside threats. Lay the points with the home side.
Pick: Cavaliers -9 (-115)
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Thunder vs. Heat
This is a let-down schedule spot for the Thunder. They obviously just had some games in Vegas for the NBA Cup, but the Cup Final against the Bucks on Tuesday was not a scheduled game, it was an additional game placed in.
The Thunder then went from Vegas to Orlando to play the physical Magic, and that game was competitive until late in the 4th quarter.
Now, OKC gets the Miami Heat, another well orchestrated and physical team on the second night of a back to back.
There has been so much action, so much travel, and so much toll on the Thunder bodies, I want to play into the impact tonight.
I also like Hartenstein NO double double and Bam Adebayo NO double double in the player props department. And I may consider taking Lu Dort over 4.5 rebounds.
Pick: Heat +1 (-110)
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