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NBA Odds & Best Bets Today: Schedule, Picks for Friday

Young Juliet

Updated as of February 3, 2023 at 3:21 PM EST. Read time: 3 minutes and 54 seconds. Links to Twitter and Google News provided.

Best bets today from around the NBA.
Best bets today from around the NBA.

Discover which team we are favoring in the game between the Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics in our top bets section for Feb. 3. Keep reading for our top NBA selections for Friday according to the most favorable NBA betting odds.

There are significant differences between top teams and those in the process of rebuilding. Injuries are determining the outcomes of games between potential contenders. While the options are limited on an eight-game NBA schedule, we have identified some opportunities for profitable betting.

These are our top NBA betting picks for Friday, with odds from FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, and BetMGM. Confidence level is rated on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.

Explore our NBA predictions and top NBA betting platforms.

Friday’s NBA schedule and odds

(Odds via DraftKings)

  • Portland Trail Blazers (+4) vs. Washington Wizards
  • Charlotte Hornets (+1.5) vs. Detroit Pistons
  • Sacramento Kings (-2.5) vs. Indiana Pacers
  • Phoenix Suns (+9.5) vs. Boston Celtics
  • Philadelphia 76ers (-10) vs. San Antonio Spurs
  • Orlando Magic (+4.5) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
  • Toronto Raptors (-7.5) vs. Houston Rockets
  • Atlanta Hawks (+1.5) vs. Utah Jazz

Friday’s NBA best bets

  • Spread: Suns +9.5 vs. Celtics (-110 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐
  • Total: Raptors-Rockets Over 225 (-110 via Caesars) ⭐⭐⭐
  • Upset: Hawks ML (+105 via BetMGM) ⭐⭐⭐
  • Player Prop: Jaylen Brown 1st Quarter Under 7.5 points (+110 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Take a look at our NBA Finals odds and NBA MVP odds.

NBA Top Picks

Spread: Suns +9.5 vs. Celtics (-110 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐

After suffering a 32-point loss at home, the Suns are now facing the top team in the NBA on the road, and they will be missing key players Devin Booker, Cameron Payne, and Landry Shamet. Despite over 60% of the public betting on the Celtics to cover, the line has shifted in favor of Phoenix, which seems like the right move.

This season, the Suns have performed well as underdogs by four or more points with a 6-3 ATS record, and they are 15-10 ATS following a loss. On the other hand, the Celtics have struggled when favored by more than four points, with a record of 16-18 ATS. Since the start of the New Year, the Suns have been one of the top teams in mid-range field goal attempts per game in the NBA, exploiting a weakness in the Celtics’ defense. Boston has allowed a high number of field goals made on a relatively high shooting percentage in the mid-range area. After a poor shooting performance in their last game, expect the Suns to bounce back by creating more open shots and converting them, keeping the game competitive enough to avoid another double-digit loss.

Total: Raptors-Rockets Over 225 (-110 via Caesars) ⭐⭐⭐

The total continues to decrease due to heavy betting on the Under, despite uncertainty about the reason behind it. The Raptors are missing their key defensive player, O.G. Anunoby, and games without him have tended to go over the 225 line this season. Conversely, Houston will be missing Kevin Porter Jr., but they have maintained a fast pace and a balanced record on the Over since their starting point guard’s injury.

In their recent games, the Rockets have struggled with a 25.3% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, while the Raptors have managed 33.3% from long range. Expect the Raptors to capitalize on fast break opportunities and for the Rockets to improve their 3-point shooting in their upcoming game on Friday.

Upset: Hawks (+105 via BetMGM) ⭐⭐⭐

In this closely contested late-night match in Utah, the Atlanta Hawks are focused on more than just securing a victory following Trae Young’s snub from the All-Star reserve list. The Hawks have been excelling in the paint and mid-range offense since the start of the year, ranking among the top five in field goal attempts and makes in both areas, with impressive shooting percentages as well. This could spell trouble for the Utah Jazz, who have struggled in defending paint field goals, allowing the fourth-highest number per game.

Adding to the challenges, Atlanta is one of the top five teams in shooting percentage from beyond the arc, particularly from above the break, with Young leading the charge. Since the start of the new year, only the Rockets have given up more above-the-break 3-pointers per game than the Jazz. Despite this, the Hawks have shown strength on defense in the paint, ranking in the top 10 in 2023. This is significant as the Jazz excel in this area, ranking ninth in field goals attempted and fifth in field goals made in the paint since the New Year.

Many have been pleasantly surprised by Utah’s performance this season, with Lauri Markkanen leading the way as their first-time All-Star. However, despite their success, they are only 8-10 ATS as a home favorite. On the other hand, Atlanta has a strong record of 10-8-1 ATS as a road underdog. Both teams have been mediocre in clutch situations this season, so I am opting to take the underdog on the moneyline for better value, rather than paying the price for the 1-point spread.

Player Prop: Jaylen Brown 1st Quarter Under 7.5 Points (+110 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Celtics’ All-Star backup has put up 10 and 12 points in the first quarter of his last two games, but he hasn’t exceeded 7.5 points in three straight games since November. We believe this trend will continue on Friday, offering excellent value.

In their last seven games, the Suns have given up the 14th highest number of points per game to shooting guards. Brown has scored under 7.5 points in five of his 10 starts this season without Marcus Smart, and in two out of three games when Boston starts their current lineup of Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, and Robert Williams III. The Suns have all their defensive weapons healthy on Friday and should be able to contain Brown, especially since he shot 58.3% in his last game. This bet is unlikely to have favorable odds.

NBA top picks for 02/03/2023 were selected at 2:00 p.m. ET.

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Written By:
Young Juliet
Ahaan is an analytics researcher who works in fantasy football and sports betting, focusing on MLB, NBA, and NFL. He’s previously contributed fantasy baseball and football content for Fantrax and currently is a betting analyst for PlayerProfiler, where he has also been a director of analytics. When Ahaan is not capping sports props, he’s often playing sports such as floor hockey and basketball and binge-watching The Voice.