The BetDeluxe NBA preview takes us into the weekend as we glance over the best bets for Friday.
It all begins with the Timberwolves taking on the Pistons.
minnesota @ detroit
february 4th 11:00am
The Minnesota Timberwolves are on the road to Little Caesars Arena when they get set to face the Detroit Pistons on Friday morning.
The Timberwolves have been in solid winning form of late and are well found to win this contest as the $1.34 favourites.
It sure looks like Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards and D’Angelo Russell have found a groove but perhaps, more importantly, is the play of the ‘others’. That supporting group is making a difference particularly on the defensive end of the hardwood.
Specifically, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jordan McLaughlin, Naz Reid, and of course Patrick Beverley are giving the Wolves an identity defensively. As a young squad, they still have moments where they fall back into bad habits but they’ve turned a corner.
They should be able to get the job done against the Pistons.
Suggested Bet: Minnesota Timberwolves -6.5 at $1.90
phoenix @ atlanta
february 4th 11:30am
It’s an interconference battle on the parquet court of State Farm Arena between the Phoenix Suns travel to Georgia for a clash against the Atlanta Hawks.
Phoenix comes in off a gritty 121-111 home victory over Brooklyn in their previous contest Wednesday, while Atlanta was knocked off 106-100 by Toronto at home on Tuesday in their most recent game.
The Suns already boast a 121-117 home victory in the first matchup this season back on November 6, 2021 and their form warrants the tag of being the clear -4 favourites in this contest.
How the Hawks handle the likes of Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton is something not only them, but nearly every team in the league will have their eyes on.
If you stop one, the other just pops up and hurts on the scoreboard or in defence.
Phoenix has been a dangerous team on the offensive end of the floor and with Booker staying hot of late, it’s going to be a challenge for the Hawks to match up with them, especially with their issues on the defensive end of the floor.
The Suns have too many weapons for Atlanta and should extend their win streak to 12.
Suggested Bet: Phoenix Suns -4 at $1.90
miami @ san antonio
february 4th 12:30pm
The Miami Heat will head on the road to the AT&T Center on Thursday evening for a battle versus the San Antonio Spurs.
The Heat come in with a 32-20 overall record in 52 games, good for third place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Miami need to find their mojo quickly if they wish to wrestle top spot back in the Eastern Conference having lost three in a row.
Relinquishing a 12-point halftime lead against Toronto on Wednesday would not have been in their plans as they fell short 110-106 despite a huge double double from Bam Adebayo worth 32 points and 11 rebounds.
Meanwhile, San Antonio will be faced with some tough decisions at the trade deadline following a disappointing start to the year.
The Spurs enter with a 19-33 overall record, including a 10-17 record at home and will face a Heat squad hungry for a win.
Miami comes into this game ranked in the top-10 on both ends of the floor and the Heat could have Kyle Lowry back for this matchup.
Even if he doesn’t make the trip to Texas, take the Heat to cover the spread on the road.
Suggested Bet: Miami Heat -3.5 at $1.89
chicago @ toronto
february 4th 11:30am
Eastern Conference foes come to loggerheads when Chicago heads over to Scotiabank Arena to face Toronto.
Chicago comes in off a 126-115 home win over Orlando in their previous contest, while Toronto edged Miami 110-106 at home.
The Bulls entered Wednesday leading the Central Division by 1.5 games over the Cavaliers and Bucks and held the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings, one game ahead of the 76ers and Heat.
DeMar DeRozan has continued to light up the courts around the country and his 29 points, 10 rebounds and five assists against Magic ensured he put another feather in a cap that has been full of feathers this year.
Stopping his form will be key to the Raptors’ chances in this contest, but that is easier said than done.
Toronto is relatively healthy but they’ve been woefully inconsistent this season.
Based on the full-season view of what these teams have done, give the edge to the Bulls as DeRozan alongside Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic carry them to a victory on the road.
Suggested Bet: Chicago Bulls head to head at $2.18
