Christmas Eve is here!
That means the BetDeluxe team is eager to put a green tick on the best bets for NBA action this Friday so we can fill up those pockets before we fill up the stomachs.
detroit @ miami
december 24th 11:30am
Detroit and Miami will meet for the second time this week when the pair go head to head at FTX Arena on Friday morning.
It was the Pistons who caused the boil over against the Heat on Monday after careering away to a 100-90 win, which saw Saddiq Bey register 26 points.
The Heat, however, have since bounced back in emphatic fashion with a 125-96 demolition of the Indiana Pacers and are now well fancied to get on back on the Pistons as the -9.5 favourites.
Miami has found a way to deal with Jimmy Butler missing numerous games due to a tailbone injury which is currently plaguing his season.
Even without Butler, the Heat should be able to bounce back at home after shooting poorly in Detroit earlier this week.
Suggested Bet: Miami Heat -10.5 at $1.91
oklahoma @ phoenix
december 24th 1:00pm
The Josh Giddey show rolls into Arizona on Friday afternoon when the Oklahoma City Thunder carry the momentum of victory against Denver to their game against the Phoenix Suns.
Giddey has looked right at home in the NBA over the last month and has post brilliant numbers in his rookie season.
He helped guide the Thunder to their 108-94 win over the Nuggets with 14 points, five rebounds and three assists.
This game against the Suns is going to be a great yardstick for not only Giddey, but to see how well the Thunder have progressed since the beginning of the season.
The Suns have looked a championship winning team and did their chances no harm when romping to victory over the Lakers thanks to second-half blitz.
Devin Booker and Chris Paul continue to pile on the points and assists alongside centre DeAndre Ayton and will make this a tough test for the young Thunder squad.
Suggested Bet: Phoenix Suns -14.5 at $1.89
minnesota @ utah
december 24th 1:00pm
Third in the Western Conference meets ninth when the Utah Jazz host the Minnesota Timberwolves at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Friday afternoon.
The Jazz rebounded off a two-game slide with a 112-102 win over Charlotte after Rudy Gobert went berserk on the boards hauling 21 rebounds to go with his 23 points.
Gobert will need to be quelled if the Timberwolves are any chance of fighting back from a 114-102 loss against Dallas on Wednesday.
But even if they do stop Gobert, you have the issue of dealing with sharp shooter Donovan Mitchell.
The Jazz have a super 4-1 record against the spread when playing after two or three days rest and should be able to improve on that record here.
Suggested Bet: Utah -10.5 at $1.95
san antonio @ la lakers
december 24th 2:30pm
The Purple and Gold army of Los Angeles make their return home from a drubbing against the Suns when it gets set to face young San Antonio Spurs.
A second half fadeout was to blame for the Lakers 108-90 loss against Phoenix after being outscored 54-38 after halftime.
The Spurs, meanwhile, can thank Dejounte Murray for their big win against the Clippers.
Murray went bonkers on the floor with a huge triple double worth 24 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds.
The Lakers will need to spend plenty of time guarding him and need to desperately find a way to cover for the absence of star centre Anthony Davis.
With a 5-10 losing record against the spread as favourites at home, the Lakers do not represent much value at the moment.
The Spurs have a strong 8-4 record ATS and can do the job here.
Suggested Bet: San Antonio +1 at $1.94
