As we dive deeper and deeper into the season and get closer to the playoffs, every game of NBA is only getting more important.
BetDeluxe takes a look at four games this Friday.
Magic vs. Knicks
24th March 10:00am
The Orlando Magic will be up against it in their clash with the Knicks, having gone down by 13 points when they two sides met earlier in the season.
They will, however, have a spring in their step following Wednesday’s 122-122 win over the Wizards, with Paolo Banchero showing everyone why he’s $1.01 for Rookie of the Year with 18 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
The Knicks will enter this clash on the second leg of a back-to-back after squaring off with the Heat on Thursday. Julius Randle’s performance against the Wolves earlier in the week must be highlighted after he dropped a monster 57 points in the loss.
The back-up shouldn’t bother the Knicks too much as they look to maintain fifth spot in the East.
Suggested Bet: Knicks to win @ $1.70
Nets vs. Cavaliers
24th March 10:30AM
The Eastern Conference match of the day pits the Brooklyn Nets against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who meet just two days after last playing off.
It was the Cavs who got on top in their clash on Wednesday, with 31 points from Donovan Mitchell leading them to a six-point victory. Jarrett Allen recorded 12 points and 14 boards, while Day’Ron Sharpe top-scored for the Nets with 20 and 11 rebounds off the bench.
The loss was the Nets’ fourth in a row after winning five of their previous six.
The Cavs (4th) are 3.5 games clear of the Knicks (5th) and have won seven of their past 10.
Suggested Bet: Cavaliers to win @ $1.55
Pelicans vs. Hornets
24th March 11:00AM
The Pelicans are still a sniff to snatch a spot in the Western Conference playoffs, so they’ll clearly enter this one with more to play for than the 23-50 Hornets.
The Pels were unstoppable against the Spurs on Wednesday, dishing out a 35-point thumping on the back of 32 points from Brandon Ingram. Jonas Valančiūnas chipped in with 19 points and 15 boards as the Pels led from start to finish.
The Hornets snapped a four-game losing streak in their latest match, defeating the Pacers 115-109 for their 23rd win of the season. Nick Richards was a monster on the boards with 17, while Kelly Oubre Jr. led the way with 28 points.
It’s certainly not a blockbuster, but if the Pelicans win, it will make the run to playoffs a whole lot more interesting.
Suggested Bet: Half-Time/Full-Time Pelicans/Pelicans @ $1.72
Clippers vs. Thunder
24th March 1:30PM
The Clippers and the Thunder will meet for the second time in three days, with both sides having a lot to play for in the lead-up to the playoffs.
It was the Thunder who made it eight wins from their past 10 games with a one-point victory. Shae Gilgeous-Alexander was sensational with 31 points alongside 20 from Jalen Williams.
Paul George shot 18 before ending his night with a knee injury in the fourth quarter, and will now spend the next two-three weeks on the sidelines in a huge blow for the Clippers.
No George and a rampaging Thunder makes it hard to go against the form side.
Suggested Bet: Thunder to win @ $2.25
