Friday’s NBA slate is filled with some exciting matchups. Here are a few NBA picks to consider with no football action over the weekend!
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Washington Wizards
Friday, February 3, 2023 – 07:00 PM EST at Capital One Arena
Analysis
The Portland Trail Blazers are coming off a massive win against the Memphis Grizzlies, winning 122-112 on the road. Washington is inching closer to .500 as well, with a long win streak on the road, but they’ll be back home in this one.
The Wizards’ offense has been above average this season, earning 114.3 points per 100 possessions. They have shot an effective field goal percentage of 54.7% and turned the ball over 14% of the time. Washington isn’t entirely effective on the offensive glass or at getting to the foul line but defensively, Portland’s just as poor in those areas. The Blazers have allowed 116.4 points per 100 possessions and have only earned 13.5% of turnovers.
On the flip side, Portland’s offense has been terrific. The Blazers have earned 117.1 points per 100 possessions while also shooting an effective field goal percentage of 56.3%. Turnovers can get high for the Blazers, but it’s not something to worry about when going up against Washington. The Wizards have only earned 12.2% of turnovers this season, which is the worst rate in the NBA.
The Pick
Portland is above-average in all other critical categories and usually gets to the foul line at a very high rate. With how well Washington has played offensively and how consistent the Blazers have been, I’m siding with the Over in this one.
NBA Pick: Over 236 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Toronto Raptors vs. Houston Rockets
Friday, February 3, 2023 – 08:00 PM EST at Toyota Center
Analysis
The Raptors knocked off the Rockets, 116-109, back on November 9. Tonight will be the second and last time these two teams face off this year.
Toronto has scored 115.7 points per 100 possessions, and that rate figures to rise against a Rockets team that has allowed teams to score 117.3 points per 100 possessions. Houston has held teams to just a 55.6% effective field goal percentage and earned only 13.4% turnovers.
Toronto rarely turns the ball over and earns 30.4% of offensive rebounds. They should also get to the foul line rather consistently against a Rockets team that has allowed a 21.6 free throw rate. That’s the 19th in the NBA.
Meanwhile, the Rockets are the worst offense in the NBA, adding just 109.6 points per 100 possessions. They also shoot a 41.5% effective field goal percentage and are careless with the ball, giving the ball up 17.2% of the time, while the Raptors have added 17% of turnovers per game this season.
The Pick
Houston should succeed on the offensive glass and can get to the foul line at a higher pace. Therefore, I’d also rock with the Over in this game.
NBA Pick: Over 225 (-110) at FanDuel
Philadelphia 76ers vs. San Antonio Spurs
Friday, February 3, 2023 – 08:00 PM EST at AT&T Center
Analysis
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this year, 114-105. That was back on October 22. Things have changed since then. The 76ers look like one of the best teams in the NBA, while the Spurs look like the worst. The Spurs have won two games since the New Year.
San Antonio has allowed a league-worst 121.6 points per 100 possessions while also giving up a 58.4% effective field goal percentage. The Spurs have also allowed 28.8% of offensive rebounds and have only earned 13.6% of turnovers. They are at least good at limiting foul shots, but against the 76ers, it’ll be hard against Joel Embiid and James Harden.
The Spurs are slightly better on the offensive end, but still way below average. The offense has earned 111.7 points per 100 possessions while turning the ball over 15.2% of the time. They are also last in free throw rate offensively. Against the 76ers, they can get some second chances and putbacks, but the offense has shot just a 53.6% effective field goal percentage. The 76ers have limited teams to 112.5 points per 100 possessions and an effective field goal percentage of 54%. The Spurs won’t have an easy time against the 76ers’ defense.
The Pick
I’ll back Philadelphia against the spread. It’s a bit lower than if they were home, and I don’t think San Antonio has a home-court advantage with how they’ve played this year. Fans don’t care to go to these games.
NBA Pick: 76ers -9.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
