The Scout: Friday NBA Best Bets

Posted on February 25, 2021February 25, 2021 | Posted by The Scout

Orlando Magic @ Brooklyn Nets

The Magic (13-19) could be on the verge of trading out one of their stars and going into a rebuild while Brooklyn (21-12) have won seven straight and look the team to beat in the East.

James Harden is back to playing MVP calibre basketball, averaging 26 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds in his last 10 games while shooting 45% from three.

Kevin Durant has been missing for much of this Nets’ run which is even more frightening for opposition teams. Kyrie Irving and Harden are getting great support from Joe Harris who is is averaging 15 points per game on 50% shooting from deep.

Even without Durant, the Nets have so many weapons at their disposal that you can disregard their lacklustre defense against a team like Orlando.

Suggested Bet: Brooklyn 11+ (Margin) @ $2.30*

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Sacramento Kings @ New York Knicks

The Kings (12-19) have lost eight in a row and look completely lost while the Knicks (15-17) have won six of their last 10 and look headed for postseason basketball (more likely the Play-In tournament).

Julius Randle has come of age this season, this week named an All-Star for the first time. The big man is averaging 23 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists per game while making 40% of his three point attempts.

Randle is monstering his opponents and is quick enough and big enough to have a mismatch on almost every opposition he meets. The addition of a dependable three point stroke has made him a legitimate star of this league.

I think Sacramento will struggle to contain Julius Randle with their likely combination of Richaun Holmes and Marvin Bagley.

Suggested Bet: Julius Randle 25+ Points @ $1.89*

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Washington Wizards @ Denver Nuggets

The Washington Wizards (11-18) have won five of their last six while the Nuggets (17-14) have been inconsistent despite the monster season of Nikola Jokic.

There is no secret to the Wizards game plan. They attack relentlessly and offer very little resistance on the other end of the floor. Bradley Beal’s strong start to the season shows no sign of slowing with the guard averaging an NBA-best 32 points per game.

The Wizards are starting to find their groove and with one of the most potent backcourts in the league it’s no shock that they are putting up big scoring numbers.

Washington have scored 115+ in each of their last five games including 130 against Denver just last week. I don’t see them winning, but I think they still find their points.

Suggested Bet: Wizards Over 115.5 (Team Points) @ $1.94*

*Odds correct as at 4pm 25th February 2021.

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