The Scout: Friday NBA Best Bets

Posted on April 22, 2021April 22, 2021 | Posted by The Scout

New Orleans Pelicans @ Orlando Magic

The Pelicans (25-33) have lost four in a row but get the best chance in the NBA to end that slide, up against the Magic (18-40) who have lost their last three.

Orlando have offloaded their best veterans and have just one win from their last 10 games. Though they can’t outwardly admit it, the Magic front office would be happy for this team to go winless for the rest of the season.

Zion Williamson has been on a tear, averaging 30 points in his last ten games. His size and athleticism is a nightmare for opposition teams and the Magic look like they’ll be close to helpless against him.

Suggested Bet: New Orleans 11+ (Margin) @ $2.45*

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Philadelphia 76ers @ Milwaukee Bucks

Two Eastern Conference powerhouses face off with the number one seed 76ers (39-19) up against the Bucks (35-22). Strangely, both teams are coming in off back-to-back losses.

This game could well come down to who plays better out of Joel Embiid (29ppg) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (28ppg). Giannis in particular will be looking to his supporting cast to make their open shots, which ultimately gives him more room in the paint to go to work.

Giannis is flying under the radar this season with little to no MVP buzz (because he’s won the last two). There’s no doubt he’s waiting for playoff basketball to really switch himself on. He scored 32 points against Philly earlier in the season, and I think he’ll see this game as an entree to the playoffs.

Suggested Bet: Giannis Antetokounmpo 35+ Points @ $4.25*

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Charlotte Hornets @ Chicago Bulls

Charlotte (28-29) remain in the playoff mix despite just one win from their last six games, while the Bulls (24-34) have won just two of their last eight.

Both teams here are dealing with injuries, with LaMelo Ball and Zach LaVine out of action. LaVine’s absence is undoubtedly hurting his team more, being the main offensive weapon for the Bulls.

The Hornets have a deeper roster than the Bulls and Miles Bridges has done a great job of filling the void left by LaMelo. He is averaging 20 points in his last ten games and I think is a big part of what gives Charlotte the edge in this game.

Suggested Bet: Charlotte (Head to Head) @ $2.40*

*Odds correct as at 1pm, 22nd April 2021.

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