NBA Expert Betting Picks (Friday Jan. 31): Best Bets for Thunder vs. Suns, Nuggets vs. Bucks
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images. Pictured: Chris Paul (3) of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
There are seven games on Friday’s NBA schedule and our experts are betting on two specific matchups:
- 9 p.m. ET: OKC Thunder at Phoenix Suns
- 9 p.m. ET: Denver Nuggets at Milwaukee Bucks
See the bets they’re making below.
Odds as of Friday afternoon and via FanDuel, where Action Network users get a risk-free bet up to $500.
Brandon Anderson: Thunder at Suns
- Spread: Suns -1
- Over/Under: 222.5
- Time: 9 p.m. ET
The road Thunder were my winning best bet a few days ago, and we’re going back to the well in Phoenix.
Just a month ago, the Thunder and Suns were seen as relative equals: West wannabes clawing for the final playoff spot. The Suns aren’t as bad as their record looks at 20-27, but Oklahoma City (29-20) is now miles ahead.
The Thunder have made us money all year. They’re an incredible 33-16 against the spread now, including an unbelievable 19-5 on the road. The Thunder aren’t just a playoff team now; they’re in the mix for the No. 5 or 6 seed and could very well win a series.
Devin Booker may think he’s an All-Star snub, but Chris Paul is an actual deserving All Star. Point God rides again.
The PICK: OKC +1
Matt Moore: Nuggets at Bucks
- Spread: Bucks -12.5
- Over/Under: 227
- Time: 9 p.m. ET
The Nuggets are:
- Without at least two starters and possibly three with Gary Harris missing last night’s game due to personal reasons. (He is not expected back but that could change.)
- Coming off what coach Michael Malone called “their best win of the year” vs. the Jazz in a comeback win vs. a division rival.
On a back to back. - Facing the best team in the league and one of the best regular-season teams we’ve ever seen.
- Running on only a few hours sleep after a late game vs. Utah compounded by the fact they arrived in Milwaukee at 4:30 a.m. CT.
- Playing at 7 p.m. MT after playing at 8:30 p.m. MT last night.
They will put up a fight, but I think this is safe to Bucks roll. Denver first-half probably has some value, but they’re going to hit a wall in the second half. This is the most schedule loss of all schedule losses. If Mason Plumlee wasn’t out, they’d at least consider resting Nikola Jokic.
Some walls are too high.
The PICK: Bucks -12.5
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