NBA Picks and Predictions for Friday, March 8

Our expert NBA betting analysts are live every day on the "Buckets" podcast, bringing you their NBA picks and NBA predictions for every slate across the Association.

Friday, March 8 is no different, of course, as we have three expert picks for tonight in the NBA.

NBA Picks and Predictions for Friday, March 8

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By Jim Turvey

The Pels have been awesome in the first quarter with a +10 Net Rating this season, consistently playing with a strong mentality early in the game. That has translated into profit for bettors, as New Orleans is 37-25 against the first-quarter spread for the third-best mark in the league. This game opened up at Pels -3.5 but is obviously up to -8 now. Tyrese Maxey is in concussion protocol and unlikely to play again tonight.

The 76ers are the inverse in the first quarter at 27-35 in the first quarter this season, and it has been worse since Embiid has been out. The Pels are 8-2 in their last 10 road games in the first quarter. If the line continues to shift, I like this number up to -3.5.

By Sean Little

The Magic have been absolutely white hot. They're 42-21 against the spread this season, which is the best in the NBA. Overall, they've won 13 of their last 16 games.

This is a tough scheduling spot for the Magic, though, and I believe the Knicks are going to focus on giving Paolo Banchero hell tonight. Also, the Knicks are 0-3 against the Magic this season, so I think this is a big-time revenge spot.

Importantly, I'm confident Jalen Brunson is going to be back tonight and the Knicks need him out there. New York hasn't played since Tuesday and is 7-5 against the spread when coming off two or more days of rest, it's 14-10-1 ATS after a loss.

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By Jim Turvey

Since Trae Young went out, Johnson is averaging 4.2 assists. He got injured in his last game out and only played half the game but still had four assists. He is clearing this number most nights and has moved into that secondary playmaker role in Young's absence. If he hadn't missed so many games early in the season he would be up there for most improved player.

There is nothing out there yet for this line, but stay updated with @TurveyBets on the Action App.