The NBA features an action-packed 10-game slate on Friday. There are many intriguing betting options to consider on DraftKings Sportsbook to get in the mix.
The early part of this slate is packed. Some games include the 76ers vs. Raptors and the Nets vs. Magic at 7 p.m. EST. About a half hour later, three more games will tip off, including the Pacers vs. Knicks, the Hornets vs. Hawks, and the Pistons vs. Cavaliers.
Each conference will have inner-division showdowns at 8 p.m. EST, including the Bulls vs. Bucks and the Grizzlies vs. Rockets. The final three games of this slate involve the Warriors taking on the Jazz (9:30 p.m. EST), with 10 p.m. EST start times for the Pelicans vs. Trail Blazers and the Suns vs. Lakers.
Here are five betting options on DraftKings Sportsbook that stand out for the Friday, Oct. 25 NBA slate:
Suns +1.5 (-110)
The Suns and Lakers clash for the first time this season, bringing a mix of new faces and familiar firepower to the rivalry. Both teams are coming off season-opening wins, but the Suns’ trio of Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker looked particularly sharp. In their 116-113 overtime victory against the Clippers, Durant’s 25 points and Beal’s 24 anchored a balanced offensive effort. The win also marked the debut of head coach Mike Budenholzer, who has already implemented a fast, open style that suits the Suns’ star-studded roster.
The Lakers got their first win under new coach JJ Redick, powered by Anthony Davis’s dominant 36-point, 16-rebound outing against Minnesota. Redick’s schemes brought a fresh look, but Phoenix now has a tactical advantage with game film to dissect ahead of this matchup. The Lakers’ ongoing struggles at the point of attack could be a critical weakness, especially against a Suns lineup with elite scorers. DraftKings Sportsbook lists Phoenix at +1.5 (-110), making them appealing. With Budenholzer’s experience and a potent offense, taking the Suns +1.5 feels like a smart bet.
Hornets vs. Hawks Total Over 226 (-110)
The Hawks and Hornets are coming off opening night wins, setting up a potentially high-scoring showdown tonight. Trae Young was in control for Atlanta, delivering 30 points and 12 assists, while LaMelo Ball led Charlotte with 34 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds against Houston. With the Hornets’ defense historically struggling against quick, dynamic guards, Young could be primed for another strong performance.
The Hawks’ defense showed weaknesses when Young was off the floor, and with bench options like Bogdan Bogdanovic unavailable, the Hornets’ scorers could capitalize. Missing Brandon Miller, Charlotte will lean heavily on Miles Bridges and Tre Mann to fill the scoring gap, capable of shouldering that responsibility. With offensive firepower on both sides and the total set at 226 points on DraftKings Sportsbook (-110), betting the over looks like a strong value play.
Tyus Jones Over 6.5 Assists (+105)
Tyus Jones looks set for another strong performance as a playmaker. In the Suns’ season-opening win over the Clippers, Jones finished with 11 points and 8 assists. With elite scorers like Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker around him, Jones has plenty of targets to distribute the ball to, which makes him a crucial part of Phoenix’s offensive flow.
The Lakers’ defense could face challenges containing the Suns’ ball movement, especially with Anthony Davis focused on protecting the paint. This creates opportunities for Jones to create open shots for his teammates. DraftKings Sportsbook has the Over 6.5 assists line for Jones at +105, and given his ability to find open looks in this offense, there’s a solid value in taking it.
Brandon Ingram Over 19.5 Points (-105)
Brandon Ingram enters Friday’s matchup against the Trail Blazers riding high after a stellar 33-point performance in the New Orleans Pelicans’ season-opening win over the Chicago Bulls. With Zion Williamson returning to the lineup after an illness, Ingram will still be a frequently leveraged scoring option, especially with Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy III both sidelined.
The Trail Blazers struggled defensively in their opener, allowing 139 points to the Golden State Warriors, a sign that Ingram could have plenty of opportunities to attack a shaky Portland defense. Ingram’s versatility and scoring touch make him a tough matchup, and DraftKings Sportsbook lists his points line at 19.5 (-105). Given his hot start to the season and Portland’s defensive woes, backing Ingram to hit the over appears to be a strong play.
Pacers +4.5 (-108)
The Pacers look to build off their season-opening win when they visit the Knicks on Friday. Despite being 4.5-point underdogs, Indiana has a solid chance to cover, especially after showing resilience in their 115-109 comeback win against Detroit. Despite struggling from three-point range, Tyrese Haliburton stepped up defensively, leading the Pacers in critical moments. The team’s ability to clamp down in the fourth quarter, holding the Pistons to 25% shooting, could be a difference-maker against a Knicks squad with its own defensive issues.
The Knicks are still trying to find cohesion after adding Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns in the offseason. Both players had quiet debuts in the Knicks’ lopsided 132-109 loss to the Celtics. New York’s perimeter defense was exposed, allowing Boston to tie an NBA record with 29 made three-pointers. With Indiana’s strong defensive showing down the stretch against Detroit and New York’s struggles to find a rhythm, backing the Pacers to cover +4.5 on DraftKings Sportsbook (-108) looks like a solid play.
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