The NBA’s Friday night schedule is packed with action, featuring nine games and an expansive variety of betting options on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Here’s a look at the slate:
- Knicks at Pistons, 7:00 p.m. ET
- Magic at Cavaliers, 7:00 p.m. ET
- Celtics at Hornets, 7:00 p.m. ET
- Lakers at Raptors, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Bulls at Nets, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Kings at Hawks, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Pacers at Pelicans, 8:00 p.m. ET
- Nuggets at Timberwolves, 9:30 p.m. ET
- Thunder at Trail Blazers, 10:00 p.m. ET
Check out some of the top betting picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Friday, November 1.
Cavaliers -7 (-108)
The Eastern Conference’s last undefeated team, the Cavaliers, sit at 5-0 entering Friday’s showdown with the shorthanded Magic, who lost Paolo Banchero for the next four-to-six weeks due to a torn oblique. It’s an unfortunate injury regardless, but to play without him for the first time this season against a Cavs team that’s rolling is a tall task. Cleveland is coming off a 24-point blowout win over the Lakers and has defeated teams by an average of 18.2 points per game this season.
Given how durable Banchero has been throughout his career, this will be the 13th game the Magic will play since drafting him he will miss. Orlando has gone 4-8 in those situations. It could require an adjustment for the Magic to execute without the top-scoring option in the offense. Cleveland appears primed to take advantage of this as seven-point favorites at -108.
Pacers -4.5 (-108)
The Pacers and Pelicans are both needing a victory after kicking off the regular season with a 2-3 record. With Indiana coming off a 135-132 overtime victory over the Celtics, there is more reason for confidence in the Pacers’ ability to cover the -4.5-point spread at -108. If Tyrese Haliburton can shake his struggles in this game, it would go a long way for Indiana.
The Pelicans are coming off back-to-back losses against the Warriors in a two-game mini-series at Chase Center, with the team’s most recent performance involving them scoring only 89 points. It’s been a struggle to begin the season and Indiana could capitalize on New Orleans being a team that’s still trying to figure it out with Dejounte Murray out.
Bulls +1.5 (-108)
There were many questions surrounding the Bulls entering their 2024-25 regular season campaign, but they have managed a 3-2 record entering Friday’s matchup against the Nets. Coming off consecutive three-point victories, including wins over the Grizzlies and Magic, Chicago could get the job done again in a matchup with Brooklyn. If the Bulls lose by no more than a point, they would cover a +1.5 point spread at -108.
The Bulls have four players averaging at least 15 points per game, including Zach LaVine (23.0 points), Nikola Vucevic (20.2 points), Coby White (19.0 points), and Josh Giddey (15.4 points), making them a balanced offensive team. If this success continues against Brooklyn, it could result in a victory, but defensive stops are essential as well, particularly with how well Cam Thomas has been playing.
Rui Hachimura Over 14.5 Points (+100)
When the Lakers have identified a weak link to exploit by leveraging Rui Hachimura as a scorer, they’ve often capitalized under head coach J.J. Redick. Despite being contained to eight points in the Lakers’ blowout loss against the Cavaliers, he’s averaged 15.6 points through five games.
Hachimura has thrived when the Lakers face a team with a weak defensive link or simply lacking rim protection. He scored 18 points against both the Timberwolves and Kings, along with recently scoring a season-high 20 against the Suns. With a line of 14.5 points against the rebuilding Raptors, the Over at +100 appears to be an intriguing option worth considering for a player prop with upside.
Tim Hardaway Jr. Over 10.5 Points (-110)
The Pistons have received strong production from Tim Hardaway Jr. this season. He’s averaging 13.6 points while shooting 46.3 percent from the floor and 53.3 percent from beyond the arc. For a team that sorely needed to add more shooting talent around Cade Cunningham, Hardaway has stepped in as a veteran they’ve leaned on to get the job done.
Against the Knicks, Hardaway’s line is set at 10.5 points, with the Over at -110. He’s averaged 18 points over his previous two outings, including a 20-point performance against the Heat. Hardaway could be a necessary relief option in the Pistons’ offense again when facing a unit with on-ball defenders like O.G. Anunoby and Mikal Bridges.
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