NBA Tips & Odds: The Panel's Picks And Best Bets For Friday's Action

Our team of experts have taken a look at some NBA games on Friday night. 

Let us focus on insights and odds from top betting sites as we look at a few games that might surprise bettors and fans alike.

Continue reading for The Panel's in-depth coverage and expert predictions as the NBA season continues with some Friday night picks.

Orlando Magic Vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction (O/U 216.5, Cavaliers -8.0)

The Cleveland Cavaliers have started the 2024/25 NBA season with a perfect 5-0 record. Orlando steps up to this battle on ESPN at 3-2 after dropping a tough 102-99 decision to the Chicago Bulls.  

It's early, but Cleveland looks to be a completely different team from last season. The Cavaliers average 125.6 points per game to top the NBA. 

Overall scoring is up, and Orlando ranks 20th with 112.8 points per game.

The Cavaliers thumped the Los Angeles Lakers by 24 points on Wednesday. Orlando looked subpar in a 13-point road loss to Memphis, which plays at a pace similar to this “new-look” Cleveland offense. 

However, the Cavaliers’ hot shooting (53.9%) should get them through to give The Panel their first winning bet on Friday night.   

The Panel Pick 1: Cleveland Cavaliers -8.5 Points @ 20/21 With Bet365

The Panel's NBA Tips For Friday Night:

• The Panel Pick 1: Cleveland Cavaliers -8.5 Points @ 20/21 With Bet365
• The Panel Pick 2: Oklahoma City & Portland Under 219.5 Points @ 20/21 With BoyleSports
• The Panel Pick 3: Denver Nuggets on the Moneyline @ 29/20 With Coral

Oklahoma City Thunder Vs. Portland Trail Blazers Prediction (O/U 216.5, Thunder -11.5)

The Oklahoma City Thunder remember how last season ended and they have started this year rolling off four straight wins. The Portland Trail Blazers have improved a bit at 2-3 and beat the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday.

Portland's offense averages a mere 107.2 points per game, while Oklahoma City allows 94.5 points a night, which is the best in the league. The most points the Thunder have allowed in the early going is 104.

Coach Mark Daigenault has emphasized defense first. The under can be played at 220.5, so shop around on betting apps. 

The next pick for The Panel for this Friday night is for Oklahoma City and Portland to score 219 combined points or fewer.

The Panel Pick 2: Oklahoma City & Portland Under 219.5 Points @ 20/21 With BoyleSports

Denver Nuggets Vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction (O/U 219.5, Timberwolves -4.5)

As the season began, Denver stumbled out of the gates at home, losing consecutive games. Minnesota has not been much better, as the Timberwolves lost at home to Dallas on Tuesday night.

The Timberwolves traded Karl-Anthony Towns in the offseason, and while Julius Randle is thriving, Dante DiVincenzo looks lost, shooting a paltry 31% from the field and 26.7% from three-point range. 

Minnesota’s offense seems to channel through Anthony Edwards a little too much. He is averaging 22.5 field-goal attempts a game. Not even Nikola Jokic (20.5) is averaging that many. 

If Minnesota continues to do this, that will spell trouble. The Panel pick is for Denver to upend Minnesota on the moneyline on NBA betting sites.

The Panel Pick 3: Denver Nuggets on the Moneyline @ 29/20 With Coral