NBA Friday Night Best Bets: December 17th

NBA Friday Night Best Bets:

Odds available as at 11 am December 17th 2021. Odds may now differ. 

Atlanta Hawks vs Denver Nuggets

After an incredible 2021/22 season that saw them reach the Eastern Conference Finals, the Atlanta Hawks have fallen down significantly, and are now 9th in the conference standings. Despite having one of the best offences in the NBA, scoring 111.4 points per game with solid efficiency, they also play terrible defence. In fact, they have allowed 109.1 points per game, with just 6.9 steals and 4.5 blocks per game, ranking their defence 25th in the NBA this year.

The Denver Nuggets are also having a difficult season largely due to injury issues, but they have still managed to win 14 games and clinch 8th place in the Western Conference. They are still a solid team capable of going off on any given night, and they’ve pulled off multiple upsets this season. They are underdogs in this one, and with 84% of bettors backing the Hawks tonight, Denver provide a lot of value in the handicap market.

Tip: Denver Nuggets +4.5 at 1.92 odds

Get more Atlanta Hawks vs Denver Nuggets tips

Boston Celtics vs Golden State Warriors

The Boston Celtics have had a difficult year so far, dealing with injury issues and inconsistent play since the very start of the season. But with Jaylen Brown back into their lineup on Wednesday night, they upset the defending champions – the Milwaukee Bucks by 117-103 and are finally playing like a contender in the Eastern Conference. With 14 wins and 14 losses, they are 10th in the east and looking to build on their solid form. Defence has been one of the solid points for this team this season, and with the majority of their squad now healthy, they should provide some solid value moving forward.

The Golden State Warriors have been one of the biggest surprises of the season this year for many, and they are now sitting atop the west with 23 wins and just 5 losses. But their form hasn’t been as good as expected in recent games, ranking 19th in offensive rating and an assist/turnover ratio of 1.62 (23rd in NBA). Their defence is still solid, ranking 3rd in the league with a rating of 100.4, but there is one underlying fact. The Warriors have lost to the Celtics in all of their last 5 games. The Celtics will enjoy home advantage in this one and with their recent increase in form, they should be able to get the job done.

Tip: Boston Celtics +3.5 at 2.00 odds

Get more Boston Celtics vs Golden State Warriors tips

Sacramento Kings vs Memphis Grizzlies

The Sacramento Kings are 10th in the Western Conference with 12 wins and 17 losses, but their form has seen a major improvement recently. They have won 5 of their last 10 games, and are coming off a dominant 119-105 victory over the Washington Wizards. They are in the midst of a 3 game homestand and their home performances this season have been quite respectable. The Memphis Grizzlies are heavy favourites in this one with 93% of bettors picking them tonight, but the Kings have a very good shot of pulling off an upset.

The Memphis Grizzlies are in excellent form at the moment, winning 9 of their last 10 games and coming off a 113-103 win against the Blazers in Portland. In fact, they’ve had the best defence in the NBA in the last 10 games with a rating of 96.6. But this will be their 2nd road game in a row before travelling back to Memphis to face the Blazers again, and I expect fatigue to be an issue for them on defence. They are heavy favourites tonight on the road, and despite their recent form, I expect them to fumble in this one.

Tip: Sacramento Kings +4.5 at 1.94 odds

Get more Sacramento Kings vs Memphis Grizzlies tips

Get more NBA tips from bettingexpert
Get more basketball tips from bettinngexpert