The NBA is back in action on Friday with 10 games scheduled. Be sure to keep an eye on injury updates and player statuses leading up to tip-off. There are several game totals that stand out, specifically Timberwolves-Jazz and Suns-Pelicans. Let’s dive into the best NBA bets for Friday, Dec. 9. For more NBA best bets, NBA props and player props, be sure to visit the OddsShopper tool.
Best NBA Bets Today: Game Tips & Betting Predictions
Timberwolves-Jazz Bets
The Timberwolves begin a five-game road trip against the Jazz in Utah on Friday. Minnesota is coming off a high-scoring win against the Pacers, dominating Indiana in the paint 64-36. Utah is coming off a surprising win against Golden State, with a 124-123 victory on Wednesday. These two teams have faced off once this season, with the Jazz taking home the 132-126 overtime victory in Minnesota. Anticipate this game being another high-scoring affair, and look to take the over game total on Friday.
Minnesota ranks first in pace, and Utah ranks 10th on the season. This should be a high-tempo, up-and-down game, with Utah getting good looks from beyond the arc and Minnesota dominating in the paint. There are some notable mismatches in this one that favor the over. Utah ranks third in 3-pointers made per game (14.6), while the Timberwolves allows the most 3-pointers made (14.0). The Jazz allow the most points in the paint (55.9), while the Timberwolves put up the sixth-most points in the paint (54.4).
Minnesota is averaging 115.2 points per game and allowing 116.1. Utah is averaging 117.9 points per game and allowing 115.8. The Jazz are averaging 124 points per game at home, 7 more points per game at home versus on the road. The over has hit in five straight head-to-head matchups. Expect a lot of free-throw attempts, as these two teams rank top 9 in fouls per game and top 8 in free-throw attempts allowed. Point opportunities with the clock stopped is always a good recipe for an over. Have confidence in riding the over on the total.
Best NBA Bet for Timberwolves-Jazz: Game Total OVER 234.5 Points
Suns-Pelicans Bets
The Phoenix Suns kick off a four-game road trip on Friday night with back-to-back games in New Orleans against the Pelicans. The Suns have dropped three of their last four games, losing by double digits in each of their last two. The Pelicans are rolling as of late, winners of five straight and eight of their last 10. The Suns enter this game as 1.5-point favorites on the road. This game is going to be important as these two battle for the top spot in the Western Conference, so expect high effort and energy.
Everyone is quick to panic, with the Suns losing three of their last four games. Phoenix just suffered their most embarrassing loss of the season versus the Boston Celtics. The score ended 125-98, but the Suns trailed by as much as 45 points in the third quarter. Expect them to come out with a sense of urgency on Friday. They have a top-10 offense in efficiency, averaging a 54.6% effective field goal percentage. Chris Paul in his first game back from injury was showing clear signs of rust, putting up just 4 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists in 24 minutes of action. Expect his level of play to increase as he gets back up to game speed. Deandre Ayton‘s performance will be key if the Suns wants to take home a victory tonight. He is averaging 16.9 points and 10.4 rebounds on the season. Ayton only saw seven minutes of play in their first matchup this season, and the game soared over the total.
Brandon Ingram (toe) has been ruled out for Friday. Despite his absence, the Pelicans are 5-0 since his injury. Williamson is healthy again and playing like a superstar. In his last five games, Williamson is averaging 28 points per game, 9.8 rebounds per game and shooting 65% from the field. He is a nightmare matchup for Phoenix as they continue to play without Cameron Johnson. Williamson should dominate the paint in tonight’s contest.
These two teams have faced off once this year, with the total ending at 235 points. Both rank top 6 in offensive rating on the season. The over has hit in the Suns’ last four road games against teams with a winning home record. Five of their last six games have finished at 228 points or more. Both teams have a top-10 offense and a top-10 defense. The over is 7-3 in their last 10 matchups and 16-5 in the last 21 meetings in New Orleans. Expect the offensives to prevail and this game to be a high-scoring, close game.
Best NBA Bet for Suns-Pelicans: Game Total OVER 228 Points
