NBA Basketball Friday Night: Free Sports Betting Picks

Cleveland Cavaliers (-3.5) @ Charlotte Bobcats (2-19: 7:00 PM ET): I like Cleveland to get it together and beat Charlotte on the road, despite the Bobcats very solid play at home, and the fact that Cleveland is playing in the second game of a back to back. Cleveland lost to Denver by 2 points last night despite LeBron James going for 43 points 13 assists and 15 rebounds. I have a feeling Antawn Jamison will be playing for the Cavs and I just think Cleveland is the type of team to step up after a tough loss. Tired, maybe? But this is a team that should be a little rejuvenated after the All-Star Break, and getting more minutes from Mo Williams and having Jamison should be just enough.

Dallas Mavericks @ Orlando Magic (-6) (2-19: 9:00 PM ET – ESPN): I think it’s games like this that made Mark Cuban and the rest of the Dallas Mavericks’ brass go after a guy like Heywood. Getting Caron Butler in the trade from Washington is what many people saw as the biggest reason for that trade, and that very well may be – but Brenden is one of the best post defenders in the league, and dealing with big posts was never a strength of the Mavericks. If Heywood can neutralize Howard a little bit, the Mavs might be able to find a win in Orlando. However, my gut tells me to stick with the home team in this one. The Magic have the talent to beat up on anyone, and the hype Dallas is getting after the trade definitely won’t allow the Magic to sleep on them. I like Orlando to cover at home.