Best NBA Picks for Friday December 19th: 76ers vs Knicks, Cavs vs Bulls

The NBA card features five games, highlighted by a pair of old rivals meeting up in Boston. The Heat (15-12) arrive at TD Garden off last night’s win at Brooklyn to face the Celtics (15-11), who are looking to snap a two-game slide.

We’ll break down three plays for the Friday action. Remember to monitor the odds throughout the day, as the sides and totals market is constantly changing.

Here are the free NBA picks for Friday, December 19.

Best NBA plays today - Odds Courtesy of DraftKings

• 76ers/Knicks Under (228.5)
• Cavaliers (-7.5) vs. Bulls
• Hawks (+2.5) vs. Spurs

76ers/Knicks Under (228.5) - 7:00 p.m. ET

Philadelphia and New York meet for the first time after the Knicks captured all four matchups from the 76ers last season. Three of those four games finished Under the total, as New York didn’t score more than 111 points in regulation in any of those meetings.

New York is back at Madison Square Garden after grabbing the NBA Cup title in Las Vegas, followed by a comeback victory at Indiana last night. The Knicks are on a three-game Over streak following a 114-113 win over the Pacers on a 225 total.

The 76ers produced five straight Unders before a 120-117 setback at Atlanta on Sunday on a 226 total. Dating back to November 9, Philadelphia is 11-5 to the Under in the last 16 games. Look for a low-scoring game between these Atlantic Division rivals.

Cavaliers (-7.5) vs. Bulls - 7:30 p.m. ET

The Cavaliers have been a bit of a mess lately, losing as heavy favorites to the Hornets and Bulls. Cleveland has failed to cover four consecutive games, capped off by Wednesday’s 127-111 defeat at Chicago as 5.5-point favorites.

The two division foes hook up once again tonight in Cleveland as the Cavs try to get on track. The Cavs own a dreadful 8-20 record against the spread, but they are 2-0 this season off consecutive games when getting held to an offensive rating of 110 or less. Cleveland posted a 104.7 rating against Charlotte, followed by a 103.7 rating in Wednesday's loss in Chicago.

The Bulls have picked up consecutive covers once since the start of November. This is a big bounce-back spot for the Cavaliers tonight and we’ll lay the points with them.

Hawks (+2.5) vs. Spurs - 7:30 p.m. ET

Both Atlanta and San Antonio are playing with no rest tonight as they meet at State Farm Arena. The Spurs rolled past the Wizards, 119-94 as heavy 16-point favorites, a nice bounce-back after losing the NBA Cup title to the Knicks in Las Vegas on Tuesday.

The Hawks fell behind early at Charlotte in a 133-126 loss as 4.5-point favorites. Atlanta has stepped up as a home underdog, covering in four of five opportunities, including outright wins over the Cavaliers and Lakers. The Hawks look to avenge a 135-126 loss at San Antonio on November 20, as San Antonio outscored Atlanta by 20 points in the second quarter.

This is the 11th game played away from San Antonio in the last 14 since November 23. This situation off a home win and a quick turnaround tonight could spell letdown and the Hawks should be motivated following last night’s defeat at Charlotte.