NBA Betting Tips: Thunder to stun reigning champs?

Sadly, we couldn't follow up Wednesday's 6/1 winner with another yesterday, but we're back again to take a look at Friday's NBA action, and we've picked out our best bets for the upcoming games.

Knicks @ Magic - Magic (-1.5) @ 10/11

Both teams are coming into this match off the back of losses, but both sides are also enjoying decent seasons.

The Knicks have been spearheaded by Jalen Brunson, who continues to shine in the Big Apple, sinking at least 30 points in two of his last three games.

As for Orlando, they've proven that their roster of young guns are to be taken seriously, as they currently sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 18-12.

New York are playing their third game in four nights, and they've lost two of their last three games, while Orlando are one of the best home teams in the NBA, losing just four bouts all season at Kia Center.

I'm taking Orlando to start things off.

Bucks @ Cavaliers - Bucks (-4.5) @ 5/6

Milwaukee came out of their week in New York with a 2-1 record after taking down the Brooklyn Nets 144-122 on Wednesday, putting that Christmas Day defeat to the Knicks firmly behind them.

The Bucks have now won eight of their last nine, and I don't see them having any issues against Cleveland here, although the Cavs did manage to get the better of Dallas on Wednesday night.

However, the Cavaliers are dealing with several injuries at the point in the season, and they've got two starters sidelined in Evan Mobley and Darius Garland. That means the offensive burden will fall on the shoulders of Donovan Mitchell, and he doesn't have the capability to defeat Milwaukee on his own, in my opinion.

Thunder @ Nuggets - Thunder @ 11/8

The Oklahoma City Thunder have one of the youngest rosters in the NBA, but they're playing like seasoned veterans this season. Just ask the Nuggets, who would be riding a 10-game winning streak if not for Oklahoma City.

The Thunder rallied to win at Denver on December 16, and now they'll be aiming to get the better of the reigning champions on Friday night.

I said yesterday that the Nuggets would miss Aaron Gordon sorely in their matchup against Memphis, but it was business as usual for Denver at the Ball Arena - Nikola Jokic's 26 points lead the Nuggets to a 142-105 victory.

However, I fancy the Thunder to catch Denver flat-footed here, and to steal a win on the road.

Check out the rest of our NBA Betting Tips here.