I have a bunch of plays for the loaded NBA slate on Friday, March 13. So, while I normally break things down with two separate articles, I’m bringing everything under one roof instead of splitting up sides/totals and player props — a streamlined look at my favorite bets for the day’s slate. Keep reading for my NBA picks and predictions for Friday.
RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more selections from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today
Pelicans +7.5 (-112) vs. Rockets
Pelicans at Rockets – 8:00 pm ET
The Pelicans are 7-3 with a net rating of +4.8 over the last 10 games, while the Rockets are 6-4 with a net rating of +1.0. A weak schedule has contributed to New Orleans’ success, so that needs to be acknowledged. However, the Pelicans are also healthier than they have been all year, and they’re looking much more competent on both ends of the floor. Meanwhile, the Rockets have two losses by at least 25 points in the last six days, and they’re dealing with a bit of an identity crisis right now.
Houston is also playing its third game in four days, while this is New Orleans’ second game in five days. Well, under James Borrego, the Pelicans are 11-2 against the spread when playing only two games in five days. They’re capable of taking advantage of this rest advantage.
New Orleans has also performed well against strong competition this year. Under Borrego, the Pelicans are 7-2 ATS when facing teams that outrebound opponents by 3.0 or more rebounds per game. They’re also a ridiculous 12-3 ATS when facing teams that outscore opponents by 3.0 or more rebounds per game.
On top of all of that, Houston could be without Alperen Sengun, who is questionable with a lower back injury.
NBA Player Props Today
Jalen Green Over 18.5 Points (-118) vs. Raptors
Suns at Raptors – 7:30 pm ET
Green really struggled with his jumper when he returned from his groin injury, but he’s absolutely cooking now. Over the last four games, Green is averaging 27.5 points per game and he’s shooting 50.6% from the floor. And while his 34.2% shooting from 3 is a bit low, he is attempting 9.5 triples per game. It’s just very clear that Green is getting comfortable in this new system, and I’m not really worried about Grayson Allen potentially returning tonight. Green has had at least 20 points in three of the last four games he has played with Allen. Also, his usage rate is 29.9% when playing with Allen, so he’s still going to be a major focal point here.
Green is also going up against a Raptors defense that is 24th in the NBA defending spot-up jumpers, 21st guarding in isolation, and 20th defending pick-and-roll ball handlers. Green can take advantage of all of that.
Also, by going Over on a player with a total of 18.5 points tonight, hopefully I can snap a streak of three consecutive nights of having somebody score zero with my point totals.
Brandin Podziemski Over 26.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-115) vs. Timberwolves
Timberwolves at Warriors – 10:00 pm ET
I didn’t get to this play on today’s episode of Hardwood Handicappers, but I do think Podziemski is in for a good performance tonight. Over the last nine games, the southpaw is averaging 30.2 combined points, rebounds, and assists. Of course, this is a matchup that could be pretty rough, as Minnesota has the potential to look like a top-10 defense. However, the Timberwolves have been miserable against PnR ball handlers this year, they’re not great guarding in transition, and they can be guilty of fouling a little too often. That said, Podziemski could do some damage as a scorer. He’s also averaging 8.4 rebounds per game over the last 10 games, so I expect him to do good work on the glass. He should also flirt with four or five assists in this one, as he’ll have the ball in his hands quite a bit.
Realistically, someone has to do something with Stephen Curry on the sidelines. Well, Podziemski is one of Golden State’s most confident ball handlers, and you need confidence against this Minnesota team. There’s also a chance De’Anthony Melton will miss this game, which could mean the ball will be in Podziemski’s hands even more.
Additional Plays (Late Adds, Parlays, Teasers, Futures)
PARLAY: Pistons ML vs. Grizzlies, Knicks ML vs. Pacers, Cavaliers ML vs. Mavericks, Blazers ML vs. Jazz, Clippers ML vs. Bulls (-145)
2025-26 NBA Record: 390-378 (-0.07 units)
