NBA Betting Picks for Friday 2/9/24: The 76ers, Rockets Look to Thrive in Underdog Roles

The 82-game NBA regular season offers us a wide variety of betting options, including point spreads, moneylines, and totals. The Association features 1,230 regular season games, which can make sifting through the odds an overwhelming task.

However, various advanced statistics can help narrow the choices. numberFire's NBA power rankings and daily projections paired with advanced stats from the NBA can help give the inside track to winning big.

While utilizing some of the mentioned tools, which NBA odds from FanDuel Sportsbook look like the best bets today?

Please note lines are subject to change throughout the day after this article is published.

NBA Best Bets

Atlanta Hawks at Philadelphia 76ers

76ers Moneyline (+118)

The Philadelphia 76ers look to be in trouble with Joel Embiid sustaining a 6-to-8 week knee injury. In the Sixers' last nine games without Embiid, they have went 2-7. The injuries just keep stacking up as starters De'Anthony Melton and Nicolas Batum will also be out on Friday against the Atlanta Hawks. Philadelphia reinforced their backcourt on Thursday's trade deadline with the acquisitions Cameron Payne and Buddy Hield, but it's unlikely that either player will see the court on Friday after just landing in Philly.

One of the only good pieces of news for the 76ers over the last couple of weeks was the return of Tyrese Maxey from injury; he is averaging 25.3 points per game (PPG) since returning, led by a 51-point outburst on February 1st. Maxey could be gearing up for another memorable performance as the Hawks have the third-worst defensive rating, and Atlanta's lead guard Trae Young has a weak defensive rating of 121.5.

Even with Philly's recent slide, it's surprising that the Hawks are listed as 2.5-point favorites. Atlanta is 4-2 over their last six games, but their success is drastically different on the road with three consecutive losses. Plus, the 76ers still hold an exceptional home record at 17-9.

Philadelphia also totals the ninth-most points in the paint per game, and the Hawks give up the third-most points in the paint. After totaling only 103.0 PPG over their last two games, the Sixers could get back on the right page against Atlanta's weak defense.

The 76ers could also have the tools to slow the Hawks' three-point barrage, which totals the sixth-most shots each contest. Philly gives up the sixth-fewest three-point shots and holds the fourth-best mark in opponent three-point percentage.

Even without Embiid, Philadelphia could have enough advantages to pull off the upset. Home underdogs always draw a bit more intrigue for me, and numberFire's game projections are giving the 76ers an 81.5% chance to win.

Houston Rockets at Toronto Raptors

Under 233.5 (-108)
Rockets Moneyline (+108)

The over is 5-1 during the Toronto Raptors' last six games, and they have averaged 116.5 PPG during the span. Toronto may meet their match on Friday against the Houston Rockets, though. Houston brings a stark contrast of play as they total the 10th-fewest PPG (113.7) while holding opponents to the 10th-fewest PPG (112.7). Will the Rockets make this a low-scoring game, or will the Raptors find themselves in another high-scoring affair?

I'm going with the former -- especially with numberFire suggesting the under for this matchup. Houston has the Association's seventh-best defensive rating, and they excel in several categories that could cause Toronto's offense to run dry.

First off, the Raptors total the fifth-most points in the paint per game, and the Rockets allow the sixth-fewest points in the paint. Toronto's three-point shooting has also played a big role as they have converted 41.0% of their shots over the last five games. Once again, Houston has the answer as they give up the 10th-fewest three-point makes while carrying the 3rd-best mark in opponent three-point percentage. In February 2nd's head-to-head meeting, the Raptors were held to only 106 points while shooting 11 of 33 from three (33.3%).

On the other side of the court, the Rockets dominated around the rim in the previous matchup with 84 points in the paint. This shouldn't be a number that we just gloss over; 84 points is a ridiculous number. For reference, the Indiana Pacers lead the league with 56.8 points in the paint per game. Houston averages the 14th-fewest points in the paint while Toronto gives up the 6th-most point in the paint. This could be the biggest concern for the over hitting as the Rockets rolled to 135 points in the previous clash.

With that said, Houston at +108 to win outright could be too good to pass on. Along with numberFire slightly leaning with the Rockets to cover and win, the pick makes sense due to Houston's ability to win the paint battle. The Rockets will be without Fred VanVleet (16.5 PPG), but their biggest contributor in the paint -- Alperen Sengun (21.6 PPG) -- is active and takes 71.8% of his shots within nine feet of the rim.

New Orleans Pelicans at Los Angeles Lakers

Under 233.5 (-110)

The New Orleans Pelicans against the Los Angeles Lakers is another contest with an intriguing under line. The under is 4-1 in the Pelicans' last four games and 3-1 in the Lakers' previous four. Both teams are also among the top seven in the fewest field goal attempts per game.

Each offense pretty much focuses on attacking the rim. Los Angeles totals the third-most points in the paint while averaging the fewest three-point shots. New Orleans brings a similar style with the 11th-most points in the paint and 8th-fewest three-point attempts. Both defenses also rank among the top 14 defensive ratings, and they excel the ideal category for this collision.

The Pelicans' perimeter defense can be like a leaky faucet, giving up the most three-point shots each contest, but they have the interior covered with the seventh-fewest points in the paint allowed. The Lakers' defense is practically a mirror of New Orleans with the 10th-best mark in opponent two-point percentage while giving up the 3rd-most three-point attempts.

I have a hard time trusting either three-point attack to turn in impressive performances, as well. The Pelicans have shot 32.4% or worse from three in three of the last five games, and L.A. has shot 27.1% from deep over the previous two contests.

With both defenses excelling in ideal areas, give me the under.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.