2024 NBA bets, lines and stats for Friday - ESPN

The NBA is back on Friday night with a massive slate of 12 games. The game I'm most looking forward to is between the Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves. This matchup holds high stakes and features numerous superstars, including Devin Booker, Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert and Kevin Durant. I have one recommendation from this game, so let's dive into that and the rest of the day's picks.

Kevin Durant over 32.5 points and rebounds

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Jusuf Nurkic is dealing with left calf soreness and is a game-time decision. Both the Suns and Timberwolves are playoff-bound and fighting for improved seeding. Phoenix has one of the toughest schedules left in the league, so every win counts. Durant has cleared this line in 57% of his games this season and has eclipsed it in 70% of the 20 games Nurkic has missed since last season.

Jordan Poole over 22.5 points

The Trail Blazers-Wizards has a 2.5-point spread, which implies a competitive game. Poole has been inconsistent all season and has only cleared this line in four of his last 10 games. However, he does have a usage rate of 27.3% over that time frame. Both teams are poor defensively. The Trail Blazers rank 23rd in points allowed per game to shooting guards.

Deandre Ayton over 0.5 assists in first quarter

The Wizards rank 29th in points allowed per 100 possessions. Ayton has surpassed this line in five consecutive games and in 13 of his last 20. The Wizards also rank 29th in assists allowed per game. This is a good spot for Ayton.

Wendell Carter Jr. over 21.5 points, rebounds and assists

Carter has exceeded this line in each of the last three games while averaging 27.8 minutes per game. He has also cleared this line in