2024 NBA bets, lines and stats for Friday - ESPN

After a slim Thursday schedule, the NBA is back on Friday night with a slate of 14 games to choose from. My favorite game on the docket is between the Atlanta Hawks and Indiana Pacers, which, based on the point total, should be an offensive bonanza. This game will be heavily targeted by NBA DFS players and bettors alike.

Let's dive into my betting recommendations for Friday.

Jalen Johnson over 29.5 points + rebounds + assists. Johnson has surpassed this line in three consecutive games and has played 29 or more minutes in each of those games. The matchup between the Hawks and the Pacers has the highest point total (262.5) on Friday's slate. Both teams rank inside the top 5 in the league in pace and the bottom 5 in points allowed per 100 possessions. Since the Pacers have had trouble defending power forwards all season, Johnson should be busy in this matchup.

Tyrese Haliburton over 13.5 assists. Haliburton is averaging 14.0 assists per game over his last 10 contests. The Hawks rank 26th in points allowed per 100 possessions. Atlanta also allows opponents an effective field goal percentage of 57.6%, the fourth-highest in the league. Haliburton can shine in this matchup as a facilitator.

Jayson Tatum over 25.5 points. Tatum has gone over this number in two of his last three games. Tatum has a usage rate of 30.0% this season and will continue to drive the Celtics' offense. He faces a Jazz defense on Friday night that ranks 24th in points allowed per 100 possessions. Utah also gives up the third-most points per game to power forwards. This is a great spot for Tatum.

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