Our team of writers and handicappers hand out their NBA picks and predictions for Friday, March 6.
New Jersey Nets at Orlando Magic, 7:05PM ET
Despite the acquisition of Rafer Alston, the Orlando Magic are still having a tough time getting back into a groove since point guard Jameer Nelson was injured. The New Jersey Nets are still out of playoff position even though floor leader Devin Harris remains hot.
Carelessness and an inability to take protect the ball have been evident even in victory for the Magic, who look to slow down Harris and the Nets on Friday night.
Orlando (44-16) hasn't been nearly as dominant since Nelson went down for the season with a dislocated right shoulder, going 8-6 since he left a loss to Dallas on Feb. 2. The middling stretch has hurt the Magic's chances of catching Cleveland for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, as they're four games behind the Cavaliers and three behind second-place Boston.
Nelson was in the midst of a career season, averaging 16.7 points and 5.4 assists.
NBA Free Pick: New Jersey – Best Line: +9 Sportsbetting
Atlanta Hawks at Charlotte Bobcats 7:05PM ET
Atlanta has certainly had its share of losses against bad Charlotte teams. With the Bobcats contending for a playoff spot this season, only now have the Hawks figured out a way to consistently beat them.
The Hawks, trying to break out of a slump, look to sweep a season series with the surprising Bobcats for the first time in their history Friday night.
Having lost five of seven, Atlanta (34-27) could use a boost against a Charlotte club it has dominated this season. The Hawks are 3-0 versus the Bobcats (26-35), holding them to 86.3 points per game and 41.9 percent shooting.
Atlanta was 5-11 against Charlotte entering this season, 1-7 on the road. The Bobcats went 109-219 in their first four seasons, but they now have an opportunity to make the playoffs for the first time.
NBA Free Pick: Charlotte – Best Line: -2 Sportsbetting
Miami Heat at Toronto Raptors, 7:05PM ET
Jermaine O'Neal hasn't exactly provided Miami with the low-post presence it expected when he was acquired from Toronto last month for Shawn Marion.
The Raptors have received consistent efforts from Marion, but it hasn't equated to many victories.
While O'Neal and the Heat look for back-to-back wins for the first time since January, Toronto will try to rebound from a winless road trip Friday night with its seventh straight victory over Miami.
Miami (32-28), which last won two in a row from Jan. 24-28 when it had three consecutive victories, looks to build off Wednesday's 135-129 win over Phoenix. Dwyane Wade scored 35 and matched a career high with 16 assists, leading the Heat past the Suns and former teammate Shaquille O'Neal.
NBA Free Pick: Toronto – Best Line: +1 Sportsbetting
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