Our team of writers and handicappers hand out their NBA picks and predictions for Friday, February 27.
Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets, 9:05PM ET
Despite owning the third-best record in the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets have reason to be concerned about their play of late. That's especially true with the NBA's top team coming to town.
The Nuggets hope to build off their first victory in almost a week while trying to avoid a sixth straight loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night.
After giving up an average of 116.7 points during its three-game losing streak, Denver (38-20) still found little to enjoy about a 110-109 home victory over Atlanta on Wednesday night to snap the skid.
Chauncey Billups scored a season-high 33 points and Carmelo Anthony added 23 with 10 rebounds for the Nuggets, who shot 50.6 percent, but nearly allowed the Hawks to erase an eight-point deficit in the final 90 seconds.
NBA Free Pick: LA Lakers – Best Line: -2 Sports Interaction
Oklahoma City Thunder at Dallas Mavericks, 8:35PM ET
The Dallas Mavericks avenged a tough loss in their last contest. There's not much that would fuel any vengeful feelings toward the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Mavericks, trying to hold on to the eighth spot in the Western Conference, look to continue their dominance of the Thunder on Friday night.
Dallas (34-23), which has a slim lead over ninth-place Phoenix, might end up regretting a terrible performance in a 133-99 loss to Milwaukee on Jan. 21 if it misses the postseason.
The Mavericks evened their season series with the Bucks on Wednesday night, winning 116-96. They also rebounded after posting their lowest point total of the season in a 93-76 loss to short-handed San Antonio the previous evening.
NBA Free Pick: Dallas – Best Line: -9 Sports Interaction
Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks, 7:35PM ET
Facing the New York Knicks seems to bring out the best in the Philadelphia 76ers.
Philadelphia tries to sweep the season series with New York for the first time in 23 years Friday night when it concludes a four-game road trip.
The Sixers (28-28) have shot 54.4 percent and averaged 113.0 points in winning the first three meetings with New York (24-33) this season. They've won 12 of the last 14 in the series and are a victory away from sweeping the Knicks for the first time since 1985-86, when they took all six matchups.
Philadelphia has a good chance to continue its high-scoring ways against the Knicks, who have allowed 12 of their last 13 opponents to score 104 or more points. They've given up 114.7 in losing two of their last three.
The Sixers are also coming off their best offensive performance in two weeks. They shot 50.0 percent in a 106-98 win over Washington on Wednesday night after making 38.8 percent of their attempts and averaging 91.8 points during a season high-tying four-game losing streak.
Andre Iguodala had 22 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds Wednesday to lead six Sixers in double-figure scoring.
NBA Free Pick: New York – Best Line: -1.5 Sports Interaction