NBA weekend betting preview: The action is in the East

Football season is almost over. We get a nice taste of what comes next with the NBA having a solid weekend schedule. The surprising Charlotte Hornets are having their close-up, playing a couple of other playoff-bound teams, and with the Eastern Conference very tight at the top, we might see some movement. Philadelphia is visiting Chicago, and the Sixers might leave with the top spot in the East.

Advance lines are tough for the NBA, but here are some suggestions about which sides to look at. 

Friday, February 4

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Charlotte Hornets

7 p.m. ET

These are two young teams taking steps forward, and this should be a fun matchup because they are so different. Cleveland has the better record and is second in points allowed, while Charlotte is first in the NBA in scoring. Both have winning formulas, but massive contrasts for this game. Both of these teams have been very profitable too; Cleveland is 30-20-2 ATS and Charlotte is 31-21 ATS.

The key to this one is the heath of Cleveland guard Darius Garland. He is questionable. The Cavs continue to play great defense even with some injuries, but you have to be able to score to compete with Charlotte. The Hornets score 114 points per game at home, so even if the visitors can bring that down a little, they need more than they normally score. I am not sure where those point come from. 

Take Charlotte. 

Brooklyn Nets vs. Utah Jazz
9 p.m. ET

Both of these teams are contenders, and both of these teams are dealing with injuries right now. For the Nets, they are still waiting to get Kevin Durant back, and even Joe Harris is probably being missed more than most realize. For the Jazz, they just added Jordan Clarkson to an injury list that already includes Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell and Joe Ingles. It is amazing that they were were able to get a win against Denver in their last game, but not facing Nikola Jokic helped. 

The combination of James Harden and Kyrie Irving was not enough to beat the Kings on Wednesday night. Harden scored just four points, but both of those guys are capable of scoring 40 each on any given night. The question: Will that be enough? Also, are the Nets finally tired of getting pushed around?  Utah just snapped a five-game losing streak, but I like the Nets in this spot.

Take Brooklyn (Make sure to get at least +3).

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Dallas Mavericks

10 p.m. ET

After an exciting win against Memphis, the 76ers were flat against Washington in their last game, losing at home. Philly's best game, when Joel Embiid is at the height of his powers, is very tough to beat, and they remain the wild card in the East with his health and the Ben Simmons saga drawing longer. The Mavs are similar with Luka Doncic. They are differently skilled, but when he is playing well, there is a network effect that elevates everyone. I love the way Jalen Brunson has come on too. The Mavs were hot to start 2022, going 9-1, but since then they are just 3-4.

A week ago, the Mavericks would probably be favorites at home, but in this spot you should look to fade them. Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr. are both out, and those are two of their top four scorers. That and they don't really have a great counter for Embiid likely leads to a loss.

Take Philadelphia.

Saturday, February 5

Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Hornets

7 p.m. ET

Miami has Bam Adebayo back, and he is a big difference-maker for the Heat. Kyle Lowry is returning for the Heat on Thursday, and their success as a team is pretty amazing given Adebayo, Lowry and recently announced All-Star Jimmy Butler have not been on the court together since November 27. They are veterans, but they also need time together, so this trip to Charlotte is a good test. It will be for the Hornets too. They are playing against Cleveland and its stingy defense the night before. Miami is not quite as effective (though close), but it's much more physical. 

The Hornets are going to be playing on back-to-back nights, and that has definitely been their kryptonite this season. They are 1-8 SU and 3-6 ATS in that situation. When they have tired legs, they lose any sense of defensive completely, giving up 125 points per game. It is hard to compete that way, even at home.

Take Miami.

Sunday, February 6

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls

3:30 p.m. ET

The Bulls have the best record in the Eastern Conference as this is being written for Friday. It is tight enough that the situation could change by the time Sunday comes around. The Bulls are hurting right now, and it is pretty amazing because their injuries to the only players on the team who actually play defense — Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso, Derrick Jones Jr. and Patrick Williams. None of those guys would have guarded Joel Embiid, and that might be their ultimate undoing. 

Of all these highlighted games, this one is the toughest to call. For sure confirm that Embiid is going to play because without him the 76ers are not going to be able to keep pace. Even with him, the Bulls might be the smart play. They are 17-8 ATS at home this season.  This could be a wild one. 

Take Chicago.