Friday has 60% of the league in action as the first week of April 2026 marches on. It features 9 contests on a full NBA slate with start times ranging from 7:00 PM ET to 10:00 PM ET.
Can the Jazz and Rockets score enough to go over the total in Houston? Will the Magic and Mavericks score more than 236.5 points combined at the American Airlines Center in Dallas? I’ll make picks for both contests below. Read on for our Friday NBA Best Bets April 3 article.
NBA Best Bet: Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets Over 232.5
I like the over here. The Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets are primed to eclipse the 232.5-point total on Friday night. Utah has been a reliable over play, boasting a 45-32 over record this season. Additionally, the over is 6-3 in the Jazz’s last 9 games.
Utah consistently scores and gives up points in bunches, hitting the over at a 28-19 clip in conference matchups, along with a 31-24 over mark following a loss this season.
Furthermore, these teams consistently get into shootouts against each other, with the over cashing in 8 of their last 10 meetings between the Jazz and Rockets. Expect a high-scoring Western Conference clash that breezes past the number.
Final score projection: HOUSTON ROCKETS 127, UTAH JAZZ 119.
NBA Best Bet: Orlando Magic vs. Dallas Mavericks Over 236.5
I’d take the over in this one. The Orlando Magic and Dallas Mavericks are set to smash the 236.5-point total on Friday night. Orlando has heavily trended toward high-scoring affairs, as the over is 41-35 in their games this season.
The Magic push the pace in cross-conference matchups, hitting the over at a 15-12 rate, and regularly pour on the offense when favored, with the over going 25-21 in games where they are laying points this year.
Dallas does their part as well; the over is a solid 14-11 when the Mavericks are listed as a home underdog this season. Expect a fast-paced shootout that easily clears the number.
Final score projection: ORLANDO MAGIC 125, DALLAS MAVERICKS 120.
Friday NBA Best Bets April 3
- Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets Over 232.5
- Orlando Magic vs. Dallas Mavericks Over 236.5
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