Friday has just over half of the league in action as the second week of March 2026 continues. It features 8 contests on a full NBA slate with start times ranging from 7:30 PM ET to 10:30 PM ET.
Can the Raptors cover the 4-point spread as home favorites against the Suns? Will the Pelicans cover on the road against the Rockets at the Toyota Center in Houston? I’ll make picks for both contests below. Read on for our Friday NBA Best Bets March 13 article.
NBA Best Bet: Phoenix Suns +4 over Toronto Raptors
I like Phoenix here. The Suns are perfectly positioned to cover the 4-point spread in Toronto by exploiting the Raptors’ perimeter defense. The Suns excel in hostile environments, boasting a 20-11 ATS road record and a solid 19-14 ATS mark as underdogs this season.
They carry strong momentum, sitting at 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall and an impressive 23-15 ATS following a win in 2025-26. Furthermore, the Suns’ 12-11 ATS record in non-conference games shows they handle unfamiliar matchups well. Expect Phoenix’s offensive firepower to keep this one close down to the wire.
Final score projection: PHOENIX SUNS 116, TORONTO RAPTORS 114.
NBA Best Bet: New Orleans Pelicans +7 over Houston Rockets
I’d take the Pelicans in this one. New Orleans is well-suited to cover the 7-point spread as road underdogs because of their surging momentum. The Pelicans’ recent string of good play should help them to keep this Southwest Division clash tight against Houston.
New Orleans is exceptionally profitable in familiar territory, boasting a 10-2-1 ATS division record and a stellar 27-14-1 ATS mark in conference play this season. Catching 7 points holds tremendous value for a squad that is 28-25-1 ATS as an underdog and a red-hot 8-2 ATS over their last 10 games. Factor in the Pelicans’ reliable 14-7 ATS record following a win, and New Orleans should be able to keep it close.
Final score projection: HOUSTON ROCKETS 118, NEW ORLEANS PELICANS 115.
Friday NBA Best Bets March 13
- Phoenix Suns +4
- New Orleans Pelicans +7
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