Friday's sports slate features a marquee NBA matchup between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers, a late-night showdown with the Los Angeles Lakers visiting the Golden State Warriors, and several college football games with betting implications. The Knicks (2-3) have rebounded from an 0-3 start — only the third reigning NBA champion to do so — with back-to-back wins and enter as a 1.5-point favorite over the 76ers (4-1), who have jelled quickly after adding LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. Philadelphia won the season opener 106-100. Tip-off is 7:30 p.m. ET at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Prime Video.
Knicks at 76ers
SportsLine's projection model gives New York a 62% chance to cover the spread and assigns a 'B' grade to Knicks -1.5. Expert David Bearman leans toward the Under 114.5 total points at -115, noting the Knicks have just three players scoring in double figures and will again be without Jose Alvarado (ankle). He also highlights Philadelphia's third-ranked defense, which has held four of five opponents under their implied total.
Lakers at Warriors
Golden State rookie Yaxel Lendeborg has emerged as a Rookie of the Year contender, posting at least 24 combined points and assists in each of his last four games and sitting second in odds at +280 behind Cameron Boozer (+195). Prop betting expert Doug "Prop Bet Guy" Kralstein recommends Lendeborg Over 21.5 total points plus assists at -118, citing his skyrocketing usage rate as the Warriors let him run the offense. The model favors Los Angeles with a 58% cover probability and a 'C' grade on Lakers -2.5. Game time is 10 p.m. ET in San Francisco on Prime Video.
Tulane at Charlotte
Charlotte (1-6, 1-2 American) snapped a 15-game losing streak with a win over Temple, led by quarterback Conner Harrell (23-of-31, 281 yards, 2 TDs). The 49ers host Tulane at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2. Expert Tom Fornelli likes Charlotte +10.5, but the model strongly backs Tulane -8.5 with a 68% cover chance and an 'A' grade, despite the Green Wave defense ranking 122nd nationally (416.3 yards per game).
Baylor at UCF
UCF (4-3, 2-2 Big 12) upset No. 2 BYU last week and averages 44.3 points per game at home (15th nationally). Baylor (4-3, 2-2) lost 25-24 at Kansas on a blocked field goal, prompting the firing of coach Dave Aranda after six-plus seasons. The model projects a high-scoring affair, giving a 63.1% chance the teams combine for 49 or more points and an 'A' grade on Over 48.5. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. ET in Orlando on ESPN.
Kent State at Sacramento State
Sacramento State (1-7, 0-5 MAC) seeks its first conference win against Kent State (3-5, 2-2) at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The Golden Flashes have been blown out in all four road games, losing by a combined 183-12. Expert Mike Tierney and the model both favor Sacramento State +7.5 (model: 67% cover, 'B' grade), with Tierney noting Kent State should not be spotting double digits on the road this late at night.
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