A lucrative opportunity for sports bettors arrives Friday, with a new DraftKings promotion offering $200 in bonus bets when a $5 wager wins. The action heats up with a college football bowl tripleheader and a nine-game NBA slate, and the SportsLine advanced computer model has identified compelling best bets for both sports.
Friday’s Top Picks: Model Backs Upsets and Covers
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The SportsLine Projection Model has returned over $10,000 in profit for $100 bettors on NBA picks over the last eight-plus seasons.
- The model favors UTSA to cover as 7-point favorites against FIU in the First Responder Bowl at 8 p.m. ET.
- An upset is predicted in the NBA, with the Portland Trail Blazers projected to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers at 10 p.m. ET.
- SportsLine’s expert has also pinpointed a pick for the Heat vs. Hawks matchup, tipping the scales in favor of Atlanta.
The model is backing the Portland Trail Blazers to upset the Los Angeles Clippers at 10 p.m. ET, and UTSA to cover as 7-point favorites against FIU in the First Responder Bowl at 8 p.m. ET. A parlay combining these three picks at DraftKings could yield a payout of +577, turning a $100 wager into $577.
NBA: Trail Blazers (+124) to Defeat Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers have been a major disappointment early in the 2025-26 NBA season, posting an 8-21 record despite preseason expectations fueled by the duo of James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. Portland, playing at home, presents a strong challenge, having gone 2-2 in their last four home games. Conversely, the Clippers have struggled on the road, with a 3-13 record, including a 1-7 mark in their last eight away contests. The model projects Portland to win in 62% of simulations, indicating significant value at plus-money odds.
College Football: UTSA (-7) vs. FIU (-108)
UTSA boasts one of the nation’s most potent offenses, spearheaded by quarterback Owen McCown, the son of 16-year NFL veteran Josh McCown. While Owen McCown’s throwing style differs from his father’s, he demonstrates a similar ability to deliver the ball effectively, having thrown for 2,700 yards and 27 touchdowns with only seven interceptions this season. Complementing McCown is running back Robert Henry Jr., who rushed for 1,045 yards on 6.9 yards per carry. The model forecasts UTSA to cover in 63% of simulations.
NBA: Hawks (-155) to Defeat Heat
According to SportsLine expert Matt Severance, “The New Year is often my ‘kickstart,’ but this would be value if Bam Adebayo sits for Miami, which is still without Tyler Herro.” Severance added, “It’s a little startling how bad the Hawks are WITH Trae Young — that little dude cannot play an ounce of defense — as opposed to without as they have lost four straight. But if I wait on Adebayo, then this ML probably isn’t playable. Since it’s the front end of a back-to-back for Miami, I tend to think the team gives him that extra day off, and he plays Saturday back at home. And the Heat are really slumping too; also 5-10 away.”
What are the best bets for Friday? Get against the spread, total and money-line picks for all games, including NFL, NBA, college basketball, college football, NHL, and more, all from the model that’s simulated every game 10,000 times.
