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NBA weekend betting preview: Spurs on upset alert

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Last weekend's betting preview was a success as we highlighted Atlanta's struggles on zero days' rest, Oklahoma City's success in that same situation, and why we weren't rushing to bet a tired Nuggets team. Ahead of this weekend's loaded slate, here are the prime betting angles to consider.

Friday

Houston Rockets at Minnesota Timberwolves (+5.5, 234)

After going under the total against both the Nuggets and Thunder, the Rockets could get back on track with an over against the struggling Timberwolves. Houston has gone over the total in 11 of its last 14 games against teams with losing records and six of its last eight versus teams with winning percentages below .400. Minnesota, meanwhile, is 5-1 to the over in its last six as an underdog and 5-2 in its last seven overall.

Atlanta Hawks at Oklahoma City Thunder (-11, 224.5)

The Thunder don't run their offense with a lot of pace, yet they're trending to the over when they can control the game. Oklahoma City, which ranks No. 21 in the NBA in pace, is 10-1 to the over in its last 11 as a favorite. The Thunder are also on a 4-0 run to the over at home and are 5-0 in their last five against teams with losing records. The Hawks love to push the ball up the court - Atlanta's No. 6 in pace - and have gone over in each of their last five against teams with winning records. This is a good over play.

Phoenix Suns at San Antonio Spurs (-4, 228.5)

This is a great buy-low, sell-high spot. The Suns were blown out at home by Indiana on Wednesday, while the Spurs spoiled Zion Williamson's debut in an upset win over New Orleans. Phoenix has been a great bet as an underdog of late, going 5-1 ATS in its last six when getting points and 4-0 as a road 'dog. San Antonio, on the other hand, is a dreadful 9-21 ATS in its last 30 home games and just 4-10-1 in its last 15 as a favorite.

Saturday

Oklahoma City Thunder at Minnesota Timberwolves (NA)

Oklahoma City is a team I'd be looking to bet if the price is reasonable Saturday. The Thunder are now 7-0 ATS on zero days' rest following last weekend's double-digit win over the Trail Blazers in the second half of a back-to-back.

Brooklyn Nets at Detroit Pistons (NA)

The Nets or their team total over could be enticing here. The Pistons play Friday and are 2-5 ATS on zero days' rest this season, allowing north of 114 points per game in those situations.

Sunday

Los Angeles Clippers at Orlando Magic (NA)

The Clippers and Magic had no problem soaring over the total two weeks ago in Los Angeles. Now that Orlando gets to host this one, I'd look at the under. Not only are the Magic 12-4 to that side of the total in their last 16, but they've also gone under in seven of their last eight at home.

Boston Celtics at New Orleans Pelicans (NA)

Despite a slow start from Williamson, the Pelicans showed few signs of chemistry trouble with their star rookie in the lineup. Although New Orleans fell to San Antonio, the offense still posted 117 points. The Pelicans have been the league's best over team in the last few weeks, going 12-1 over their last 13 while coming half a point shy of the closing total in their lone miss. If the Celtics are catching points Sunday, consider the fact they're 4-0 to the over in their last four as road underdogs.

Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.

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