With plenty of exciting sports betting opportunities available this Friday, including the last day of non-playoff college football bowl games, a 10-game NBA schedule, the 2026 NHL Winter Classic, and more, bettors have many chances to place wagers. New DraftKings users can take advantage of a promo code offering a $200 bonus bet if their first $5 bet is successful. The Winter Classic features the Florida Panthers versus the New York Rangers at Miami Marlins’ LoanDepot Park, with SportsLine’s computer model favoring the Rangers at +120 odds to win. The Rangers have a strong road record of 14-8-2 this season.
The NBA’s best bets include the Milwaukee Bucks favored by 5.5 points over the Charlotte Hornets. One top expert from SportsLine recommends the Holiday Bowl matchup between Arizona and SMU. DraftKings new users receive $200 in bonus bets if their initial $5 wager wins.
The SportsLine model, which simulates NBA games 10,000 times, boasts more than $10,000 in returns on $100 bets over the past eight seasons. It currently holds a 32-14 record on top NBA spread picks this season and a 31-19 record on college football money-line picks since 2024. Following their advice could have led to significant profits for bettors.
Friday’s top betting picks at DraftKings Sportsbook include:
– Rangers (+120) vs. Panthers
– Bucks (-5.5) vs. Hornets
– Arizona (+1.5) vs. SMU
A parlay involving these three picks offers a +645 payout (risk $100 to win $645).
The Winter Classic’s unique setting in South Beach rather than a cold outdoor venue adds to the excitement. Despite the Panthers being back-to-back Stanley Cup champions, the Rangers have a better road performance this season and are expected to win in 53% of simulations.
In the NBA, the Bucks, boosted by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s recent return from injury, are expected to cover the spread against the struggling Hornets in 66% of simulations. Giannis has been in strong form, averaging nearly 29 points and 10 rebounds this season.
For the Holiday Bowl, Arizona’s QB Noah Fifita and SMU’s Kevin Jennings will both play, with experts leaning toward Arizona due to their strong end-of-season performance and better momentum.
For more picks across college football, NBA, NHL, and other sports, SportsLine offers comprehensive betting advice based on extensive game simulations.
Fan Take: Basketball fans should pay close attention to these betting insights as they highlight key players like Giannis returning to form, which could shake up the NBA’s competitive landscape. These predictions not only offer potential for smart wagers but also add excitement and deeper engagement for fans watching the games unfold.
