new-draftkings-promo.jpg

The latest DraftKings promo code offers new users $300 in bonus bets if their first $5 wager wins. On Friday, the Knicks will visit the Pistons, while No. 22 St. John's hosts No. 3 UConn at Madison Square Garden, with both teams going against teams with the best record in their conferences. One of the model's Friday best bets at DraftKings features the Pistons defeating the Knicks at -105 odds, and SportsLine expert Chip Patterson is backing UConn at -142 odds to defeat St. John's.

Aside from New York action, the model is backing the Boston Celtics to cover as 5.5-point favorites against the Miami Heat in Friday NBA bets at DraftKings. Both the Knicks and Heat have losing records on the road this season, backing the model's projections. Claim the latest DraftKings promo code, where new users get $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins: 

Check out our DraftKings promo code review for full details.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past eight-plus seasons. The model enters Week 16 of the 2025-26 NBA season on a sizzling 38-16 roll on top-rated NBA spread picks dating back to last season. Anyone following its NBA betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.

Friday best bets at DraftKings Sportsbook

  • UConn (-142) to defeat St. John's
  • Pistons (-105) to defeat the Knicks
  • Celtics (-5.5) vs. Heat (-115)

Combining the three picks into a Friday parlay at DraftKings would result in a payout of +522 (risk $100 to win $522). Bet it at DraftKings here: (Odds subject to change)

UConn (-142) to defeat St. John's

"I think we've got a bit of value in what should be an absolute classic of a Big East matchup on Friday in the World's Most Famous Arena, as UConn might technically be the road team but will feel right at home in 'Storrs South,'" SportsLine expert Chip Patterson said. "I've got the Huskies rated as the better team on a neutral court, but Madison Square Garden might not even be neutral given Dan Hurley's recent success. UConn is already 2-0 in MSG this season with wins over Illinois and Florida and Hurley is currently boasting an 11-2 record over his last 13 games in the arena." Bet UConn to win at DraftKings here:

Pistons (-105) to defeat the Knicks

The model isn't too concerned about Detroit's 126-117 home loss to the lowly Wizards on Thursday, as it may have been the classic case of looking ahead to a showdown the following day. The Pistons have the best record in the East at 37-13, and the Knicks are tied for second at 33-18. The Pistons, and their fans, have revenge in mind heading into this home matchup after the Knicks defeated the Pistons in six games last season, including closing the series in Detroit. The Pistons defeated the Knicks, 121-90, on Jan. 5 in Detroit in their first meeting this season, and the model sees value in betting New York's eight-game winning streak to end on Friday. The Pistons are 20-6 at home this season, while the Knicks are 11-12 on the road. The model projects the Pistons to win in 63% of simulations, compared to their implied odds of 51.22%. Bet the Pistons to win at DraftKings here:

Celtics (-5.5) vs. Heat (-115)

The Celtics have won four straight games to improve to 33-18, with only the Pistons having a better record than them in the East. Guard Jaylen Brown has proven capable of being a team's Alpha as Brown ranks fourth in the league in scoring at 29.5 points per game, including back-to-back games with at least 30 points. Derrick White had 28 points in Boston's 114-93 win over the Rockets on Wednesday, with 7-footer Neemias Queta playing as a force inside with 19 rebounds. His size can challenge Bam Adebayo and Miami as the Heat are coming off a 127-115 loss to the Hawks on Tuesday. Boston will host on Friday, and the Celtics are 16-8 at home this season, while the Heat are 11-15 on the road. The model projects the Celtics to cover in 67% of simulations. Bet the Celtics to cover at DraftKings here:

Want more NBA and college basketball on Friday?

You've seen some of the model's Friday best bets. Now, get against the spread, total and money-line picks for all games, including NFL, NBA, college basketball, NHL, and more, all from the model that's simulated every game 10,000 times.