Russell Westbrook is chasing history; Cleveland are raring to go back on top; the Hornets, Pacers, Bulls and Heat are fighting for the remaining playoff spots in the East; while the Nuggets and Blazers are battling for the eighth seed in the West.
There might be less than two weeks of NBA regular season basketball remaining, but the live betting action on betting websites certainly won’t cool down anytime soon.
Orlando Magic @ Cleveland Cavaliers (April 5, 07:00 GMT+8)
Cleveland have betting odds backing them to win this one comfortably. Sure, they are coming from a horrific March campaign that saw them yield the top seed to the Boston Celtics; however, they have won two in a row at the start of this month with their Big Three looking ready for another incredible postseason run.
The Magic have lost four straight already and I just don’t see them challenging the Cavs that much. Go for Cleveland -9.50 for 2.03.
Charlotte Hornets @ Washington Wizards (April 5, 07:00 GMT+8)
The Wizards lost their last three games on the road, so they will be happy to play the Hornets on their turf. Nonetheless, Charlotte are on a mission, and although their away record won’t favour them, the fact that they won their recent road games against the Raptors and Thunder will put their hopes up in this one. As risky as it may seem, the Hornets at +4.00 for 1.92 is a punt worth considering.
Brooklyn Nets @ Philadelphia 76ers (April 5, 07:00 GMT+8)
Philadelphia might have won all of their previous meetings this season, but Brooklyn have a chance to avoid a sweep with the Sixers struggling to score, particularly from deep. It should also help the Nets that Brook Lopez has been on a tear, averaging near 24 points in their last five games. If you’re punting, Brooklyn +1.00 for 1.91 appears to be the best choice.
Toronto Raptors @ Indiana Pacers (April 5, 07:00 GMT+8)
The Raps pummeled the Pacers by 11 points four days ago, and I don’t see it changing this time. Although Paul George’s “gut-check” call to his Indiana teammates might motivate them a little bit, the difference in talent and squad depth is just massive with Toronto built to contend for a championship. With that said, a +3.00 handicap for the Raps on 1.85 is undoubtedly a steal.
Chicago Bulls @ New York Knicks (April 5, 08:00 GMT+8)
No Carmelo Anthony. No Joakim Noah. No Derrick Rose. No team chemistry. Indeed, the Knicks have all sorts of problem they need to address. There are a few bright spots amid all the issues, but with their future franchise star Kristaps Porzingis also unhappy, getting a respectable finish is the least of their priorities. Pick the Bulls to get their fifth straight win on -3.50 for 1.97.
Milwaukee Bucks @ Oklahoma City Thunder (April 5, 08:00 GMT+8)
Milwaukee need a win here to help their bid of securing a playoff spot. They will have the psychological advantage given that they won their only meeting last January, though I doubt that they can stop Russell Westbrook from getting another triple-double and tying Oscar Robertson’s record for the most in a season.
This game will certainly be close, but the home court will likely play a role. Thus, Oklahoma on -4.50 for 1.89 sounds like a good deal.
Denver Nuggets @ New Orleans Pelicans (April 5, 08:00 GMT+8)
It’s still uncertain if Damian Lillard texted (or will text) DeMarcus Cousins to beat the Nuggets, but with the way Anthony Davis and Cousins are clicking, it seems that they don’t need that. The two are now living up to what was expected of them when they were paired, and it will surely take a lot from Nikola Jokic and the Denver crew to stop the Pelicans’ twin tower from doing more damage.
Memphis Grizzlies @ San Antonio Spurs (April 5, 08:30 GMT+8)
With a postseason berth all but secured, Memphis will probably sit out Marc Gasol again as they try to keep their ageing lineup healthy. Coach Gregg Popovich will also likely rest some players or give them limited minutes, though I think they still have the advantage with their top-notch defence and deep bench unit.
Portland Trail Blazers @ Utah Jazz (April 5, 09:00 GMT+8)
It remains to be seen how Portland will perform against a highly-rated offence without starting centre and defensive anchor Jusuf Nurkic. Utah are far stronger as proven by their record, and they are a tough nut to crack with Gordon Hayward leading the way. Nevertheless, this battle isn’t unwinnable for Lillard and co. as they may see some silver lining from Utah’s injury woes to starters Derrick Favors and George Hill.
Dallas Mavericks @ Sacramento Kings (April 5, 10:30 GMT+8)
The Mavs are expected to shut Dirk Nowitzki down for the rest of the season due to an Achilles soreness issue, so this is the perfect opportunity for the Kings to win the season series against them. Of course, Nowitzki is no longer as productive in the offence as he used to be, but he is an important part of the Dallas lineup that allowed them to see some success late this year. Thus, the Mavs might not just have enough to neutralise Sacramento’s up-and-coming young guns Willie Cauley-Stein and Buddy Hield.
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Golden State Warriors (April 5, 10:30 GMT+8)
Eleven consecutive wins without Kevin Durant. That’s the Warriors answer to those questioning if they have what it takes to make it to the finals. I have concerns that Steve Kerr will rest or limit his key players as this looks an easy matchup, though it shouldn’t stop them from wreaking havoc against the Wolves who still have a lot to improve on the defensive end.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
