Eight teams are in action in the NBA on Thursday. Here are some of our betting tips. You can bet on the NBA here.
Boston Celtics v Charlotte Hornets
The Celtics bounced back from their heartbreaking loss to the red-hot Golden State Warriors at home by beating fellow Eastern Conference team the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday. That was the Celtic’s sixth win in seven games and they will be looking to make it seven when the Hornets visit the Garden on Thursday. The visitors have won five of its past seven games. They also bounced back from the defeat against Eastern Conference leaders the Milwaukee Bucks. This will be the second meeting between these two since December where the Hornets lost. Both of them are decent offensively ranking 11th and 12th respectively so you should expect a pretty high scoring game. However, Boston’s defence is way better and should comfortably handle Kemba Walker and company. Match Tip: Over 212.5 points at odds of 1.50.
Washington Wizards v Indiana Pacers
The Pacers have owned the Wizards this season. Some of the hosts’ worst offensive showings in the league this season have come against the Pacers. However, both games were played in Indiana. This time, things are a bit different. Both teams have lost their best players to season-ending injuries. The home team is in bad form. In their last game, they lost to the team with the worst record (11-41) in the league, the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pacers, perennial playoff participants, have coped well without Victor Oladipo. Moreover, the Pacers are still third in the Eastern Conference while the Wizards are tenth. Both teams rank well in the offensive end but Wizards defence is 25th while their opponents rank seventh. Match Tip: Away win at odds of 1.95.
Minnesota Timberwolves v Memphis Grizzlies
The Timberwolves are looking to snap their two-game losing streak when they host the Memphis Grizzlies. They are also looking to strengthen their playoff quest in the ever competitive Western Conference. They have won five and lost five in their last ten games. The Grizzlies blew a 25-point lead against the Nuggets on Tuesday. They have won just one of their last ten games. Only the Chicago Bulls have a worse offensive rating than the Grizzlies though they have a better defensive rating than the Warriors, Rockets, Nuggets, Raptors and Spurs. With their stingy defence, the Timberwolves will have to grind out a result against their visitors. Match Tip: Under 214.5 points at odds of 1.85.
New Orleans Pelicans v Denver Nuggets
The Pelicans come into this game on the back of an impressive 121-116 over last season’s Western Conference finalists the Houston Rockets. The team is also coming to terms with franchise-altering news two days ago that their best player Anthony Davis had requested a trade. However, the Pelicans showed against the Rockets that they are still one of the best offensive teams in the league and the Nuggets should be very wary. The visitors are playing one of their best seasons. They are second in the Western Conference and have not shown signs of stopping. With their big man Nikola Jokic having a record-breaking season, the Nuggets are a completely different proposition this season. This game should be a high scoring affair. Match Tip: Over 226.5 points at odds of 1.90.
Portland Trail Blazers v Utah Jazz
These two playoff teams from the Western Conference clash in Portland as they both look to move up the standings and lock in a playoff spot. The Blazers are on an 11-4 run in their last 15 games and you’ll have to go way back on January 4th when they lost their last home game. The Utah Jazz are no different. They are 9-1 in their last ten games with Donovan Mitchell, who is in his second year in the league emerging as the superstar. This should be an entertaining game. The Blazers’ backcourt of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum will have to be near-perfect as they will come up against one of the league’s stingiest defences. Match Tip: Over 222.5 points at odds of 2.30.