Tag: NBA betting odds lines picks best bets against the spread over-under

Portland Trail Blazers vs Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers Game 5 betting odds and lines, with NBA picks, tips and best bets.

The Portland Trail Blazers play Game 5 of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series against the Los Angeles Lakers Saturday at AdventHealth Arena in Reunion, Fla. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET. We analyze the Trail Blazers-Lakers NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Trail Blazers vs. Lakers: Key injuries

Trail Blazers

  • PG Damian Lillard (knee) out
  • PF Zach Collins (ankle) out
  • SF Nassir Little (illness) out

Lakers

  • PF Anthony Davis (back) probable
  • PG Rajon Rondo (back) doubtful

Get some action on this game or any other matchup with an NBA bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Trail Blazers vs. Lakers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:40 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Lakers 113, Trail Blazers 108

Moneyline (ML)

After three-straight wins, the Lakers (-1112) are monster favorites over the Trail Blazers (+675) to win Game 5 and the series. It’s not hard to understand why the Lakers are big favorites in this contest as Trail Blazers PG Damian Lillard remains out with a knee injury. Without him on the court, the talent level between these two teams is massive.

However, there just isn’t enough value on the Lakers’ side to take them in this contest, so PASS on the moneyline in favor of the spread

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Lakers -13 (-110) open this game as double-digit favorites over the Blazers (+13, -110). Before the game was postponed on Thursday, the Lakers opened Game 5 as 13.5-point favorites. The line has dropped some, but it’s fair to wonder just how “tuned in” both sides will be after the playoff boycott.

Without knowing the mental state from each team, it’s better to take the Blazers and the 13 points on Saturday, hoping they can keep this game close. However, expect the Lakers to ultimately win Game 5 and finish out the series.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for this Western Conference playoff game is set at 223.5, which feels about right considering how much Portland’s offense has struggled in this series. Without Lillard on the court for Portland, buckets could be tough to get and the Lakers’ offense might need a game or two get back into the offensive rhythm they had earlier in the week. Take the UNDER 223.5 (-110).

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Marcus_Mosher on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]

Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game 4 betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder hook up for Game 4 of their best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series Monday in the Lake Buena Vista, Fla., bubble for a 4 p.m. ET tip-off (on TNT). We analyze the Rockets-Thunder NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Series: Houston leads 2-1.

Game 3: Oklahoma City rallied late before winning 119-107 in overtime Saturday.

Rockets vs. Thunder: Key injuries

Rockets

  • PF Luc Mbah a Moute (knee) out
  • PG Russell Westbrook (quadriceps) out

Get some action on this game or any other matchup with an NBA bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Rockets vs. Thunder: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Rockets 112, Thunder 104

Moneyline (ML)

The Thunder (+135) pulled a rabbit out of a hat in Game 3, overcoming a 5-point deficit in the final minute of regulation to eventually win in overtime. Their luck runs out in Game 4. But instead of paying the juice on the Rockets ML (-162), the better play is the spread. PASS on any moneyline action.

New to sports betting? Every winning $1.62 bet on the Rockets ML will profit $1. A $1 winning bet on the Thunder profits $1.35.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The ROCKETS -3.5 (-110) are the STRONGEST PLAY. SG James Harden is too good to continue struggling from 3-point land. While he scored 38 points in Game 3, he was just 3-for-13 behind the arc. He was even worse from deep in Game 2, hitting only 2 of 11. Thunder SG Luguentz Dort has done an amazing job of defending Harden’s long-range shooting attack so far in this series, but the NBA scoring champ – for the third season in a row – will figure it out.

Plus, Harden should be more motivated than usual in this one after the Rockets let Game 3 slip away. Expect the Rockets star to celebrate his 31st birthday – which is Wednesday – a little early with an All-Star performance in Game 4.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 220.5 (-110) is the way to go. Missing Westbrook’s 27.2 points per game is huge. Since the restart and excluding overtime in Game 3 – where the Rockets scored only 3 points anyway – Houston is averaging 111.4 points in games when Westbrook sits. That spells Under to me.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s 2019-20 NBA record 31-24-2
2020 overall record (all sports) 75-43-2
Strongest plays (all sports) 37-17

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]

Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers betting odds and lines, with NBA playoffs betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers tip off Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET in the Orlando bubble. We analyze the Heat-Pacers NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Heat vs. Pacers: Key injuries

Heat 

  • SF Derrick Jones Jr. (neck) questionable 

Pacers

  • PF Domantas Sabonis (foot) out
  • SG Jeremy Lamb (knee) out

Get some action on this game or any other matchup with an NBA bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Heat vs. Pacers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 12:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Heat 110, Pacers 101

Moneyline (ML)

Indiana (+165) blasted the Heat (-200) in their final game of the regular season (in the bubble), 109-92.

It was sort of a preseason game for the two sides, who were both sitting multiple starters. Miami, in particular, was a no-show, resting SF Jimmy Butler, PG Goran Dragic and C/PF Bam Adebayo — its first-, second- and third-leading scorers. But the Heat won the other three of their previous 2019-20 meetings.

Heading into this series, the Pacers are a little more compromised from a health standpoint. Their defensive anchor, PF Domantas Sabonis, will be out this series with plantar fasciitis and the bubble breakout star, SF T.J. Warren, is also dinged up. However, Warren and the three leading scorers of the Heat are all listed probable and will be starting Game 1.

I “like” the Heat to win but will PASS ON THE MONEYLINE because it’s too expensive to bet Game 1 of a 4-5 matchup.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

This is a toss-up game and a great spread. The Heat are 2-6 ATS in the last eight meetings, and the Pacers are 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight games as an underdog.

However, on Monday, favorites were 4-0 straight-up and against the spread in Game 1’s, and Miami’s offense has been too good this season. No Sabonis equals mad question marks for Indiana’s defense. Plus, the Heat are first in the NBA at getting to the line (free throw attempts per field goal attempt) second in 3-point percentage and third in effective field goal percentage. 

Call me a “nit,” but I am going to buy a whole point and BET THE HEAT -3.5 (-125) on the alternate spread. We could be in a situation where we need late free throws to push the final to a two-possession game.

Over/Under (O/U)

These teams met twice in the bubble and twice in the “regular” regular season with the meetings having a 2-2 Over/Under record. Both teams are outstanding defensive teams: 

Miami is ranked 11th in defensive efficiency, and Indiana is ranked sixth. They each play at a snail’s pace: Miami is 27th in pace, and Indiana is 21st. 80% of the money wagered on the Heat-Pacers total has been on the Over, and 85% of the tickets are on the Over. In other words, “sharps” and “squares” are on the same page with this one.

I’d “fade” them both and LEAN UNDER 215.5 (-110). It’s only a “lean,” though, so I am not recommending a heavy wager. New to sports betting? A $27.50 wager on Over 215.5 (-110) pays a $25 profit if the Heat-Pacers combine to score 216 total points or more.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Geoffery_Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trail Blazers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trail Blazers betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Memphis Grizzlies (34-39) meet the Portland Trail Blazers (35-39) in the first and possibly final game of a play-in series for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET in the bubble at Lake Buena Vista, Fla., and will be nationally televised on ABC. We analyze the Grizzlies-Trail Blazers NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Grizzlies vs. Trail Blazers: Key injuries

Grizzlies

  • PF Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) out
  • PG Tyus Jones (knee) doubtful
  • SF Justise Winslow (hip) out

Trail Blazers

  • SF Trevor Ariza (personal) out
  • SG Rodney Hood (Achilles) out
  • SF Nassir Little (dehydration recovery) doubtful
  • PF Caleb Swanigan (personal) out

Get some action on this game or any other future playoff matchup with an NBA bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Grizzlies vs. Trail Blazers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 4:35 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Grizzlies 116, Trail Blazers 108

Moneyline (ML)

The GRIZZLIES (+200) squandered a 3½-game lead on the Trail Blazers (-250) heading into the restart, setting up this unique play-in series. After going 2-6 in the bubble, the Grizzlies fell to ninth place and now must beat the eighth-place Trail Blazers twice to advance and earn the No. 8 seed and a date with the top-seeded Los Angeles Lakers. The Trail Blazers just need to win once. 

If Memphis wins Saturday, the two teams will play Sunday at 4:30 p.m. (on ESPN) in a single-elimination game.

Memphis took care of business in its last game, beating the Milwaukee Bucks 119-106 Thursday, but the Bucks were without PF Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was serving a one-game suspension. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies received an all-in effort from PG Ja Morant and C Jonas Valanciunas, who both had triple-doubles in the win.

Portland pulled a 134-133 win over the Brooklyn Nets out of its keister Thursday thanks to a 42-point performance out of Damian Lillard in its last game. 

The Grizzlies and Trail Blazers met once in the bubble with Portland pulling out a 140-135 overtime win. Memphis won the one regular-season meeting 111-104 in February.

Missing PF Jaren Jackson Jr. is a huge loss for Memphis, but PF Brandon Clarke could step up in his place given how well he’s played against the Trail Blazers. He’s averaging 24 points, on .864% field-goal shooting, and 6.5 rebounds in the two games vs. Portland.

Valanciunas matches up well with Portland’s C Jusuf Nurkic and is 6-2 against him in his career. He holds Nurkic to .432% shooting and only 11.3 points per game in those meetings.

Memphis is going to put forth the effort it needs to extend its season another day. I “LIKE” GRIZZLIES (+200) on a small bet to upset the Trail Blazers.

New to sports betting? A $50 bet on the Grizzlies (+200) earns a $100 profit if they win.

Also see:

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

We need insurance on our moneyline wager so let’s TAKE the GRIZZLIES +6 (-110). Memphis is relying on youth and it’s not inconceivable that Portland and Lillard wins a close game. The Trail Blazers are 9-3 in games decided by three or fewer points and the Grizzles are just 3-4 in such games.

Each team has alternated covers over the last six meetings with Portland winning outright and against the spread in the last game. Since we are taking the Grizzlies to win, I say it’s their turn to at least cover the number.

Over/Under (O/U)

If this game goes Over the total of 232.5, Memphis is screwed. The Grizzlies need to control the pace and avoid a shootout with a red-hot Lillard and the Trail Blazers.

I am only going to “lean” toward the UNDER 232.5 (-110) because playing totals is less than profitable for me.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Geoffery_Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Clippers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Clippers betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Oklahoma City Thunder (44-27) meet the Los Angeles Clippers (40-31) in the Orlando bubble for a 6:30 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Thunder-Clippers’ NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Thunder vs. Clippers: Key injuries

Thunder

  • PG Dennis Schroder (personal) out
  • SF Luguentz Dort (knee) out
  • PG Chris Paul (hand) out

Clippers

  • PG Pat Beverley (calf)
  • SG Landry Shamet (foot)
  • PF Montrezl Harrell (personal) out

Get some action on this game or any other matchup with an NBA bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Thunder vs. Clippers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 1:35 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Thunder 110, Clippers 105

Moneyline (ML)

There’s nothing at stake for these two sides, so I do not know how long we’ll see the starters.

The Clippers (-239) earned the 2-seed in their last game, which was a 124-111 win over the Denver Nuggets, and are slated to play the 7-seed Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs.

The Thunder (+195) has a few more dings to its starting lineup — nothing major, though, and the players listed on the injury report are expected to be ready for the playoffs. Schroder entered the bubble recently and will be ready to go for Oklahoma City’s first-round series against the Houston Rockets.

In the Thunder’s last game they came back from an 18-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter to beat the Miami Heat, 116-115. Neither team played its starters in the fourth quarter.

Los Angeles is 2-1 in the season series against OKC, but the Thunder has covered two of the games. Both benches are coming in without Sixth Man of the Year candidates, but OKC’s bench is coming in more confident because of their performance versus Miami. 

Since the game doesn’t matter to either team, we’re chasing the value and BETTING THUNDER (+195).

New to sports betting? A $50 bet on the Thunder (+195) returns a $92.50 profit if OKC upsets the Clippers.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Of course, we are TAKING THUNDER +6 (-110) against the spread. Again, they’ve covered two of the three games versus the Clippers earlier this season, and OKC has the best ATS record in the NBA (44-27).

We might be in a situation in which we could use the points to get a “backdoor cover” because the Clippers aren’t missing their All-Stars and they are a better team either way.

Put double(ish) your moneyline wager on the spread. Example: $110 bet on the Thunder +6 (-110) returns a $100 profit if OKC wins or loses by five or fewer points. This way you can make some money even if the Thunder cannot pull off the upset. 

Another play could be to wait for the official starting lineups to be announced and presumably take a healthier Clippers team first-half spread, then grab the Thunder in the second half.

Over/Under (O/U)

I am going to “lean” toward the Under 224.5 (-110) but ultimately PASS ON THE TOTAL. I’ve whiffed on totals several times in the bubble and prefer to not play them.

The Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings, and their combined Over/Under record is 68-72-2. The counter is the Clippers have played in five consecutive games that have gone Over, and OKC has played in three straight Overs.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Geoffery_Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Houston Rockets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Philadelphia 76ers vs. Houston Rockets betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Philadelphia 76ers (42-30) will take on the Houston Rockets (44-27) Friday at AdventHealth Arena in Reunion, Fla. for a 9 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the 76ers-Rockets NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

76ers vs. Rockets: Key injuries

  • C Joel Embiid (ankle) questionable
  • PG Ben Simmons (knee) out
  • SG Glenn Robinson III (hip) questionable

Rockets

  • PG Russell Westbrook (quadriceps) out
  • SG Danuel House (toe) questionable
  • PF P.J. Tucker (hand) questionable

Get some action on this game or any other matchup with an NBA bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

76ers vs. Rockets: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Rockets 121, 76ers 110

Moneyline (ML)

The ROCKETS (-193) are moneyline favorites over the 76ers (+160) as they continue to fight for playoff seeding in the Western Conference. Houston has been one of the most impressive teams in the NBA bubble and should have no problem defeating the inconsistent 76ers Friday night.

Expect both sides to rest some players and limit the minutes of their stars, but for HOUSTON (-193) to ultimately win this contest.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The ROCKETS -4.5 (-110) are two-basket favorites over the Sixers. This will be the final regular-season game for both teams as they each prepare for the NBA Playoffs next week.

While both sides have struggled against the spread in Orlando, you can throw out those numbers considering Westbrook and Simmons won’t play in this contest. With Houston healthy overall and needing this game more, look for them to win and cover this 4.5-point spread.

Over/Under (O/U)

Due to the health/rest status of several players on both sides of the court, the point total for this matchup was not available as of this posting.

With so many key starters not likely to play or see big minutes, PASS on this point total regardless of the number posted.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Marcus_Mosher on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]

Denver Nuggets vs. Toronto Raptors odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Denver Nuggets vs. Toronto Raptors betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Denver Nuggets (46-26) face the Toronto Raptors (52-19) in the Orlando bubble for a 1:30 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Nuggets-Raptors NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Nuggets vs. Raptors Key injuries

Nuggets

  • SG Gary Harris (hip) out
  • SF Will Barton (knee) out

Raptors

  • SF OG Anunoby (knee) questionable
  • PF Serge Ibaka (knee) questionable

Get some action on this game or any other matchup with an NBA bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Nuggets vs. Raptors: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Raptors 108, Nuggets 101

Moneyline (ML)

The Raptors (-149) won their third consecutive game, 125-121 against the Philadelphia 76ers, and are 6-1 in the bubble. Toronto is locked into the 2-seed and will play the 7th-seeded Brooklyn Nets Monday, Aug. 17.

The Nuggets (+125) have struggled in the bubble, going 3-4, and lost back-to-back games against both the Los Angeles teams. Denver enters the Western Conference Playoffs as the 3-seed and will be playing the 6th-seeded Utah Jazz.

The Nuggets have beaten Toronto in three straight games going back to last season. The Raptors were missing PG Fred VanVleet and C Marc Gasol but the Nuggets were without PF Paul Millsap in their March 1 meeting this year. 

Judging by the box scores of Thursday’s games, we’ll probably see the starters play a maximum of 20 minutes. Toronto is a little healthier and a little deeper. Neither team has anything to play for, and I’m banking on the Raptors being a little more motivated in this game because they’ve lost three straight to Denver.

I am BETTING THE RAPTORS (-149) on the moneyline. New to sports betting? A $149 wager on the Raptors (-149) pays a $100 profit if Toronto beats Denver outright. 

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

I’d rather spend the extra 39 cents on the dollar than lay two points when betting the Raptors -2.5 (-110). It would actually be foolish to bet Toronto on the moneyline and get the Jazz +2.5 (-110) in hopes of a one-basket loss for Utah. I feel good about Toronto winning here, so PASS ON THE SPREAD.

Over/Under (O/U)

There was no Over/Under listed at the time of publishing, but the lean is to the Under.

The Over is 8-2-1 in the last 11 Nuggets- Raptors meetings. Both head coaches—Mike Malone in Denver and Nick Nurse in Toronto—are very good and I think we’ll get motivated players.

But they will be backups and I have more faith in their defense rather than offense.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Geoffery_Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]

Washington Wizards vs. Boston Celtics odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Washington Wizards vs. Boston Celtics betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Washington Wizards (24-47) will take on the Boston Celtics (48-23) in a matinee matchup Thursday, with tip-off scheduled for 12 p.m. ET at AdventHealth Arena in Reunion, Fla. We analyze the Wizards-Celtics NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Wizards vs. Celtics: Key injuries

Wizards

  • SG Bradley Beal (shoulder) out
  • SG Garrison Matthews (not with team) out

Celtics

  • SG Jaylen Brown (rest) out
  • SF Gordon Hayward (rest) out
  • PG Marcus Smart (rest) out
  • SF Jayson Tatum (ankle) out
  • PG Kemba Walker (knee) out
  • PF Daniel Theis (foot) out

Get some action on this game or any other matchup with an NBA bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Wizards vs. Celtics: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Celtics 110, Wizards 105

Moneyline (ML)

The CELTICS (-125) are modest favorites in this meaningless matchup. With the Eastern Conference first-round series already set, Boston is coasting into the playoffs and giving its top players some rest before the postseason begins.

Washington (+105) will also be shorthanded with Beal out for the season, but the Wizards won’t be resting players like Boston. Even with the Celtics starting their backups, they’re the better team in this game.

The Wizards have lost seven games in a row, covering the spread only once in that span. The Celtics have won four in a row, three of which were by at least 15 points.

Go with the CELTICS (-125) to win outright, even without their top players suiting up.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

BetMGM has the Celtics as 1.5-point favorites over the Wizards (+1.5, -110). This is a tough game to call because Boston is resting its stars, making it difficult to predict how the Celtics’ reserves will perform against Washington.

Boston is 3-1 ATS in its last four games and 40-26-5 all season in that department. Washington has covered only once in its last seven games, limping into the close of the season.

Take the CELTICS -1.5 (-110) to cover the spread and cap off the year with a win by at least 2 points.

Over/Under (O/U)

There was no Over/Under line posted at the time of publishing, but I’d lean toward the Under in this one. The Celtics are resting their top players and Washington has struggled offensively in recent weeks.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @camdasilva on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]

Miami Heat vs. Oklahoma City Thunder odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Miami Heat vs. Oklahoma City Thunder betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Miami Heat (44-27) meet the Oklahoma City Thunder (43-27) Wednesday in the Lake Buena Vista, Fla., bubble for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Heat-Thunder NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Heat vs. Thunder: Key injuries

Heat

  • PG Kendrick Nunn (throat) out
  • F/G KZ Okpala (personal) out
  • PF Kelly Olynyk (thumb) probable

Thunder

  • C Steven Adams (leg) questionable
  • C Nerlens Noel (ankle) questionable
  • SG Dennis Schroder (self-isolating) out 

Get some action on this game or any other matchup with an NBA bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Heat vs. Thunder: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:08 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Thunder 110, Heat 101

Moneyline (ML)

The Thunder (+145) have been up and down this whole bubble schedule, flipping from the winning to the losing side in each game. Oklahoma City lost the last one, 128-101 to the Phoenix Suns, so the trend says it wins this one. The Thunder are 3-3 in the bubble.

The Heat (-176) won their last game against probable first-round opponent Indiana Pacers 114-92. SF Jimmy Butler returned from a three-game absence, scoring 19 points in that win. Miami is also 3-3 in its six restart games.

Miami beat OKC earlier this season 115-108 in large to a 40-26 first quarter where the Heat shot 65% from the field. Adams was out that game and C Bam Adebayo feasted for 21 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists.

Adams has missed the last three games and opponents are scoring 117.3 points per game, shooting ..477% from the field and .366% from 3 (compared to 108 points per game, .454% FG and .339% from 3).

Be sure to check the injury report before betting, but I am handicapping this game as if Adams, SF Danilo Gallinari and PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are playing. We’re just getting too much value for the Thunder. The line opened in most places at Thunder (-160)ish and it’s been bet to Heat (-176).

As of 4 p.m. ET, 91% of the cash bet with sportsbooks for the Heat-Thunder is on Miami, according to pregame.com. I’d rather be on the same side as the House. TAKE THE HUNDER (+145). 

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

I am not going to use spread trends (which there are plenty of pro-Thunder trends to use) and instead focus on the PG Chris Paul’s intensity. Paul is a known basketball curmudgeon who’s got a competitive fury and fierce drive to win.

My theory is that OKC will be motivated to play hard because Paul demands it. I am not saying Miami and its squad isn’t driven but in this spot — where the Heat are essentially guaranteed a 4- or 5-seed and home court means nothing — the Thunder should be a little more buttoned-up.

Most importantly, we are on the OKC moneyline so let’s GRAB THE THUNDER +4 (-110).

New to sports betting? A $110 bet on the Thunder +4 (-110) returns a $100 profit if OKC wins or loses by 3 or fewer points. A 4-point loss is a push.

Over/Under (O/U)

I “lean” Under 222.5 (-110) but will PASS because I don’t handicap those particularly well. The O/U record is 3-9 in the last 12 Heat-Thunder meetings but Miami has an O/U of 9-2 in its last 11 games as a favorite.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Geoffery_Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]

Toronto Raptors vs. Philadelphia 76ers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Toronto Raptors vs. Philadelphia 76ers betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Toronto Raptors (51-19) play the Philadelphia 76ers (42-29) Wednesday at HP Field House in Kissimmee, Fla. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. ET. It’s the second-to-last regular-season game in the NBA’s bubble for both teams. We analyze the Raptors-76ers betting odds and lines, with NBA picks and best bets.

Raptors vs. 76ers: Key injuries

Raptors

  • SF Oshae Brissett (knee) out
  • C Serge Ibaka (knee) questionable
  • SG Patrick McCaw (knee) out
  • SF OG Anunoby (knee) questionable

76ers

  • SF Tobias Harris (ankle) questionable
  • PF Al Horford (knee) questionable
  • C Joel Embiid (ankle) questionable
  • PG Ben Simmons (knee) out

Also see:

Get some action on this game or any other matchup with an NBA bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Raptors vs. 76ers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 12:10 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Raptors 108, 76ers 99

Moneyline (ML)

The RAPTORS (-250) are worth the chalky price against a rival 76ers (+200) they beat in two of three meetings before the regular season was paused. The Sixers are sixth in the Eastern Conference and are likely to be severely undermanned in Wednesday’s evening matchup. The Raptors are locked into second in the conference and are at relative full health.

Toronto claimed victories over Philadelphia by scores of 101-96 and 107-95 earlier this season. They’re 5-1 in the Orlando bubble, while Philly is just 3-3 and coming off a 130-117 loss to the Phoenix Suns Tuesday.

The Raps won’t want to give the Sixers some added confidence ahead of a potential playoff matchup, as they did in a 122-100 loss to the Boston Celtics last Friday. Take the RAPTORS (-250) to win.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Raptors to win would return a profit of $4.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The proper bet to make is RAPTORS -6.5 (-110) to win by at least 7 points. Four of their five wins in the Greater Orlando Area have been by at least eight points. The Sixers (+6.5, -110) come into the second half of the back-to-back off a 13-point loss Tuesday with their secondary lineup.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 220.5 (-110). The Raptors have played below that number in all but one of their six games since the restart, and they should have little trouble containing the undermanned Sixers.

Esten’s NBA betting record: 13-6

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]