Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors odds, picks and best bets

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

The Boston Celtics (45-23) will clash with the Toronto Raptors (49-18) in one of the most important games yet in the NBA bubble in Orlando, Fla. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET as the Raptors try to clinch the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed. We analyze the Celtics-Raptors betting odds and lines, with NBA picks and best bets.

Celtics vs. Raptors: Key injuries

Celtics

  • PG Kemba Walker (knee) probable
  • PG Tremont Waters (concussion) questionable

Raptors

  • SF Patrick McCaw (knee) out
  • SF Oshae Brissett (knee) questionable

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

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Friday at 8:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Raptors 106, Celtics 104

Moneyline (ML)

The RAPTORS (-143) should remain undefeated and move to 4-0 in bubble play. They’ve won by 15, four and 10 points thus far. The Celtics (+115) won their opening game 128-124 and lost the second 122-106 before beating down on the inferior Brooklyn Nets 149-115.

Boston won the regular-season series 2-1, but it was Toronto winning what turned out to be the final meeting by a 113-97 score without star PF Pascal Siakam. The Raps have been playing the better brand of basketball since the restart, controlling the pace of play and playing stifling defense. They’ll also be motivated to wrap up the Eastern Conference’s second seed.

Bet the RAPTORS (-143) to win Friday.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Raptors -3 (-110) will be fully comfortable winning a tight, lower-scoring game Friday. Take the CELTICS +3 (-110) with the potential for a backdoor cover making this one seem closer than it’ll be for most of the 48 minutes.

It’s also a fine hedge against picking the Raptors on the moneyline as it still offers a more profitable return.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 218.5 (-110) is the safest play in this pivotal Eastern Conference matchup. The Raps haven’t played to a total above 210 since the restart and the stakes of this game will put an even stronger emphasis on defensive play.

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Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Lakers vs. Rockets betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Los Angeles Lakers (51-16) will take on the Houston Rockets (42-25) Thursday at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Arena for a 9:00 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Lakers-Rockets NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Lakers vs. Rockets: Key injuries

Lakers:

  • PG Rajon Rondo (thumb) out
  • C Dwight Howard (knee) questionable

Rockets:

  • PG Russell Westbrook (quadriceps) questionable
  • SG Eric Gordon (ankle) out
  • PF Bruno Caboclo (ankle) out

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Lakers 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 1:20 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Rockets 121, Lakers 114

Moneyline (ML)

The ROCKETS (100) are even-money underdogs against the Lakers (-121) on Thursday night. Houston is coming off a tough loss to Portland, while the Lakers were blown out by the Oklahoma City Thunder last night. With the Rockets likely having fresher legs, and more to play for since the Lakers have already clinched the No. 1 seed, look for Houston to take this game.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Lakers (-1.5, -115) open this contest as less than a basket favorite over the ROCKETS (+1.5, -106). While the Lakers are 2-2 so far in the NBA restart, they’ve covered the spread only once in those four games. Over the past week, they’ve lost two games by a combined 34 points as their offensive game has been struggling.

Meanwhile, the Rockets have had no problems scoring this season as they are the No. 2 highest-scoring offense in the NBA. But Houston hasn’t been much better against the spread, covering just twice in their last eight games. Given that this spread is so small, don’t be afraid to take Houston and the 1.5 points. But with these current odds, the moneyline offers more value.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for this Western Conference matchup is set at 226.5 points, which feels about right considering how well Houston’s offense has been this season.

On the year, Los Angeles is averaging over 113 points per game, but they have struggled some in Orlando finding their shot. In their four games in the NBA Bubble, they’ve scored an average of 99.3 points per game. However, look for them to get back on track tonight as the Rockets have one of the league’s worst defenses.

Take the OVER, hoping the Lakers can find more success from three-point land than they have over the last few games.

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

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

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Indiana Pacers vs. Phoenix Suns odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Indiana Pacers vs. Phoenix Suns sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Indiana Pacers (42-26) take on the Phoenix Suns (29-39) Thursday at Visa Athletic Center in Reunion, Fla. for a 4 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Pacers-Suns sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Pacers vs. Suns: Key Injuries

Pacers

  • C Goga Bitadze (knee) questionable
  • G Malcolm Brogdon (back) out
  • F Jeremy Lamb (knee) out
  • F Domantas Sabonis (foot) out

Suns

  • C Aron Baynes (knee) out
  • G Elie Okobo (ankle) out
  • F Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) doubtful

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

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

Prediction

Suns 119, Pacers 113

Moneyline (ML)

The Pacers are favored to win at -143. Both they and the SUNS (+120) are two of the only three teams who are 3-0 in the bubble. The Suns are playing some of their best basketball of the season, while the Pacers are being carried by the scoring of F T.J. Warren in the absence of so many of their top scorers.

The Suns know Warren well, as they traded him to the Pacers last offseason. Expect the Suns to continue to play efficiently and pull off the upset with Indiana missing its top players. Take the SUNS (+120) for the small upset.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Suns will return a profit of $12 if they win.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Pacers are favored at -2.5 (-110) in this game. Both teams are 3-0 ATS in the bubble in addition to being 3-0 straight up. Indy is 26-19-1 ATS when favored, while Phoenix is 21-17-1 ATS as the underdog.

Since we like the Suns to win straight up, we have to go with them for the cover. Take the SUNS +2.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

The total is set at 228.5 points, with -110 odds on either side of the line. Both teams have played to the Over in two of three games since playing in the bubble. Both teams’ games have gone Over more than Under all season. The smart bet is to take the OVER 228.5 (-110).

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

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New Orleans Pelicans vs. Sacramento Kings odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s New Orleans Pelicans vs. Sacramento Kings betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The New Orleans Pelicans (29-38) will take on the Sacramento Kings (28-39) Thursday at the HP Field House in Kissimmee, Fla. for a 1:30 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Pelicans-Kings NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Pelicans vs. Kings: Key injuries

Kings:

  • PF Marvin Bagley (foot) out

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Pelicans vs. Kings: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated on at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Pelicans 118, Kings 112

Moneyline (ML)

The Pelicans (-189) open this contest as slight favorites over the Kings (+155) Thursday afternoon. The Kings have yet to win a game in the NBA’s restart, losing three games by a combined 29 points.

While both teams are still in playoff contention, the Pelicans have the much more realistic shot. Look for New Orleans to narrowly take home this win.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Pelicans -4.5 (-110) are two-basket favorites over the Kings Thursday afternoon. New Orleans has fared well against the spread, covering in four of their last six games dating back to March. It’s also noteworthy the Pelicans have beaten the Kings in five of their last six head-to-head matchups, covering the spread in each of those wins.

Meanwhile, the Kings (+4.5, -110) have covered just once in their last four games as they have lost five of their last six. With the Pelicans playing with more urgency in the bubble, look for them to take this game and win by at least 5 points.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for this Western Conference matchup is set at 232.5 points. New Orleans currently has the fifth-ranked offense in the NBA, but it has failed to score more than 104 points in three-straight games.

Playing the Kings’ soft defense should help the Pelicans pass that number today, but don’t expect the number to be in the 120s.

For that reason, consider taking the UNDER 232.5 (-110) in this matchup between the Pelicans and Kings.

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

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Philadelphia 76ers vs. Washington Wizards odds, picks and best bets

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

The Philadelphia 76ers (40-27) will take on the Washington Wizards (24-43) Wednesday at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Arena in Reunion, Fla., for a 4 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the 76ers-Wizards NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

76ers vs. Wizards: Key injuries

76ers

  • SG Glenn Robinson III (hip) doubtful
  • PF Mike Scott (knee) out

Wizards

  • PG John Wall (Achilles) out
  • SG Bradley Beal (shoulder) out
  • PF Davis Bertans (personal) out
  • PG Gary Payton II (COVID-19) out
  • SF Garrison Mathews (ankle) out

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

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

76ers 122, Wizards 110

Moneyline (ML)

The 76ers (-625) open this contest against the Wizards (+450) as monster favorites and it’s not hard to understand why. Washington has lost all four of their games in the NBA restart by a combined 39 points as their roster just isn’t talented enough to compete with playoff-caliber teams.

While the 76ers have been up and down all season long, they have to be considered a big favorite here; however, there just isn’t enough value on the moneyline. PASS on this bet in favor of the point spread.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The 76ERS -10.5 (-110) are rare double-digit favorites over the Wizards Wednesday afternoon in Orlando.

It’s worth noting the 76ers have covered the spread in only two of their last six games, as they have been one of the NBA’s most inconsistent teams. Washington hasn’t fared much better, failing to cover the spread in four of its last five contests. The Wizards just don’t have the size or shooting to hurt the 76ers and they will likely struggle mightily on the boards,

This one will likely come down to the wire and there is certainly potential for a backdoor cover by Washington, but take the 76ers laying 10.5 points against the Wizards Wednesday.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for this Eastern Conference matchup is set at 229.5, which feels about right considering how poorly each defense has played in the NBA restart so far. The 76ers allowed 130 points to a banged-up San Antonio Spurs team Monday and another 127 to an Indiana Pacers team Saturday night. Washington’s defense hasn’t been much better, allowing at least 111 points in all four of their games inside the bubble.

Take the OVER 229.5 (-110) here as this should be a fast-paced game with a bunch of scoring.

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

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

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

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

The Los Angeles Lakers (51-15) face the Oklahoma City Thunder (41-25) Wednesday at HP Field House in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., for a 6:30 p.m. ET tip-off (on ESPN). We analyze the Lakers-Thunder NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Lakers vs. Thunder: Key injuries

Lakers

  • SG Alex Caruso (back) questionable
  • PG Rajon Rondo (thumb) out
  • SG Avery Bradley (personal) out

Thunder

  • SF Terrance Ferguson (leg) out
  • PF Mike Muscala (concussion) out
  • SG Dennis Schroder (paternity leave) out

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Lakers 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 10:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Thunder 110, Lakers 104

Moneyline (ML)

Back the THUNDER (+200) with a small-unit play. They have more to play for. They sit sixth in the Western Conference, two games ahead of the Dallas Mavericks, with a realistic shot to earn the fourth seed as they’re only a half-game out. Meanwhile, the Lakers (-250) clinched the No. 1 seed in the West with Monday’s 116-108 win vs. the Utah Jazz. Head coach Frank Vogel says he doesn’t plan on resting LA’s starters vs. OKC, but really, how much motivation and hunger will the Lakers have come the fourth quarter?

New to sports betting? A winning $10 Thunder bet returns a profit of $20. A winning $10 bet on the Lakers returns just $4.

Also see:

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Using the same logic mentioned above, the THUNDER +6 (-110) are my STRONGEST PLAY. Not only are they looking to improve their seeding, but they’re also coming off a tough 121-113 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets Monday. You can bet they’ve been hankering to get back on the court.

New to sports betting? Every $1.10 bet on the Thunder spread will profit $1 if they win outright or lose by 5 or fewer points. A 6-point loss is a push where you get your money back. In other words, bet $11 to win $10, $55 to 50, $110 to win $100, etc. …

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 219.5 (-110) is the play. Since the restart, the Lakers are 1-2 O/U and the Thunder are 1-1 with the Over being the OT game vs. the Nuggets. The Lakers are 3-0 vs. the Thunder this season, including all three games going Over the total, but the NBA restart is a whole new ballgame.

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

Johnny’s 2020 NBA record 28-24-2
2020 overall record 51-33-1
Strongest plays 27-14

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

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Toronto Raptors vs. Orlando Magic odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Toronto Raptors vs. Orlando Magic betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Toronto Raptors (48-18) will look to stay undefeated in the NBA restart against the Orlando Magic (32-36) Wednesday in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET between the Eastern Conference foes. We analyze the Raptors-Magic NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Raptors vs. Magic: Key Injuries

Raptors

  • SF Patrick McCaw (knee) out
  • SF Oshae Brissett (knee) out

Magic

  • PG Michael Carter-Williams (foot) questionable
  • SF Jonathan Isaac (knee) out
  • PF Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) out

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

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 8:00 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Raptors 114, Magic 103

Moneyline (ML)

The RAPTORS (-250) have now won six games in a row dating back to before the season was put on pause, including back-to-back victories over the Los Angeles Lakers (107-92) and Miami Heat (107-103) in the NBA restart.

They’ll now play their weakest opponent since play resumed in the eighth-seeded Magic (+200). Orlando resumed play with a 132-116 win over the Sacramento Kings Sunday before taking a 120-109 loss against the Indiana Pacers Tuesday and now play the second half of a back-to-back.

The Raptors won all three regular-season meetings with the Magic by scores of 104-95, 113-97 and 90-83. Toronto’s guards were the stars of those games with Kyle Lowry (26), Fred VanVleet (24) and Norman Powell (33) each taking a turn as the team’s leading scorer

Back RAPTORS (-250) to turn a $10 bet into a $4 profit with a victory.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The RAPTORS -6.5 (-110) were underdogs against the Lakers in their first game in the bubble but then took care of the Heat as favorites Monday. They roasted the Lakers by a 15-point margin and topped the Heat by four points.

Each of the Raps’ three wins in the season series thus far was decided by at least seven points with two by double digits. The Pacers dropped the Magic by 11 points Tuesday night, and the short turnaround will be another drawback against the rested Raps.

Over/Under (O/U)

The defensively focused Raps have come out of the break with two straight low-scoring games. The Magic are scoring just 107.1 points per game for the season with 107.8 PPG against.

Take the UNDER 222.5 (-110) on a line that’s far too high for both sides with the total and spread suggesting a projected score of Raptors 114.5-108.

Esten’s NBA betting record: 6-2

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

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

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Los Angeles Lakers vs. Utah Jazz odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Los Angeles Lakers vs. Utah Jazz betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Los Angeles Lakers (50-15) will take on the Utah Jazz (42-24) Monday at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Arena in Reunion, Fla., for a 9 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Lakers-Jazz NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Lakers vs. Jazz: Key injuries

Lakers

  • PG Rajon Rondo (thumb) out
  • PF Anthony Davis (eye) probable
  • SF LeBron James (groin) probable
  • PF Kyle Kuzma (ankle) probable

Jazz

  • SF Bojan Bogdanovic (wrist) out
  • SF Royce O’Neale (foot) questionable

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Lakers vs. Jazz: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

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

Prediction

Lakers 111, Jazz 106

Moneyline (ML)

The LAKERS (-278) are big favorites over the Jazz (+220) Monday night in Orlando. After losing to the Toronto Raptors Saturday night, the Lakers will likely play with more urgency as they look to wrap up the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference with a win.

Utah, on the other hand, needs this game as well to avoid being the No. 6 seed in the conference. They are currently a half-game up on the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The moneyline bet for the Lakers doesn’t present a lot of value, but the point spread is so large that this may be a better bet if you want to take Los Angeles.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Lakers -6.5 (-110) open this contest as big favorites over the JAZZ +6.5 (-110) Monday night. While the numbers say to bet against Utah to cover this spread (3-9 ATS in their last 12 games), the Jazz match up well with the Lakers due to their size and guard play. Considering this spread is so large, it’s not hard to envision scenarios in which the Jazz only lose by a basket or two.

With both of these teams really needing this game, it’s highly unlikely one team pulls away from the other. For that reason, take the Jazz to keep this within a few baskets and don’t be surprised if they were to even win this game outright.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for this Western Conference matchup is set at 217.5 points. Both Los Angeles and Utah have allowed fewer than 108 points per game this season and both sides excel in cleaning up the glass on the defensive end.

In the NBA bubble, both teams have struggled to get their shots going as the Lakers have yet to score more than 103 points and the Jazz are averaging only 100 points in Orlando. Expect the pace of this game to be slower and for the UNDER 217.5 (-110) to hit.

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

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

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