Tag: NBA betting picks

Atlanta Hawks at Washington Wizards odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Atlanta Hawks at Washington Wizards sports betting odds, with NBA matchup analysis and picks.

The Atlanta Hawks (19-44) visit the nation’s capital Friday to play the Washington Wizards (22-39) at the Capital One Arena at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Hawks-Wizards odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.

Hawks at Wizards: Key injuries

Hawks

  • PG Trae Young (illness) questionable
  • C Dewayne Dedmon (elbow) probable
  • PF Bruno Fernando (shin) probable
  • C Clint Capela (heel) out
  • SF Cam Reddish (back) out
  • PF Skal Labissiere (knee) out
  • SG DeAndre’ Bembry (abdominal) out

Wizards

  • PG Ish Smith (hamstring) out
  • PG John Wall (Achilles’) out

Hawks at Wizards: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 1:10 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Wizards 128, Hawks 104

Moneyline (ML)

Trae Young (illness) hitting the injury report is concerning for anyone looking to back Atlanta (+145) since they are 2-4 straight up in games without Young. The Hawks won the last meeting against the Wizards (-176), 152-133 Jan 26, but that was keyed by Young’s 45 points and 14 assists. The season series is split 1-1, and these two teams have alternated wins and covers in each of their last 10 meetings.

The Hawks are an abysmal 14-29 with a minus-7 average margin of victory, and the Wizards are a decent 18-20. I have more faith in Washington’s ability to bounce back than an Atlanta team that has the worst road record in the NBA (6-25) and is only 2-9 in Friday games. But, we are going to PASS ON THE STEEP MONEYLINE in favor of a line wager.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Washington enters today’s game with at least a fighting chance at earning a playoff berth while the Hawks are the second-worst team in the East. The Hawks were routed in its last game, 127-88, by the Memphis Grizzlies Monday as was Washington by the Portland Trail Blazers, 125-104, Wednesday. Many of the Hawks cited effort as the reason for the beating, and it should certainly be a question mark with nothing to play for a banged-up roster.

The Wizards -3.5 (-110) are 16-13 ATS at home and 8-10 ATS at home versus losing teams. Atlanta is a poor 10-18 ATS on the road and 4-11 ATS on the road versus losing teams. Definitely monitor the injury report up until game time, but based on the current info, WIZARDS -3.5 (-110) is the sharp play. 

Over/Under (O/U)

It’s rare to see a total as high as 245.5, but the last Hawks-Wizards meeting was one of the highest-scoring games in the NBA this season. Both have a propensity to play in shootouts:  Atlanta and Washington have the fourth- and fifth-highest Over percentage in the NBA. But a Young-less Hawks team is a lot less offensively productive. Atlanta has gone Under the projected total in each of the six games Young has missed. 

BET UNDER 245.5 (-115).

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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Portland Trail Blazers at Phoenix Suns odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Blazers at Suns NBA matchup, with NBA betting, picks and best bets.

The Phoenix Suns (24-38) play the fifth game in their six-game homestand Friday night when they play the Portland Trail Blazers (28-35) for the third time this season. Tip-off at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix is set for 9 p.m. ET.

We analyze the Blazers-Suns odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.

Blazers at Suns: Key injuries

Blazers

  • F Zach Collins (shoulder) out
  • F Rodney Hood (Achilles) out
  • C Jusuf Nurkic (leg) out

Suns

  • C Deandre Ayton (ankle) doubtful
  • F Cam Johnson (illness) out
  • F Frank Kaminsky (knee) out
  • F Kelly Oubre (knee) out

Blazers at Suns: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Friday at 12:45 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Blazers 115, Suns 109

Moneyline (ML)

Portland enters this game as the favorite at -162. The Blazers have won two straight games and remain in the thick of the fight for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Suns, meanwhile, have lost all four games in their current homestand and continue to be hit by injuries to key players. After losing Oubre — likely the rest of the season — Ayton injured his ankle. Phoenix has struggled all season at home, going 11-22 so far. Portland has the same record on the road.

But a deeper look shows the Suns have been able to build early; they just let them slip away in the second half. Plus, Portland is only 4-4 this season when favored on the road. Nonetheless, don’t expect the Suns to pull out of their funk now. Take the BLAZERS -162.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Portland returns a profit of $6.17.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Portland is favored at -3.5 points (-110). While the Blazers have covered the spread in three of their last four games they failed to cover the previous five. They are only 14-19 ATS on the road, but Phoenix is only 11-21-1 ATS at home. Both teams fail to cover more often than they do cover in their current status — home underdog / road favorite. But for Phoenix — already lacking offensive weapons — losing its defensive cog in the middle in Ayton is tough. Expect the Blazers to not only win, but take PORTLAND -3.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

The total is set very high at 231.5 points. Their last two matchups this season have totaled 221 and 238 points — both failing to hit the total. With the Suns 17-15 O/U at home and the Blazers 17-16 O/U on the road, I would expect the same. Take UNDER 231.5 (-115).

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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Memphis Grizzlies at Dallas Mavericks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Memphis Grizzlies at Dallas Mavericks sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Memphis Grizzlies (31-31) visit the Dallas Mavericks (38-25) Friday at American Airlines Center for an 8:30 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Grizzlies-Mavericks sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Grizzlies at Mavericks: Key Injuries

Grizzlies

  • SG Grayson Allen (hip) out
  • PF Brandon Clarke (quadriceps) out
  • PF Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) out
  • SG Justise Winslow (back) out

Mavericks

  • PG J.J. Barea (ankle) questionable
  • PG Jalen Brunson (shoulder) out
  • SG Luka Doncic (illness) questionable
  • SF Dorian Finney-Smith (hip) questionable
  • SG Tim Hardaway Jr. (shoulder) questionable
  • C Dwight Powell (Achilles) out

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Grizzlies at Mavericks: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11:57 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Grizzlies 118, Mavericks 114

Moneyline (ML)

The Mavericks (-278) and Grizzlies (+225) enter this Friday contest seventh and eighth in the Western Conference, respectively. The Grizzlies have won three in a row after snapping out of a five-game losing skid, including a 118-79 road demolition of the Brooklyn Nets Wednesday. The Mavericks beat the New Orleans Pelicans by a 127-123 count Wednesday. They were led by PF Kristaps Porzingis‘s 34 points and Doncic’s 17 rebounds and 10 assists.

Take the incredible value with the GRIZZLIES (+225) in what should be projected as closer to a coin flip game. Memphis is 14-17 on the road for the season, while Dallas is a pedestrian 17-14 at home. The season series is tied 1-1 coming into the day. The Grizz won the most recent meeting 121-107 Feb. 5 at the AAC. Jump on this elevated number while Doncic’s status is up in the air, as it will likely fall if he or Hardaway are ultimately ruled out.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Grizzlies to win returns a profit of $27.50.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The GRIZZLIES (+6.5, -106) remain a fine play on the spread, where they’ll need to stay within 7 points in a loss or win outright for a $10 bet to return a profit of $9.43. While I like the road dogs to win outright, there’s still plenty of value with a sizable cushion of insurance.

Memphis is 15-15-1 ATS on the road for the season, while Dallas is 12-18-1 ATS at home. Dallas has won by 8 or more points just once in its last five games.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Mavs rank second in the NBA with a record of 39-24 against the Over/Under for the season, while the Grizz are 26th with a mark of 29-33. Games at the AAC have gone 20-11 against the O/U and top the projected totals by an average of 4.1 points per game. Take the OVER 226.5 (-110) with the Grizzlies looking to exploit the key injuries/illnesses of the Mavericks.

Esten’s NBA betting record: 206-181

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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Milwaukee Bucks at Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Los Angeles Lakers sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference in the Milwaukee Bucks (53-9) will take on the No. 1 seed in the West in the Los Angeles Lakers (47-13) Friday night. Tip-off for this game at Staples Center is set for 10:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Bucks-Lakers sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Bucks at Lakers: Key injuries

Bucks

  • PG George Hill (groin) questionable

Lakers

  • SG Alex Caruso (hamstring) probable

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Bucks at Lakers: Odds, lines, picks, and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11:10 a.m. E.T.

Prediction

Bucks 118, Lakers 114

Moneyline (ML)

The Lakers (-115) are small home favorites over the BUCKS (-106) in what could be an NBA Finals preview. While the Lakers have won nine of their previous 10 games, it’s hard to bet against the Bucks, who have beaten the Lakers in six straight games. It’s also worth noting the Bucks have won 11 of their last 13 road games and are an incredible 25-6 on the road this season. Expect this game to be close throughout, but for the Bucks to eventually steal the win in Los Angeles.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Lakers (-1.5, -106) are laying less than a bucket against the BUCKS (+1.5, -115). While the Lakers struggled against the spread earlier this season, they are an impressive 4-1 against the spread in their last five games. Meanwhile, the Bucks continue to cruise in the East as they are 10-4 against the spread in their last 14 games despite some monstrous lines. Considering how even these teams are, take the 1.5 points and the Bucks on Friday night.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over/Under for this potential NBA Finals matchup is set at 227.5, which makes sense given that each offense is ranked inside the top-seven in scoring. The Bucks lead the NBA in points per game, averaging over 119 points this season. It’s also important to note each side ranks inside the top-five in scoring defense, allowing about 107 points per game. Look for this to be a fast-paced game with the OVER 227.5 (-110) hitting in Los Angeles.

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 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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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Oklahoma City Thunder at New York Knicks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Oklahoma City Thunder at New York Knicks sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Oklahoma City Thunder (38-24) visit Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Knicks (19-43) Friday night. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Thunder-Knicks sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Thunder at Knicks: Key injuries

Thunder

  • SG Andre Roberson (knee) out
  • SF Darius Bazley (knee) out

Knicks

  • PG Dennis Smith Jr. (concussion) out
  • C Mitchell Robinson (hamstring) questionable
  • SF Kevin Knox II (leg) probable

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Thunder at Knicks: Odds, lines, picks, and betting tips

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

Prediction

Thunder 115, Knicks 108

Moneyline (ML)

The THUNDER (-304) are big road favorites over the Knicks (+240). The Thunder have been hot on the road lately, winning 10 of their last 11 games away from Oklahoma City. They’ve also won six of their previous seven games against the Knicks. Meanwhile, New York is in a bit of a slump as they have won just two of their previous nine contests. While the odds are a bit chalky, take the Thunder to win on the road.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Thunder (-7.5, -106) are three-basket favorites over the KNICKS (+7.5, -115). While the Thunder are the much better team, they haven’t been great against the spread. Despite their recent hot streak, the Thunder have failed to cover the spread in five-straight games. The Knicks have covered the spread in eight of their last 11 home games. The Thunder should win this game, but take the Knicks and the points in this one.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for this game is set at 219.5 points, which feels about right considering how bad the Knicks’ offense has been this season. Currently, they are the No. 29 scoring offense in the NBA, averaging just 105.4 points per game. Look for the Thunder to get near 115 points, and that should allow for the OVER 219.5 (-106) to hit in New York.

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 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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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Utah Jazz at Boston Celtics odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Utah Jazz at Boston Celtics sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis, picks and best bets.

The Utah Jazz (39-22) put their three-game winning streak on the line Friday night against the Boston Celtics (42-19). Tip-off at TD Garden is at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Jazz-Celtics odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.

Jazz at Celtics: Key injuries

Jazz

  • PG Nigel Williams-Goss (quadriceps) out

Celtics

  • SF Jaylen Brown (hamstring) out
  • SF Gordon Hayward (knee) out

Jazz at Celtics: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 10:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Celtics 117, Jazz 112

Moneyline (ML)

The Jazz (+110) have won three in a row, albeit against lesser opponents against which they were favored by at least 9 points. Both teams are 6-4 across their last 10 games with Utah going 4-0 in its last four road games.

The Celtics (-133) have been good at home against the Jazz in recent matchups, though, going 9-2 straight up in those games. Take the CELTICS (-133).

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Celtics returns a profit of $7.50.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Celtics are 2.5-point favorites over the Jazz, the first time Utah has been an underdog in its last nine games. Boston has been great against the spread, going 8-1-1 in its last 10 outings. Utah hasn’t had the same fortunes, covering the spread in only one of its last seven games.

The Celtics are 17-11-2 ATS at home this season and will continue their winning ways. Bet the CELTICS (-2.5, -110) to cover the spread tonight and win by at least 3 points.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over/Under is set at 219.5. Despite being banged up and missing Brown and Hayward, the Celtics offense hasn’t missed a beat. The total has gone Over in six of their last eight games.

The Over is only 5-5 in the Jazz’s last 10 games, but both offenses will do enough to put the score Over Friday’s projected total. Bet the OVER 219.5 (-115).

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

Follow @camdasilva and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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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San Antonio Spurs at Brooklyn Nets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s San Antonio Spurs at Brooklyn Nets sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The San Antonio Spurs (26-34) visit the Brooklyn Nets (27-34) Friday at Barclays Center for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Spurs-Nets odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

The Spurs won at the Charlotte Hornets 104-103 Tuesday, a day after dropping a 116-111 decision at home to the Indiana Pacers. The Nets were blown out 118-79 on their home floor by the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, a day after stunning the Boston Celtics 129-120 in overtime on the road.

The Spurs took the first regular-season meeting, winning 118-105 at home Dec. 19.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Spurs at Nets: Key injuries

Spurs

  • PF LaMarcus Aldridge (shoulder) out
  • SG Marco Belinelli (illness) out
  • C Jakob Poeltl (knee) out

Nets

  • SF Kevin Durant (Achilles) out
  • PG Kyrie Irving (shoulder) out
  • SG Garrett Temple (ankle) doubtful

Spurs at Nets: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Nets 114, Spurs 106

Moneyline (ML)

PASS. The Nets are favored at -143, while the Spurs are +120 as road underdogs. Both teams are limping into this one, each going 4-6 across their last 10 games. Even worse, the Spurs are 6-11 in their last 17, while the Nets are 11-21 since Christmas. I’ll AVOID.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The NETS (-2.5, –110) are the STRONGEST PLAY. They’re 7-2 ATS in their last nine games following a loss and 7-1 ATS in their last eight Friday games. Not only will the Spurs be missing Aldridge (18.8 points per game, 7.5 rebounds per game), but they’re 0-5 ATS in their last five games. I like my chances taking the home team, here.

New to sports betting? Every $1.10 wagered on the Nets spread will profit $1 if they win by 3 or more points.

Over/Under (O/U)

Back the UNDER 222.5 (-115) with a small-unit play. The Under is 4-1 in the Nets’ last five home games, 6-2 in the Nets’ last eight games as a favorite and 6-2 in the Nets’ last eight games played on one day of rest. Plus, the Under is 4-2 in the last six head-to-head meetings.

Every $1.15 wagered on the Under will profit $1 if the two teams combine for 222 or fewer points.

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

Johnny’s record since Feb. 1: 15-6. Strongest plays: 8-3.

Since Dec. 1: 52-31-2. Strongest plays: 29-12

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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 at Sacramento Kings odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Philadelphia 76ers at Sacramento Kings sports betting odds, with NBA matchup analysis and picks.

The Philadelphia 76ers (37-25) head over to Sactown on Thursday to play the Sacramento Kings (27-34) in the Golden 1 Center at 10 p.m. ET. We analyze the 76ers-Kings odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.

76ers at Kings: Key injuries

76ers

  • SG Josh Richardson (concussion) out
  • PG Ben Simmons (back) out
  • C Joel Embiid (shoulder) out

Kings

  • PG Cory Joseph (heel) probable
  • PG De’Aaron Fox (abdominal) probable
  • PF Richaun Holmes (shoulder) out
  • PF Marvin Bagley III (foot) out

76ers at Kings: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 1:45 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Kings 120, Sixers 108

Moneyline (ML)

The 76ers (+170) enter the third game of their four-game west coast road trip against the Kings (-209) losing back-to-back games against the Los Angeles Clippers, 136-130, Sunday and the Los Angeles Lakers, 120-107, Tuesday. Sacramento comes in on a three-game winning streak, and winning six of its last seven games, including a 133-126 victory over the Washington Wizards on March 3. This is going to be the fourth straight game without franchise stars Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. Their only win was at home against the New York Knicks, 115-106, Feb. 27.

Since the Kings are one of the five teams trying to run down the Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth and final spot in the Western Conference playoffs, this game is pivotal and there is no way they should snooze on a Philadelphia team down three starters. Sacramento should keep their momentum going and get an easy W over the injury-depleted 76ers. AVOID the moneyline because Kings (-209) is too chalky, and the 76ers (+170) isn’t a good enough payout.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

HAMMER THE KINGS -5.5 (-110) because of how bad the 76ers are on the road and their defensive freefall without Simmons and Embiid in the lineup. In the three games without their stars, Philadelphia is ranked 26th in opponents’ points per game and three-point percentage, and last in opponents’ field goal percentage and opponents’ points in the paint. 

Philadelphia is the worst road team, and road underdog, against the spread in the NBA. They are 8-22-2 ATS on the road and 4-11-1 ATS when they are an away dog. Also, the 76ers have the second-worst ATS record when playing on equal rest at 10-17-3.

Over/Under (O/U)

I slightly LEAN OVER 218.5. I described Philadelphia’s defensive struggles since Simmons and Embiid went down, but the Kings have been scoring more since the All-Star Break. Sacramento has increased their points per game from 107.9 to 114.9 per since the break. Furthermore, the combined Over/Under record of the officiating crew assigned to this game is 74-46.

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 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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 Clippers at Houston Rockets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Los Angeles Clippers at Houston Rockets sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Los Angeles Clippers (42-19) visit Toyota Center to take on the Houston Rockets (39-21) in a potential Western Conference playoff matchup. Tip-off for this game is set for 8 p.m. ET. Thursday. We analyze the Clippers-Rockets sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Clippers at Rockets: Key injuries

Rockets

  • SF DeMarre Carroll (illness) questionable

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Clippers at Rockets: Odds, lines, picks, and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11:30 a.m. E.T.

Prediction

Rockets 118, Clippers 116

Moneyline (ML)

The ROCKETS (-106) are slight home underdogs against the Clippers (-115). Houston has been fantastic at home of late, winning seven of its last eight games at Toyota Center. While the Clippers have won five-straight games overall, they are still only 17-13 on the road this season. It’s also worth noting the Clippers have lost seven of their last 10 games in Houston.

While Los Angeles might have a better overall team, take the Rockets to win at home.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Despite the ROCKETS (-1.5, +100) being a moneyline underdog, they are actually favored against the spread Thursday over the Clippers (+1.5, -121). Los Angeles has struggled at Toyota Center in recent matchups, failing to cover the spread in four of their last five contests. Given this small spread, they will likely need to beat the Rockets outright to cover. Expect this to be a close game throughout, but for the Rockets to win and cover on their home court.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for this Western Conference matchup is set at 235.5 points, which feels about right for these two explosive offenses. Both teams are averaging over 116 points per game this season as they each rank inside the top-five in scoring offense.

Look for this game to slow down some in the fourth quarter and for the Clippers defense to slow down the Rockets. While it’s not always a fun bet, especially in games like this, take the UNDER 235.5 (-106) in Houston.

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 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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 at Golden State Warriors odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Raptors at Warriors sports betting odds, with NBA matchup analysis and picks.

The Golden State Warriors (14-48) kick off a four-game homestand Thursday night, returning home after a 116-100 win over the Denver Nuggets. They host the Toronto Raptors (43-18), playing the third game of a five-game road trip. Tipoff is Thursday night at 10:30 p.m. ET at Chase Center in San Francisco.

We analyze the Raptors-Warriors odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.

Raptors at Warriors: Key injuries

Raptors:

  • C Marc Gasol (hamstring) questionable
  • C Dewan Hernandez (ankle) out
  • F Serge Ibaka (knee) questionable
  • G Fred VanVleet (shoulder) questionable

Warriors

  • G Ky Bowman (ankle) out
  • F Draymond Green (knee) questionable
  • C Kevon Looney (hip) out
  • F Alen Smailagic (quad) out
  • G Klay Thompson (knee) out

Raptors at Warriors: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Thursday at 10:45 a.m, ET.

Prediction

Raptors 115, Warriors 100

Moneyline (ML)

As expected, the Raptors (-334) are heavy favorites. They are the second-best team in the East, while the Warriors (+260) have the fewest home wins (seven) in the entire league. They have lost nine straight at home. Toronto has 20 road wins this year.

The pick is obvious. Take the Raptors (-334) to win, even though you won’t win a ton. New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Toronto returns a profit of $2.99.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The spread is -7.5 in favor of Toronto. They bounced back from three straight ATS losses with a win and a cover against the Suns on Tuesday, while Golden State has covered two of their last three games. Before that, though, they lost and failed to cover the previous four games.

The Warriors can be tougher at home, going 12-19 ATS at Chase Center. Toronto is 15-14 ATS on the road and 8-7 ATS as a road favorite. With the Warriors still shorthanded, Toronto should be able to roll to a fairly easy win.

Take the RAPTORS at -7.5 (-121).

Over/Under (O/U)

The total is sent at 225.5 points. Warriors games have gone Under in five of their last six games. After hitting the Over in their last two games, Toronto’s previous five all went Under. The Warriors’ home games go Under more often than not with a 13-18 O/U record. The Raptors are 15-13-1 O/U on the road.

With a short bench for the Warriors, they will struggle to keep up. They probably won’t score more than about 100 on the night. Take the UNDER (-115).

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