The end of the NBA season is just around the corner, and as such, the margin for error keeps getting closer to zero. Needless to say, that makes it tough for handicappers who want to make the most of this time.
With that in mind, we’re going to take an in-depth look at Saturday’s slate, as it features plenty of interesting matchups with more than enough opportunities to capitalize and thrive in the most crucial time of the season.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are talented, but talent alone doesn’t win basketball games. They’re often erratic late in games, and their lack of a traditional point guard makes their offense stagnant. On top of that, this could be a potential playoff matchup.
That’s why we expect the No. 1-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder to deal with it as such, protecting their home court and giving the Suns everything they got.
They can’t afford a setback as they continue to pursue homecourt advantage through the playoffs.
Pick: Thunder ML
San Antonio Spurs vs New York Knicks
Mitchell Robinson’s timely return was a major boost for a New York Knicks team that was already looking quite scary. They’re getting better and healthier just when it matters the most, and they could still get Julius Randle back.
Victor Wembanyama returned for the San Antonio Spurs after a one-game absence, but his team has nothing to play for at this point in the season.
The Knicks are still playing for playoff seeding, so they’ll take this game seriously.
Pick: Knicks -9
Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves
The Denver Nuggets couldn’t come back and get the win over the Phoenix Suns. Jamal Murray missed that game with an injury, and he could be on the sidelines again on Saturday.
Still, this is a game they shouldn’t take lightly.
The Minnesota Timberwolves boast an elite defense, perhaps the best in the league at this moment. The Nuggets don’t usually lose consecutive games at home, but this will be a very physical matchup from start to finish.
Pick: Under 215
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Sacramento Kings vs Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic just gave the Sacramento Kings a big remainder of what they could’ve had with him, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a blowout win.
Now, it’ll be Mike Brown’s turn to get back at him on their own territory.
The Mavericks have an elite and explosive offense. The Kings should be able to make adjustments and make this a closer game, and they can also push the pace and put up plenty of points as well.
Pick: Over 228
New Orleans Pelicans vs Boston Celtics
The New Orleans Pelicans have been one of the most pleasant surprises in the league this season.
Despite not having Brandon Ingram, they continue to compete at a high level, and they could still have homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
That’s why they should leave it all on the court when they host the red-hot Boston Celtics, a team that has nothing to play for at this point in the season and that will prioritize health over anything else right now.
Pick: Pelicans +6
