With just one-third of the season still ahead of us, there’s little to no margin for error for teams hoping to make the playoffs. They either get on a run right now, or they can kiss the postseason goodbye, even if we still have a couple of months left in the regular season.
Thursday’s NBA slate has some crucial games for the postseason picture, not to mention several divisional rivalry games and the hottest matchup in Southern California between the two teams from Los Angeles.
Considering that, we’ll share our picks for the most interesting games of the night.
Bet now with the best security across any platform!
Toronto Raptors vs Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks were on the wrong end of a historical shot on Wednesday.
Max Strus of the Cleveland Cavaliers knocked down a Hail Mary shot from 50+ feet to beat the buzzer and get a two-point win. Now, they’ll look to get back at a beatable team.
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving need to get the ship right on track, and the Toronto Raptors have been a shell of their usual self since they parted ways with both Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby.
We have a short spread because it’s the back end of a back-to-back set, and we have to make the most of it. The Mavericks aren’t going to sit any of their starters and drop another winnable game.
Pick: Mavs -2.5
Explore the best offshore betting sites here!
Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers
The Chicago Bulls collapsed late in the game vs. the Detroit Pistons. They gave the worst team in the league their 10th win of the season with an abysmal performance in the fourth quarter, and that has been a worrisome trend.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the most surprising teams this season, and they’re going to be riding all momentum from their epic game-winning shot vs. the Dallas Mavericks into this game.
Billy Donovan’s team cannot be trusted to win any game, let alone against a divisional rival on the rise. Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell will dominate the half-court game en route to an easy win.
Pick: Cavaliers -4.5
Denver Nuggets vs Sacramento Kings
The Denver Nuggets haven’t been as dominant as they were during their championship-winning season last year, but they’re still the team to beat in the Western Conference, at least until proven otherwise.
Nonetheless, and even if they haven’t been as good as they were last season, the Sacramento Kings are also a tough rival to get past, and they have one of the few versatile big men who could hold its own against Nikola Jokic.
The Nuggets should win this game, but Jamal Murray’s availability is still in doubt because of injuries.
Considering that, we could lean towards the game total, as both offenses are proficient and put up a lot of points on the scoreboard.
Pick: over 230
Claim the best betting bonuses right now!
Los Angeles Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers
Throughout the course of history, the Los Angeles Lakers have dominated this matchup with ease, but that hasn’t been the case for the better part of this decade. The tide has changed in favor of the Clippers.
This should happen again during this matchup. The Clippers have a much better coach, are deeper, and have a better roster. Even with a healthy LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Clippers have better stars right now.
Paul George’s availability is up in the air because of a knee injury, but the Clippers have more than enough firepower to take care of business against an inconsistent Lakers team with major issues on both ends of the floor.
Pick: Clippers -3.5
