Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
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Tonight, the NBA has a six-game slate featuring the battle of New York City when the Brooklyn Nets take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
The Bulls will be looking to defend their home floor against the Celtics after losing their last two home games in Chicago. Let’s dive into the best bets and props for tonight’s slate of NBA games.
Please Note: All odds are listed from FanDuel Sportsbook at 3:30 PM EST. Lines are subject to change.
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Best Bets of the Night
Game 1: Brooklyn Nets at New York Knicks +5
The only battle left for the Knicks is a battle for dignity. This season, the New York Knicks have been one of the biggest disappointments in the league (behind the Lakers). When the Nets play the Knicks, it’s a battle for pride and representation of one of the greatest cities in the world. The Knicks have nothing left to play for but this is a must-win game for the Nets. Despite how bad the Knicks have played this season, they packed on some late-season wins in a failed attempt to capture the 10th seed. Knicks fans will pack Madison Square Garden tonight and the Knicks will feast off of the energy in an attempt to cover the spread (despite a sidelined Julius Randle). To me, this suggests that it will be a competitive game. Brooklyn is the ninth-highest scoring team in the league (112.6 PPG) and the Knicks have the grit and physicality to match them. The Nets have won six straight against the Knicks, including a game earlier this year in which they erased a 26-point deficit. That said, all the games have been incredibly close. With Seth Curry listed as a game-time decision but unlikely to suit up, the Knicks will try to take advantage of Brooklyn’s lack of depth. Last year, the Knicks were one of the best defensive teams in the NBA and they have recently improved in that category after a dismal start to the season. I expect the Nets to score 100-105 points tonight but I think the Knicks will manage to keep it close as they often do against their Atlantic division rival. Both teams will be competing in a fierce rivalry which will push the teams to defend more ferociously tonight. The Nets also might have a tough time scoring 110+ points at Madison Square Garden. For that reason, I don’t believe the two squads will produce a total of 228.5 combined points.
The Pick: Under 228.5 Total Points
Game 2: Boston Celtics at Chicago Bulls +7
Chicago lost last night when I thought they could defend the home floor against the Bucks. The opposite took place. Chicago has one more chance to defend the home floor this week against the Boston Celtics tonight. Toronto won last night, giving them the fifth seed over the Bulls. With two games left, there remains a slight chance that the Bulls could retake the fifth seed. There is no way for them to do this without a win tonight. DeMar DeRozan has been playing out of his mind (40 points against the Bucks yesterday, 26 points against the Heat on April 2, and 50 points against the Clippers on March 31) but Zach LaVine missed yesterday’s matchup and Nikola Vucevic only tallied seven points and six rebounds against Milwaukee last night. After two straight losses at home, tonight is the night the Bulls win. Since the Chicago Bulls moneyline failed miserably last night, let’s play it safe and take the Bulls to cover the spread against the Celtics. At the very least, they have to compete and keep it within seven. Regardless of the spread (which I think Chicago will cover tonight), if the Bulls lose, they will be entering the playoffs with a much bleaker outlook than the team did when they held the second seed in the East in January. Nonetheless, it is the Bulls’ first playoff berth in the last five seasons.
The Pick: Chicago Bulls +7
Game 3: Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Clippers -2.5
Phoenix is coming off of a late game last night against the Los Angeles Lakers. While they should beat the Clippers, I think the Suns may be a little gassed in their second game in as many days at the Crypto Center. Obviously, the Suns beat the atrocious Lakers but they very well could struggle to some some degree with fatigue tonight. The Suns are so lethal with Devin Booker at the moment, who’s averaged 33.6 PPG over his last 10 games. Although the Suns have the first seed in the West and are eight games ahead of the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix is using these meaningless end-of-season games to play hard basketball. Their starters are playing 30+ minutes per contest and using these last regular-season games as an opportunity to practice. Even if the Suns were to play their bench tonight against Paul George and the Clippers, they would still have a good chance to come out on top. Since Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, and Chris Paul are playing consistently and are expected to suit up tonight, I see them as being the clear favorites tonight in Los Angeles, despite the potential fatigue and the possibility of complacency as a result of having the first seed in the West secured.
The Pick: Phoenix Suns ML +118
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Player Props
Game: Boston Celtics at Chicago Bulls
Prop #1: Al Horford, Over 9.5 Points
Horford has some back issues but is probable to play tonight. Still, it’s important to monitor his status before placing your wager. Horford has seen a slight uptick in minutes late in the season because of Robert Williams III’s likely season-ending injury. Along with Daniel Theis, Horford is truly the team’s best big. He’s averaging 10 PPG this season but is coming off of a 17-point game against the Pacers in which he shot seven-of-eight from the field, followed by a 10-point (4-9 FG) performance against the Wizards. His numbers over the last 10 games haven’t been too impressive, but Horford has a much better chance of scoring in double-figures on any night than he did in March when Williams was playing significant minutes. Tonight, Nikola Vucevic will have difficulties guarding Horford from downtown and remaining in the paint to protect the rim.
Prop #2: Jayson Tatum, Over 2.5 Three-Pointers Made
Tatum joined Horford on the injury report with a knee injury but is also probable to suit up on the frontend of back-to-back outings for Boston as they play the Milwaukee Bucks tomorrow. Tatum is out there all night long, and much of his scoring comes from downtown. Over his last nine games, he’s knocked down at least three three-pointers seven times, and at least five three-pointers five times. However, Tatum has gone 4-of-19 from beyond the arc over his last three games, which explains why his O/U has dropped down to 2.5. Tonight, Tatum will regain his shooting stroke and knock down at least three shots from beyond the arc. He’s got the size advantage over DeRozan, who is likely to be tasked with guarding his fellow All-Star.
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