Finally, the NBA regular season has come to an end.
But before we get into the playoffs, we have six play-in games set for this week including two that tip-off tonight. The winning teams of tonight's games will earn the seventh seed within their respective conferences. Let's take a look at the best bets for tonight's action.
Best Bets of The Night
Game: Cleveland Cavaliers at Brooklyn Nets -8.5
In this game, I’m really excited to see the Darius Garland and Kyrie Irving matchup. Nonetheless, the Nets should defend the home floor easily at Barclays Center. Cleveland allows the fourth-fewest points per game against opposing teams this season. The Cavaliers are one of the best defensive teams in the league with rookie Evan Mobley blocking shots, Garland guarding the perimeter, and Jarrett Allen as the anchor down low in the post, not to mention Isaac Okoro's on-ball ferociousness. It’s noteworthy that Allen has been ruled out for tonight’s game. Although the Nets aren't known for their big men, Allen's absence is significant and should result in Andre Drummond and Nicolas Claxton cleaning up on the boards as Mobley will be forced to start at the center position rather than power forward. The Cavs will have to play stifling defense to keep this game competitive and interesting. The Over/Under for tonight’s game is currently set at a relatively high 228.5 points. Despite Brooklyn's firepower on offense, Cleveland's defense should keep this game relatively low-scoring.
The Pick: Under 228.5 Total Points
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Game: Los Angeles Clippers at Minnesota Timberwolves -3
With Paul George energized after what will be almost one week of rest, the Clippers’ outlook for tonight’s game against the Timberwolves isn’t bad at all. In fact, there are good reasons to think the Clippers will upset the T-Wolves and steal the seventh seed in the Western Conference. Los Angeles finished the season on a five-game winning streak, including their final victory of the season on Sunday despite resting Paul George, Nicolas Batum, and Reggie Jackson. The Clippers dropped a whopping 138 points in a dominant win over the atrocious Oklahoma City Thunder. What really stands out is that seven of the Clippers’ nine active players scored in double figures on Sunday. Amir Coffey, who is averaging 22.7 MPG and nine points per game this season, blew up for 35 points (13-22 FG) and 13 rebounds. If the Clippers scored that many points without their starters, what could they do to the T-Wolves with PG-13 and company active? To play it safe, we’ll take the Clippers to cover the spread tonight in Minnesota. That said, don't expect an easy win with D'Angelo Russell, Anthony Edwards, and Karl-Anthony Towns healthy and hyped to defend their home floor. This game is going to come down to the wire but if Paul George gets hot, the Clips could very well pull off the upset.
The Pick: Los Angeles Clippers +3
NBA Player Props
Game: Cleveland Cavaliers at Brooklyn Nets -8.5
Prop: Evan Mobley, Over 9.5 Rebounds (-102)
Jarrett Allen will be inactive tonight and rookie stud Evan Mobley will serve as Cleveland's defensive anchor in the paint. Mobley is going to be asked to do a lot on both ends of the court if the Cavs have any chance at upsetting the Nets in Brooklyn. Although Mobley averaged 8.3 rebounds per game this season, he’s the Cavs' only big man who has the wingspan and strength to haul in a ton of rebounds. Brooklyn is 12th in shots taken per game this season, averaging 88.4 field goals attempted as a team per game. This should help Mobley get into double-figures tonight off the glass, especially without Allen on the floor. Don't be shocked to see Mobley play 40 minutes tonight given Cleveland's lack of healthy big men.
Prop: Darius Garland, Over 25.5 Points (-108)
With Allen sidelined, Darius Garland will score closer to 30 points than the 25-26 points currently set for his line. Though he’s averaging 21.7 PPG this season, Garland has scored at least 25 points in six of his last 10 games. Especially against what should be a lethal offense between Kyrie and KD, the Cavs will need a big scoring night from their main ball-handler. Garland is a rising stud at the point guard position and is one of the league leaders in assists (8.6 per game and sixth in the NBA) but something tells me that with the seventh seed on the line, Garland will look to shoot more and get to the basket with his elite dribble-drive rather than serving as the playmaker for his teammates. Sure, he'll tally some sweet dimes but if the Cavs are going to compete, they need a monster game out of their young point guard. With Collin Sexton already out for the season, Garland is the only severe threat in Cleveland's backcourt. And don't forget that he dropped 31 points while only dishing out three assists in a losing effort to the Nets in the second-to-last game of the season. In four games against Brooklyn this season, Garland averaged 25.3 points and 8.0 assists in 39 minutes per game. Garland's percentages against the Nets from the field and deep were well below his season averages, not to mention, that he could play close to 45 minutes in this critical matchup. He should have no problem dropping at least 26 points.
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Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
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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We have a five-game slate this evening featuring some of the best teams in the league.
The No. 3 seeded Milwaukee Bucks will be taking on the No. 4 seeded Philadelphia 76ers in what should be a thrilling Eastern Conference showdown. TNT will be showing the Los Angeles Lakers at the Dallas Mavericks at 7:30 PM EST, followed by the Utah Jazz at the Los Angeles Clippers at 10:00 PM EST.
Best Bets of the Night
Game 1: Chicago Bulls at Washington Wizards -3
The Bulls are the three-point underdogs on the road tonight in the nation’s capital. Chicago is coming off of a close 104-109 loss to the New York Knicks with RJ Barrett going off for 27 points. The Bulls have slumped as of late, losing nine of the 13 games they have played in the month of March. The Bulls have performed badly specifically in their division, conceding two of those nine losses to the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bulls will look to bounce back tonight and beat the Wizards after a gut-wrenching loss last night to the Knicks in MSG. Kyle Kuzma will be out of the Wizards lineup, further limiting their scoring options against Chicago, who have Zach LaVine, Nicholas Vusceciv, and DeMar DeRozan all ready to go tonight. I think Chicago wins by 10, but they could lose by two and you’d still win. If the Bulls lose tonight, their once very promising season will start to look more gloomy.
The Pick: Chicago Bulls +3
Game 2: Milwaukee Bucks at Philadelphia 76ers -1
The spread for tonight’s game between the Bucks and 76ers is minuscule, and rightfully so. Two of the best teams in the East are squaring off, and the two MVP front runners, Giannis Antetokoumpo and Joel Embiid will be going neck to neck. I’m also excited to see what I expect to be a James Harden on Kris Middleton matchup tonight which should be a lot of fun to watch. In addition, the Bucks are the fourth highest-scoring team in the league pumping out an average of 114.9 points per game. Although the 76ers only produce 108.8 PPG, I think we’ll see above-average offensive numbers from James Harden and Tobias Harris tonight who will be forced to score more than usual against the Bucks. Milwaukee 126 - 112 Philadelphia; something like that.
The PIck: Over 230 Total Points (-110)
Game 3: Los Angeles Lakers at Dallas Mavericks - 12
The Lakers are playing very poorly and as a result, the Dallas Mavericks are a huge favorite tonight. The ML is set at +530 for the Lakers to win. Obviously, this is not a bet I can suggest you take. Instead, take the Lakers to cover the 12-point spread. The reality is that the West is so tight in between the lowest-seeded teams that every game for the Lakers counts right now. In no way am I saying the Lakers have a chance to win tonight, but for these last two weeks of the regular season, you bet you're going to see some superstar caliber play from Russell Westbrook and specifically Lebron James. This is not enough to win a game, as LeBron is the highest scorer in the league today but the Lakers are losing incessantly. Post-season Lebron and Brodie are different beasts, think of these next two weeks as their awakenings. They will do everything in their power to win the remaining games they have, as they are hanging on to the tenth seed with a feather. Needless to say, I think the Lakers keep things interesting tonight and show us they aren’t completely incapable. The San Antonio Spurs (31-44) currently hold the eleventh seed and are a game and a half behind the Lakers (31-43). Coach Popovich has played one more game and has lost one more game than Fran Voegel’s distraught basketball team.
The Pick: Los Angeles Lakers +12
Same Game Parlay of the Night
Game: Milwaukee Bucks at Philadelphia 76ers -1
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Leg 1: Tobias Harris, Over 15.5 Points
This over/under seems almost disrespectful but it is undeniable that Tobias Harris’ performance on the floor this season shows regression. Part of this can certainly be linked to James Harden’s arrival on the team, but for the most part, Harris has not lived up to expectations this season.
Leg 2: Matisse Thybulle, Over 5.5 Points
Although Thybulle sometimes records more steals than he does points, I think he’ll score at least six tonight, with at least half of his points coming off of fast breaks or turnovers he creates. Doc Rivers will give Thybulle time on the floor tonight to guard against the dangerous frontcourt with Giannis, Bobby Portis Jr, and Brook Lopez. Thybulle’s disruption on defense tonight will be the principal reason why he scores six or more points tonight.
Leg 3: Brook Lopez, Over 4.5 Rebounds
Brook Lopez has been somewhat limited in his first few games back. In his first two games of the season, Lopez played 15 minutes and had two rebounds or less in each. Lopez grabbed six rebounds in two of his last four games in which he played a maximum of 24 minutes.
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Kyrie Irving of Brooklyn Nets
Tonight, we have a four-game slate featuring the Brooklyn Nets, the Memphis Grizzlies, and the Phoenix Suns.
We will focus on the Brooklyn Nets matchup against the Orlando Magic for our Same Game Parlay of the Night, as I expect Kyrie Irving to have a huge night. Let's dive in.
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Best Bets of The Night
Please Note: All odds are accurate as of 3:00 PM EST. according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
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Game 1: Phoenix Suns at New Orleans Pelicans (+4.5)
This is going to be a fun game to watch. The Suns have Devin Booker back after his bout with COVID-19. In addition, Jae Crowder has been playing more consistently as of late. Finally, Cameron Payne has done an excellent job of covering for Chris Paul while his thumb continues to heal. The Suns should absolutely destroy the New Orleans Pelicans on the road. They’ve proven throughout the season, and especially now without CP3 how in sync they are as a team, meaning that anyone could be on the floor for them and they’ll still probably win. CJ McCollum has played pretty well for New Orleans since arriving down there, but ultimately the 28-40 Pelicans are a losing team in the West whose postseason aspirations are in the rear-view mirror. Phoenix should win by five or more points comfortably tonight.
The Pick: Phoenix Suns -4.5 (-110)
Game 2: Memphis Grizzlies at Indiana Pacers (+7.5)
It’s no surprise that the Memphis Grizzlies are the clear favorites in tonight’s matchup against the Indiana Pacers. The Grizzlies should win this game comfortably but I wouldn't expect a blowout. I’m more interested in looking at the point total for this contest. This should be a high-scoring game, but not as high as the sportsbooks expect. While Memphis is the fourth highest-scoring team in the league (114.4 PPG), Indiana hovers around the league average with 110.7 PPG. For the Over to be reached tonight, at least nine more points would need to be scored than the averages produced by these two teams combined. I also think this could be a game with competitive defense. The matchup between Ja Morant and Tyrese Haliburton should be highly contested, which could impact the scoring averages of both players.
The Pick: Under 234.5 Total Points
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Same Game Parlay of The Night
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Game: Brooklyn Nets at Orlando Magic (+10.5)
Leg 1: Kyrie Irving Over 25.5 Points (-102)
Kyrie has scored bigger numbers as of late than he did when his 2021-2022 season began. Here is what he's produced over his last four games respectively: 38 points, 19 points, 50 points, and 22 points. According to these numbers and his current scoring average of 25.9 PPG on 47.6% shooting from the field this season, Kyrie is due to have a 30+ point scoring performance tonight in Orlando.
Leg 2: Franz Wagner Over 4.5 Rebounds (+102)
Franz Wagner has been a focal piece of Orlando’s lineup this season. As a rookie, Wagner has been very consistent this season. The 6’10" German has averaged 31.7 minutes per contest this season, producing 15.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. Brooklyn is ranked 13th among all NBA teams in FG attempts taken per game (88.5 FGA per game), which will give Wagner plenty of opportunities to grab at least five boards off the glass tonight.
Leg 3: Wendell Carter Jr Over 2.5 Assists (-130)
This is a prop I have taken before and one which has hit. I like taking bigs to produce over 2.5 assists. I took Joel Embiid last night on over 2.5 assists which he hit. Wendel Carter Jr. is averaging a 14.6-point and 10.4-rebound double-double this season. He’s still producing 2.7 assists per game. He’s also dished at least five assists in three of his last five games. Carter Jr. is a pretty efficient passer as a big man. He should produce at least three dimes in approximately 30 minutes of playing time at home against the Nets tonight.
Leg 4: Kyrie Irving Over 4.5 Rebounds (-108)
Kyrie Irving is averaging 36.2 MPG and has produced 4.6 rebounds per contest this season. This prop is really a coin flip but since Kyrie hasn’t had more than five rebounds in a few of his recent contests, I’m expecting a return to the mean against some undersized guards in Orland tonight.
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