The Thursday NBA slate is chock full of great matchups. Over half of the league is in action with eight games on the schedule. Let's take a look at a few of these matchups for Best Bets on Thursday.
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Thursday’s Best NBA Picks & Predictions
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook unless otherwise specified)
Washington Wizards at Detroit Pistons
Washington made some of the biggest splashes of the trade deadline by acquiring All Star level talent in Trae Young, Anthony Davis, and D'Angelo Russell. Unfortunately none of those players will be suiting up for this Thursday night matchup with Detroit. The Pistons enter Thursday relatively quiet at the deadline, but pickup Kevin Huerter is possible to play which could add some shooting to a team that ranks 20th in 3P%.
Unsurprisingly, Washington has found themselves as double-digit underdogs quite often this season. Since the start of the calendar year it's happened eight times and they've managed to go just 2-6 ATS in those games. When the books price Washington to get blown out, they typically do. Conversely, Detroit has been really good ATS as a double-digit favorite this year going 6-2 ATS.
Detroit's defense continues to dominate with a strong eFG% defense and forcing turnovers at the second highest rate in the league. Washington, with a limited lineup on Thursday, doesn't have the offensive firepower to have success against this defense. Detroit does have one weakness on defense, they send opponents to the free throw line at the highest rate in the league but Washington doesn't create contact and they don't shoot well at the line when they do get there. All the numbers in this matchup indicate Detroit should cover despite the large spread.
Pick: Pistons -14.5 (-110)
Charlotte Hornets at Houston Rockets
No team in the NBA is hotter than the Charlotte Hornets. They're winners of seven straight while going 5-2 ATS in that span. On Thursday, they'll go for eight straight against a Rockets team coming off of a tough back-to-back with Boston. On paper you have a matchup of one of the most efficient offenses and defenses in the league with Houston against a solid offense and lackluster defense in Charlotte.
The Hornets made some moves to transform their roster and try to capitalize on their recent hot streak. They're poised now to make a run and snap their long postseason drought. Their recent success bodes well but the schedule leaves a lot to be desired. Saturday's home win over the Spurs was impressive, but the rest of the streak came against Philadelphia without Embiid, Orlando directly after an international trip and a bunch of teams that won't sniff the postseason.
For Houston, they'll be looking to bounce back in this one. Despite the recent success of Charlotte, Houston is by far the stronger team. With the Hornets on their winning streak and the Rockets on the second night of a back-to-back we're likely getting a nice discount on this price. I'll back the Rockets and fade a Hornets team that is flying too close to the sun right now.
Pick: Rockets -3.5 (-110)
Golden State Warriors at Phoenix Suns
One of the safest bets in the NBA this season is back the Phoenix Suns at home ATS. They've compiled a stellar 17-7 ATS record in Phoenix which is one of the best marks in the NBA. Another one of the best bets is Phoenix as a favorite. They're also 17-7 ATS in those contests. However, when they're at home and a favorite, they have managed only an 8-5 ATS record. On Thursday night they'll host a Golden State team that is reeling from injuries while also being at the center of trade talk all week.
The Warriors have struggled since the Butler injury and are just 2-5 SU and ATS in their last seven games. The loss of Butler is going to cap the ceiling of this team going forward (trade deadline pending) but this is still a team capable of being the defense that is sixth in defensive rating when adjusted for schedule. They're a team that is going to turn you over and keep you away from the free throw line. These are both areas that Phoenix's offense has struggled with all year.
The Warriors have already taken two of three in the season series despite only covering once, but their defense is the key in this matchup. They've only allowed 107.3 PPG in the three matchups with the Suns. I expect the same level of defensive intensity here and for the Warriors to cover as decently sized underdogs on Thursday in Phoenix.
Pick: Warriors +6.5 (-110)
