NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (4/9)
It's the final Thursday of the NBA season, and with every team in action on Friday and Sunday, the slate is light in action. Only six games will be played, with just a few really interesting matchups. However, there is still an opportunity for some good edges. Let's take a look at a few matchups for our best NBA picks & predictions.
Go premium to view top prop bets based on Cover Probability, Expected Value & Star Rating >>
Thursday’s Best NBA Picks & Predictions
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Boston Celtics at New York Knicks
This game means very little for the Celtics. The Pistons have clinched the best record in the Eastern Conference, and three games separate the Celtics and Knicks for the No. 2 seed. New York could theoretically overtake Boston for that spot, but they would need to win out, and the Celtics would need to lose out.
For New York, this game means a lot. Only one game sits between the Knicks and Cavaliers to decide the No. 3 and No. 4 seeds in the Eastern Conference. New York likely wants to avoid a second-round matchup with a Detroit team that spanked them three times this season with an average winning margin of 28 points.
Boston currently has a handful of players listed as game-time decisions, including Derrick White and Jaylen Brown. New York comes into this one healthier and looking to add to their stellar home record of 28-9, which could end as the best in the Eastern Conference if they win out to end the year.
On top of that, the Knicks have gone 25-13 against the spread (ATS) at home this season, relying on their defense that ranks in the top eight in defensive rating but grades out even better at home.
It's hard to imagine Boston throws out their full starting lineup with three games in four days to end the season, and for very little to play. The Knicks have been one of the best home teams in the league this year, and it's clearly something they pride themselves on.
If New York wants to avoid a Detroit team that they struggled mightily with all year, it is imperative for them to win this game and play strong defense in order to do so.
Picks: Knicks -3.5 (-110) & Total Under 217.5 Points (-110)
Indiana Pacers at Brooklyn Nets
Neither team is making the playoffs, and they are hoping to hear their names called for the first overall pick in the draft lottery. They have a combined record of 38-120, so what could compel someone to make a play on this game? For me, the total is far too low.
The Nets play at one of the slowest paces in the league. Their average defensive possession length of 14.8 seconds is one of the longest in the league. That will be tested against an Indiana offense that pushes the pace and moves in transition. They'll get plenty of opportunities against a Nets offense that turns the ball over at the second-highest rate in the league.
In recent games, when they've played a team that likes to push the pace or turn the ball over, they've had offensive success. This is a big reason they've hit the over in seven of their last 10 games. And despite the offensive shortcomings of Brooklyn, they should be able to score enough on this poor Indiana defense to do their part in hitting this over
Pick: Total Over 223.5 Points (-110)