NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (4/8)
We’ve got a ten-game NBA slate tonight, including two matchups that will be featured on TNT. I looked at both nationally televised games and provided the best bets for each below.
Let’s have a night!
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Tuesday’s Best NBA Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Boston Celtics at New York Knicks
The New York Knicks haven’t beaten the top-tier teams all year long. That’s been said over and over again. However, Jalen Brunson is back, and now the Knicks are near full strength. It’s even likely that Miles McBride will play for the Knicks.
Ultimately, the Knicks rank 5th in the NBA in points per 100 possessions. They’ve also shot a 56.3% effective field goal percentage and have kept turnovers down to 13.2%. The Celtics are no threat for turnovers on defense, meaning the Knicks should be able to keep turnovers down and get shots up consistently.
That said, don’t expect the Knicks to see the foul line at a high rate. However, as long as the Knicks get shots up and limit turnovers, they’ll be in this game.
Meanwhile, the Celtics rank No. 2 in the NBA in points per 100 possessions. Boston has shot a 56.7% effective field goal percentage and has also limited turnovers to a super low amount.
That said, the Celtics rarely get to the foul line themselves and will likely have the same issue as the Knicks when it comes to consistently getting to the charity stripe.
Plus, the Celtics have almost their entire starting lineup listed as questionable, which isn’t ideal on the road against the New York Knicks. Therefore, I’ll back the Knicks at -120 at home. They must prove themselves with just one week to go before the playoffs.
Pick: Knicks Moneyline (-120)
Golden State Warriors at Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are already without Kevin Durant heading into this game against the Golden State Warriors. That won’t help, especially with a team that has already lost six consecutive games this season. Even worse, the Suns have since dropped out of the Play-In Tournament and would completely miss the chance to play their way into the playoffs if the season ended today.
While the Suns are trying to make the Playoffs, the Warriors are trying to stay out of the Play-In and lockdown an actual playoff spot. Golden State is currently 6th in the Western Conference but is in a four-way tie with the Clippers, Timberwolves, and Grizzlies heading into tonight’s action. This game is essential for both teams.
That said, the Warriors have all the momentum. The Suns, again, have lost six straight games and have one of the worst defenses in the NBA. Phoenix has allowed 119.2 points per 100 possessions and a 55.4% effective field goal percentage on defense. Even worse, the Suns have also added just 12.2% of turnovers and have allowed a 19.5% free throw rate. The Warriors can take advantage of many areas.
On the other hand, the Suns have added just 25.3% of offensive rebounds. They’ll already struggle to find good looks against Golden State. In addition to some bad shooting, the Suns won’t be able to add a bunch of second chances.
Let’s take the Warriors at -8.5 on the road.
Pick: Warriors -8.5 (-110)