NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (4/8)
The Memphis Grizzlies and Denver Nuggets meet tonight with a posted total of 244.5. Below, I highlight why that huge number may not be large enough for these two teams. Then, I discuss why I expect the Los Angeles Clippers to struggle against the Oklahoma City Thunder and why I believe that the San Antonio Spurs will overcome key injuries to take care of the Portland Trail Blazers. Below are the best NBA picks & predictions for Wednesday, April 8th.
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Wednesday’s Best NBA Picks & Predictions
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Denver Nuggets vs. Memphis Grizzlies
The Nuggets are favored by a massive 22.5 points tonight, as the Grizzlies deal with a slew of injuries and a season that has gotten away from them. However, while I'm staying away from the spread, I'm expecting a lot of points in this game.
The Nuggets are the top-scoring team in the league, averaging 121.8 points per game. The Grizzlies are allowing 120 points per contest, so the Nuggets should have no trouble putting a lot of points on the board. After all, the Nuggets have scored at least 130 points in five of their last six games.
With what a mismatch this is, some may be more inclined to take the Nuggets' team total rather than the game total. But the Nuggets' total is set at 133.5, which means they could miss the over and still play excellent offense. Plus, the Nuggets give up a lot of points, allowing 117 per game, and at least 132 in back-to-back contests.
Pick: Over 244 Points (-110)
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder and Clippers have met twice this season, and the Thunder have dominated both meetings. The Clippers have yet to score more than 107 points, while the Thunder have won each contest by at least 19 points.
While the Clippers are at home for this game, they're about to take on a Thunder team steamrolling opponents. The Thunder have won six games in a row, with five of those wins coming by at least 11 points. Six of the Thunder's last nine wins have been by at least 20 points.
The Clippers have the 23rd-best offense in the league, and the Thunder have the second-best defense. Therefore, I expect the Clippers to struggle to keep up with the Thunder for the third time this season.
Pick: Thunder -7.5 (+100)
San Antonio Spurs vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama are both likely to miss tonight's game, and yet I'm still backing the Spurs as 3.5-point favorites. While there is no denying how massive those injuries are for the Spurs, the Trail Blazers are dealing with injuries of their own, as two of their top three scorers are out for this contest.
The difference between the Spurs and the Trail Blazers is that the Spurs have the depth to overcome those injuries, with five definitely active players averaging double figures this season. The Spurs have won 17 of their last 19 games, with their only two losses during that span coming against the Denver Nuggets. All but one of their wins during that span were by at least 2.5 points.
Pick: Spurs -3.5 (-105)
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Phil Wood is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Phil, check out his archive and follow him @Phil_Wood_Jr.