Thursday’s six-game NBA slate isn’t a big one, but it is loaded with tons of excitement. TNT always handles the doubleheader on this night of the week, and it’ll be featuring the Philadelphia 76ers at Milwaukee Bucks & Los Angeles Lakers at Dallas Mavericks.
Last night, I went 2-2 to keep my season-long record in a similar 101-67-2 ATS (60.1%) spot. Here are three more free NBA picks to keep things in the right direction.
Phoenix Suns (-3.5) at Boston Celtics – Total: 219.5
PHX: back-end b2b (@PHI yesterday), 3 games in 4 days (all on the road), 4 in 6
BOS: 2 days rest, front-end b2b (@BKN tomorrow)
Although the Celtics will be missing some key pieces, I do believe their rest situation bodes well in this matchup. After all, Boston had two full days of rest before tonight’s game while Phoenix is playing its second game in as many nights, and a string of four games in six days.
Both teams have been playing very well of late, with each team winning at least eight games over the last 10, but the Celtics are 7-3 ATS in that span while the Suns are 4-5-1 ATS. I’m taking the fresher legs in this one, and rolling with Beantown.
Betting Pick: Celtics (+3.5)
New Orleans Pelicans (-9) at Orlando Magic – Total: 222
NOR: normal rest
ORL: normal rest
I don’t know who made this line, but the Pelicans are not nine points better than anyone right now. In fact, they have only covered the spread in three of their last 12 games. Although the Magic aren’t a great team, they are competitive enough to keep this at a single-digit deficit.
Betting Pick: Magic (+9)
Philadelphia 76ers at Milwaukee Bucks (-8) – Total: 225.5
PHI: back-end b2b (vs PHX yesterday), 3 games in 4 days
MIL: 2 days rest
I typically throw one bet into the air on a short slate, and here’s tonight’s evidence. While the Bucks have a huge number to hit, they are 3-0 SU/2-1 ATS in the last three versions of this matchup with the 76ers. In addition, Philly is 3-6 ATS on the back-end of B2Bs and as a road underdog.
We haven’t seen Milwaukee plays its best basketball just yet this season. However, tonight’s eight-point spread looks like we might see the start of it.
Betting Pick: Bucks (-8)
