Handicapper Bryan Bash posted a 4-3 record on Wednesday, April 08, 2026, navigating a seven-game card with mixed results. The day featured four winning selections, including a comfortable cover with Detroit, but also saw three losses highlighted by a blowout in Los Angeles and a narrow miss in Phoenix.
Hawks @ Cavaliers
Bash opened the day with a winning pick on Cleveland -1.5 as the Cavaliers defeated Atlanta 122-116. Donovan Mitchell led the way with 31 points while Evan Mobley posted a dominant double-double of 22 points and a career-high-tying 19 rebounds. The Cavaliers seized control with a massive third quarter, outscoring the Hawks 44-20 in the frame to build an insurmountable lead. Cleveland’s superior rebounding edge (47-43) and superior free throw shooting (80.0% to 66.7%) helped secure both the victory and the cover as they extended their winning streak to four games.
Timberwolves @ Magic
The Magic -6.0 proved to be another winner for Bash as Orlando cruised past Minnesota 132-120. Paolo Banchero contributed 20 points and eight rebounds while Desmond Bane added 18 points and six assists in the balanced attack. Orlando’s offensive efficiency was the story, shooting an impressive 53.7% from the field and 41.4% from three-point range. The Magic also dominated the assist column with 33 helpers compared to Minnesota’s 22, and their significant rebounding advantage (48-33) allowed them to control the tempo throughout. The 12-point margin easily cleared the six-point spread.
Thunder @ Clippers
Bash suffered his first loss of the day on the Clippers +7.0 as Oklahoma City dominated from start to finish in a 128-110 victory. Chet Holmgren posted 30 points and 14 rebounds while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 20 points and 11 assists as the Thunder clinched the NBA’s best regular-season record. The defending champions shot a blistering 57.8% from the field and jumped out to early leads of 34-23 after one quarter and 69-49 at halftime. The 18-point final margin meant the Clippers never threatened to cover the seven-point number.
Trail Blazers @ Spurs
San Antonio -3.5 delivered a winning result as the Spurs defeated Portland 112-101. De’Aaron Fox led San Antonio with 25 points despite the absence of Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle due to injuries. The Spurs built their cushion early, leading 32-23 after the first quarter and never relinquishing control. San Antonio’s superior three-point shooting (37.9% to 32.4%) and significant free throw advantage (78.9% to just 50.0% for Portland) proved decisive in covering the 3.5-point spread with an 11-point victory.
Grizzlies @ Nuggets
The Denver -22.5 selection resulted in a loss despite the Nuggets winning 136-119. Nikola Jokic recorded his 34th triple-double of the season with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists as Denver extended its winning streak to 10 games. The Nuggets shot an exceptional 58.9% from the field and controlled the glass with 52 rebounds, but the 17-point margin fell short of the hefty 22.5-point spread. Denver’s dominant third quarter (39-22) helped build the lead, but Memphis stayed competitive enough to prevent the blowout needed for the cover.
Bucks @ Pistons
Detroit -19.0 proved to be a winner as the Pistons crushed Milwaukee 137-111 in their home finale. Cade Cunningham returned from a collapsed lung injury to contribute 13 points and 10 assists in 26 minutes, while Jalen Duren led the scoring with 21 points and nine rebounds. The Pistons shot an outstanding 57.1% from the field and 46.7% from three-point range while dishing out 38 assists. Detroit’s 41-29 halftime lead ballooned throughout the second half, and the 26-point final margin comfortably cleared the 19-point spread.
Mavericks @ Suns
Bash’s final selection, Phoenix -10.5, resulted in a loss despite the Suns winning 112-107. Devin Booker poured in 37 points with nine assists, but Phoenix couldn’t pull away from Dallas. The Suns led by nine at halftime (61-52) but couldn’t extend the margin in the second half. Dallas shot an impressive 90.9% from the free throw line and stayed within striking distance throughout, ensuring the five-point final margin fell well short of the 10.5-point spread.
Bash finished the day with a winning record at 4-3, successfully navigating several large spreads while falling short on three selections. The day’s results highlighted the challenge of covering double-digit spreads, as two of the three losses came on games where the favored team won but failed to cover.
