NBA Basketball Picks

After 176 days, 1312 games, and more than 63,000 minutes played, we’ve finally reached our destination. The NBA playoffs are the cherry on top of the best sports week of the calendar year. Let’s take a look at this year’s best in the Warriors who sportsbooks opened at -12.5.

The Magic are riding a four-game winning streak. Orlando had to perform at an extremely high level to come from the back of the pack and secure a playoff berth that seemed destined to go to legend Dwayne Wade and his Miami Heat. Is Orlando ripe for a letdown after having to run at top gear during a time when many teams are resting starters? Franks has your NBA prediction.

The Sixers and Nets were 2-2 in the regular season but don’t let that fool you into thinking this matchup is near even. In the first game, one of the Sixers’ starters was some dude named Markelle Fultz. Playing in Estonia now, we think. Game 2 had Brooklyn’s bench score 48 points on 26 shots. Possible? Yes. Sustainable? Not likely. That explains why NBA bookmakers have the Sixers opened as 8 point favorites.

Are the Magic motivated to get the final regular season win and cover the spread tonight? The Magic may have clinched their division and a playoff spot, but they still have work to do. Orlando is the 7th seed in the East meaning they would matchup with the Toronto Raptors in the first-round. They are tied with Brooklyn, who has the tie-breaker. Matt gives his prediction!

There have been two championships won in Minnesota’s stadiums over the last 15 months, but neither one of them were by a Minnesota sports team. With Andrew Wiggins’ contract dragging Minnesota down like an anchor, a path to success for the Timberwolves seems more unclear than ever. The Timberwolves are big underdogs tonight against a team that sits where they hoped to be, KC has your Nuggets vs. Timberwolves pick.

Boston will likely be playing this game without the services of Small Forward Jayson Tatum and Point Guard Marcus Smart as both are listed as questionable for this contest. The Celtics are keen to enter into the playoffs at full health and will not risk any of their key starters or personnel to injuries in a game that has no meaning. Still, the C’s would like to close out the season on a high note and bettors will be tempted to take the 5.5 points! Franks gives his NBA pick.

In order to avoid a Round One matchup with the Warriors, OKC is going to need to take care of business here in the last two days. The 8-spot is considered the death spot, and it’s not the match-up that OKC is looking for to start the playoffs. How much is this motivation factor worth here when betting this game against the spread? KC gives his NBA pick.

The Golden State Warriors host the LA Clippers in Sunday hoops action. The NBA betting board lists the Warriors as a large 13.5 point favorite with a total line of 235.5. Both teams could use the win, so is this too many points to lay? Read what handicapper Matt Lowry has to say on the match and get his best bet pick.

The Oklahoma City Thunder visit the Minnesota Timberwolves in Sunday NBA betting action with only one team having anything to play for. Will they be enough to back the Thunder and lay the -6 or will the Wolves battle them to the wire tonight? See who Keith is betting versus the spread.

The 76ers head to the Windy City to take on the Bulls on Saturday night. The big -9.5 line thrown on the 76ers reflects not only who is the better quality team but also who has the motivation. Does that mean they’ll win in blowout fashion or will they shut it down when they have a safe lead? Get Predictem NBA handicapper Kyle Cash’s take on the game and his free point spread pick.