NBA Basketball Picks

We knew that at the end of the season the Warriors would be a better California team. We knew it before and after the day LBJ said he would join the Lakers… but 13.5 points better? In LA? That spread alone would have told us the wheels have come off in LA which is exactly what happened. So how do you bet on games featuring the remaining Lakers players? KC has your NBA prediction!

The Bucks are the top team in the East but the way Philadelphia played against them in their last contest one could argue that the Sixers are the best in the conference. Will the Bucks will use this venue as an opportunity to make a statement? They are currently 2.5 point favorites at most sportsbooks. Keith Franks has your NBA pick!

The Heat are still clinging to a half game lead over the Orlando Magic for the final seed in the Eastern Conference. Keep in mind that the Heat are also only one game behind the Pistons for the 6th seed and half a game behind the Nets for the 7th seed. The Heat should certainly be both motivated and confident after just beating Boston. Bookmakers opened Miami as +2 underdogs.

Since the second “half” of the season began post All-Star break, the Houston Rockets have played 20 games and won 16 of them. James Harden has played in 19 of those games, has led the team in scoring in 17, and has scored 40 or more 6 different times. One bookmakers has told us that Harden’s gaudy numbers are skewing the odds. Have the Rockets been over valued?

The Thunder are in a free fall now, losing their last two games in a row. These losses came to Denver, who is battling for the one seed but also, they most recently lost to Dallas, who is well out of the playoff conversation. Which Thunder shows up versus the Lakers and a 12.5 opening line? Matt Lowry has his NBA pick!

It’s important to acknowledge the Nuggets accomplishments this year. They, along with the Raptors, are the only teams to lead a division that has four playoff teams within it, and the Nuggets have outlasted Portland, Utah, and Oklahoma City to do it. Meanwhile, their best playmaker is a doughy 6’11” point guard in a center’s body and their rotation has been littered with ankle, hip, and wrist injuries for the better part of the season. Yet here they are closing games out in early April, still excited by their regular season accomplishments…unlike GSW who are 8 point favorites against the spread! KC has the NBA pick.

With just 6 games remaining for the Heat, they must win now, or they will be watching this year’s playoffs from home. Currently the Heat are merely a .500 team and therefore they are sitting as the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference. If the season ended today, they would be facing the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, but unfortunately, they have other things to worry about right now and that’s the Celtics. Heat backers are worried about finishing this game within 7 and the way the C’s have been playing, some bettors think that is too many points. Matt gives his NBA prediction for Celts vs Heat!

The Orlando have a top-five scoring defense that give up just 106.3 points per contest which is good for 5th in the NBA. That’s 2.1 points per game less than the same stat as their Toronto counterparts who also own a top-10 defense in their own right at 108.4 points per match (10th overall). By today’s NBA standards should we expect a drag it out game highlighted by defensive stops and what does that mean for the winner against the spread? Keith Franks gives his NBA prediction!

The Warriors put a beat down on the Hornets on the road in the lone match up this season back in late February. The line makers appear to be giving them full value for that win asking Golden State backers to lay 12 points. Keith believes the line is on the high side in this match and will be backing Charlotte. Find out why.

The Wolves have dropped six of their last eight games but did surprise the Warriors in overtime in their latest. Can they repeat that performance at home tonight against the 76ers. Get the Cash Man’s opinion on who to back against the spread.