The play-in/playoff teams are set in stone for both conferences, but the final few days will solidify the playoff seeding for many teams. Not all matchups are locked in, so there are still some meaningful games on Thursday’s slate. NBA Thursday has seven games on tap with the Celtics vs. Bucks kicking it off on TNT, followed up by the Lakers vs. Warriors to end the night. Let’s dive into the best NBA bets today, picks and NBA betting tips for Thursday, April 7.
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Best NBA Bets Today: Game Tips & Betting Predictions
Lakers vs. Warriors Best Bet
The Los Angeles Lakers’ playoff hopes came to end on Tuesday after falling to the Suns 121-110 in Phoenix. It will be no surprise if LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook were rested in tonight’s battle, as all three come into this contest listed as questionable. Golden State will be playing in their final home game against the Lakers before hitting the road to finish the season off with a short two-game road trip. The Warriors are 50-29 on the season, sitting third in the Western Conference and just a half game ahead of the Dallas Mavericks. The Los Angeles Lakers look to snap a seven-game losing streak. The Golden State Warriors will look to extend their win streak to three games. The Warriors led the season series 2-1 with their only loss coming on the road behind a 56-point performance from LeBron.
Los Angeles is desperate to end the season after losing 13 of their last 16 games. The Lakers’ bench players will most likely see a promotion to the starting lineup, along with extended minutes, if James, Davis and Westbrook are all inactive for tonight’s game. This team went all in on the big three, and they underperformed compared to preseason expectations, sitting 17 games under .500. The Lakers have struggled with injuries, while some players have been a complete disaster, including Westbrook. James has missed four of Los Angeles’ last five contests due to an ankle injury. His absence is a massive blow to the Lakers, who are a completely different team without his presence on the floor. This team is 6-17 without LeBron in the lineup this season, averaging 109 points per game on offense and allowing 114.6 points to opponents.
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Golden State is well-rested, last playing on Sunday in a road win over the Sacramento Kings. Klay Thompson was absent in Sunday’s contest after going off for 36 points against Utah. He was rested on the second half of a back-to-back, so expect him to suit up for tonight’s game. Otto Porter Jr. sat out of their previous contest due to a back injury. Keep an eye on his status as he is listed as day-to-day, but this seemed to be normal injury management to deal with back soreness. The Warriors are winning at home by an average of 9.7 points on the season and have some meaning to this game looking to lock in the third seed. Golden State is averaging 110.7 points on 46.6% shooting and allowing 105.7 points to opponents. Their defense has been the highlight this season, ranking second in defensive efficiency. They have been even more efficient at home, holding opponents to 102.9 points per game.
Since the All-Star break, Los Angeles has been one of the worst teams in the NBA. The Lakers have been getting off to a slow start trailing in the first half by an average of seven points over their last 10 games. While the Warriors have not been a team to blow opponents out of the water, they will be up against a Lakers squad led by Malik Monk and Carmelo Anthony. Thompson should be able to lock Monk down and limit the Lakers’ offensive options. Roll with the Warriors to come out the gates firing and take advantage of a worn-down Lakers squad. Lay the points in the first half with the Warriors on Thursday.
Best NBA Bet for Today’s Game: Golden State First Half -7
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