Although there are just six NBA games on the schedule, Thursday’s NBA action offers plenty of betting opportunities. There are four, however, that stand out above the rest.
Here are four bets to make for Thursday in the NBA.
Utah Jazz at Washington Wizards Picks
Jazz vs. Wizards Betting Report
There is no lack of star power in this D.C. battle, with Utah’s Donovan Mitchell and Washington’s combo of Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook. But as far as the matchup between these teams, take the Jazz to win and cover.
Utah has come down to earth with three losses over its last five games. However, the Jazz are still a top-five team in both offensive and defensive ratings while also ranking as the top three-point shooting team in the league.
Washington, meanwhile, has dropped six of its last seven games, giving up 125 or more in its last five losses. The Wizards also own the fourth-worst defensive rating while struggling to shoot threes on the offensive end.
With the Jazz’s clear advantages on both ends and their huge advantage when it comes to three-point shooting, look for them to win this game in blowout fashion.
Orlando Magic at New York Knicks Picks
Magic vs. Knicks Betting Report
With the Magic and Knicks getting together on Broadway, points will be at a premium. Look for these teams to let their incompetent offenses get in the way of running up the scoreboard.
Both of these teams rank near the bottom of the league in field-goal percentage and three-point percentage. Of those two, Orlando owns the league’s worst field goal percentage, shooting just 43 percent, while the Knicks make the second-fewest threes per game at 10.5.
New York also plays at the league’s slowest pace while ranking inside the top five in defensive rating. It’s hard to expect the Magic to really push the pace and score against the brick wall that is the Knicks.
Additionally, each of these teams are coming off games where they failed to reach the 100-point mark, back-to-back games in Orlando’s case. Take the under in this game and enjoy the bricks.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Phoenix Suns Picks
Timberwolves vs. Suns Betting Report
One of the top teams in the NBA is hosting the league’s worst team, just a couple of weeks after beating them by close to 20 points. Bank on the Suns to win in convincing fashion.
Despite the Timberwolves playing at the fifth-highest pace, the Suns’ elite defense held them to just 99 points. As a whole, Phoenix is top 10 in offensive and defensive rating, while Minnesota ranks 26th in both.
The Suns are also playing well, winning six of their last seven games. On the flip side, the Timberwolves have two of their nine wins coming over their last four games but were outmatched in their loss to Phoenix, which came during their massive losing streak.
As interesting as a couple of players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards are for Minnesota, they will not be able to contain Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and this well-rounded Phoenix team. Bet the Suns to cover their double-digit spread.
Charlotte Hornets at Los Angeles Lakers Picks
Hornets vs. Lakers Betting Report
A highly-anticipated matchup in Hollywood will cap off a great Thursday night of action. But when you watch the Hornets and Lakers go head-to-head, expect to see some points.
Charlotte enters the game with four wins in its last five games, led by star rookie LaMelo Ball. Meanwhile, Los Angeles has had to overcome injuries but, headlined by LeBron James, it has won its last three games.
Both squads are excellent shooting teams, with Los Angeles averaging the fifth-best field-goal percentage and Charlotte ranking in the top 10 in threes. While the Lakers lead the league in defensive rating, the Hornets have enough positives on offense.
Additionally, both teams struggle with turnovers, which should lead to some easy fast-break chances and easier buckets. For the first meeting of the year between these potential playoff teams, take the Lakers and Hornets to exceed their point total.