The NBA playoffs are getting closer and we have 3 interesting matchups on Saturday. The highlight will be the #1 seeded Thunder taking on the #2 seed Rockets.
Phoenix Suns (35-41) at Boston Celtics (56-20)
The Suns are heading into a tough matchup against the Celtics, sitting 11th in the conference with a 35-41 record and currently on a four-game losing streak. They’ve gone 5-5 in their last 10 and still haven’t clinched a playoff spot. Their most recent game was a 133-123 loss on the road to the Bucks, despite a huge night from Devin Booker, who dropped 39 points with 11 assists. Grayson Allen also chipped in with 23 points. The team’s fighting hard, but they’ll need to snap out of this skid quickly if they want to stay in the playoff mix.
The Celtics have been on fire lately, winning 9 of their last 10 and locking in a playoff spot with a solid 56-20 record. They’re sitting comfortably in 2nd place in the conference, but they’re coming off a surprising 124-103 loss at home to the Heat. Jaylen Brown led the way with 24 points and 9 boards, while Jayson Tatum had a quieter night, finishing with 16 points on just 23.5% shooting. Despite the loss, Boston's been dominant overall and will be looking to bounce back quickly against a struggling Suns squad.
Stadium Record
Boston are 7-3 in their last 10 home games. Phoenix are 1-3 in their last 4 at TD Garden.
Head to Head Record
The Suns have lost 5 of their last 6 games against Boston.
Best Bet
The Suns head to Boston in a tough stretch. They've lost 4 games in a row and that includes a 132-102 loss at home against the Celtics (without Tatum). Durant is out with injury too. So I don't see the Celts dropping this one. They're 5-2 ATS in their last 5 and will be fired up after a bad home loss against the Heat.
Same Game Multi
The Over is 6-1 in the Suns last 7 and I don't see their defence stopping the Celtics if they get going.
Boston Celtics -14.5 / Over 227.5 pts = $3.40
Oklahoma City Thunder (64-12) at Houston Rockets (50-27)
The Thunder are absolutely rolling right now. Sitting on top of the conference with a 64-12 record, they’ve won 11 straight and are a perfect 10-0 in their last 10 games. They’ve already clinched their playoff spot and just knocked off the Pistons 119-103 at home. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 33 points, while Jalen Williams chipped in 23 on efficient shooting. With the Rockets up next, OKC will be looking to keep the momentum going and extend their win streak even further.
The Rockets are flying high with a 50-27 record and have already punched their ticket to the playoffs. They’re sitting 2nd in the conference and coming off a dominant 143-105 win over the lowly Jazz. Jalen Green dropped 22 points, while Dillon Brooks was super efficient with 21 points on 56.2% shooting. They’ve won 8 of their last 10 and are riding a bit of momentum into this big clash with the top-ranked Thunder. Should be a fun one.
Stadium Record
Houston are 8-1 in their last 9 games at home. Oklahoma City has lost 8 of their last 10 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the Thunder are 6-4. The last meeting was a 137-128 result to the Thunder.
Best Bet
Should be a good game between the two top teams in the West. The last matchup total was 265 pts so I like the Over again. The Rockets are 8-3 against the Over and 4-1 when they play the Thunder.
Same Game Multi
The Rockets are 6-1 ATS when they face the Thunder at home so I think they can keep it close in a high scoring affair.
Over 231.5 pts / Rockets +6.5 = $3.40
Denver Nuggets (47-30) at Golden State Warriors (45-31)
The Nuggets are in a bit of a slump right now, dropping their last two and going just 4-6 over their past 10 games. They’ve slipped to 4th in the conference with a 47-30 record and still haven’t officially locked in a playoff spot. Their latest loss came at home to the Spurs, 113-106, despite a big night from Russell Westbrook, who put up 30 points, 11 boards, and 6 assists. Hunter Tyson added 18 points, but it wasn’t enough. They’ll need to find some form fast as they take on the Warriors next.
The Warriors are heating up at the right time, winning three straight and going 7-3 over their last 10. They’re 5th in the conference with a 44-31 record and still looking to lock in that playoff spot. Their last game was a low-scoring win over the Lakers, 40-29 (yeah, weird scoreline), with Brandin Podziemski scoring 12 points on 57.1% shooting and Jonathan Kuminga adding 8 points on 75% from the field. With momentum on their side, they’ll be looking to keep it rolling against a Nuggets team that’s been struggling lately.
Stadium Record
Golden State holds an impressive 8-2 record in their last 10 home games. Denver has won 4 straight road games against the Warriors.
Head to Head Record
The Nuggets are looking for a 10th straight win over the Warriors.
Best Bet
I think the Warriors will be more desperate as they can still get the 4 seed in the West. They've won 4 on the trot and have a nice record at home. Denver rested all their starters last game so they're likely focusing on the playoffs already.
