2023 NBA Apr 4 Betting Predictions
Step into the world of NBA action with our betting predictions for the games lined up on Thursday, headlined by the Celtics hosting the Thunder.
Oklahoma City Thunder (52-23) at Boston Celtics (59-16)
The Thunder are facing a tough back-to-back game after coming off a loss against the 76ers, going down 109-105. Chet Holmgren put up a solid 22 points, but with no Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Jalen Williams in the lineup, it's a bit of an uphill battle. Still, these Thunder lads ain't no pushovers. They've managed to win seven out of their last ten games. They've even given the Celtics a run for their money earlier this season, including a massive 150-117 victory back in January.
The Celtics are looking pretty sharp. They've notched up two consecutive road wins, beating the Pels 104-92 and the Hornets 118-104. Their defence has been absolutely on point, only allowing an average of 94 points over their last two games. Jayson Tatum and Sam Hauser have been leading the charge, each dropping 25 points in the win over the Hornets. However, there's a bit of a concern with Jaylen Brown nursing a hand injury and being questionable for the upcoming clash. But, the Celtics have been dominating at home, boasting an impressive 32-3 record at the TD Garden this season. Plus, they've been killing it lately, going 8-2 in their last ten games.
Without SGA and playing on a back to back in Boston, this is tough challenge for the Thunder and I see the Celtics doing it pretty easy.
Stadium Record
Boston are 9-1 in their last 10 at home. Oklahoma City are 2-2 in the last 4.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the Celtics are 6-4.
Best Bet
Orlando Magic (44-31) at New Orleans Pelicans (45-30)
The Magic are riding high with two back-to-back wins on their home court, a real boost after dropping three straight games. They narrowly edged out the Trail Blazers in their last match, squeezing past with a 104-103 victory. Now, let's not get too ahead of ourselves because the Trail Blazers ain't exactly good. But hey, Orlando's been no slouch on the road, winning seven out of their last ten away games. Plus, they've been covering the spread like champs, going 9-2 ATS in their last eleven matchups against New Orleans. On the defensive end, they've been holding their own, allowing just 100.2 points per game over their last five games. No major injuries to worry about too.
The Pelicans haven't had the best run lately, dropping their last two games and only managing to get one win out of their current home stand. Zion Williamson's been doing his bit, dropping 30 points in their 124-111 loss against the Suns on Tuesday. But the Pels have been struggling to find the back of the net lately, averaging just 107 points per game over their last five outings. And to top it off, they're missing the talents of Brandon Ingram, who's out with a knee injury.
Should be a tight and low scoring contest between two teams that aren't scoring a huge amount of points at the moment. Under is also 5-0 in the Magic's last 5 and 5-1 when they're on the road.
Stadium Record
New Orleans hold a 1-4 record in their last 5 home games. Orlando are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games.
Head to Head Record
The Magic are 8-2 in the last 10.
Best Bet
Cleveland Cavaliers (46-30) at Phoenix Suns (44-31)
The Cavs smashed the Jazz on Wednesday, scoring a whopping 129 points to Utah's 113. Caris LeVert led the charge with 26 points, while Evan Mobley added 21 points to the tally. Donovan Mitchell was still missing in action for the Cavs so that duo will be important again in this matchup. Cleveland hasn't been performing too well on the road lately, only managing one win out of their last five away games. However, they've been covering the spread, going 4-1 ATS in their last five matchups against Phoenix. Plus, they've got a recent victory against the Suns at this venue, taking them down 112-98 in their last meeting.
The Suns bounced back nicely after a rough 25-point loss on Saturday, getting a solid 124-111 win against the Pelicans on Tuesday. Devin Booker was on fire, dropping an impressive 52 points and knocking down 8 threes. They've also got a win against the Cavs in March, beating them 117-111 in Cleveland. In that game, Kevin Durant put up 37 points, while Booker chipped in with 27 for the Suns.
The Cavs are 6-0 against the Under and 4-1 on the road. So I think their defence will struggle with the likes of Booker and Durant.
Stadium Record
Phoenix are 6-4 in their last 10 at home. Cleveland are 1-3 since 2018.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Suns are 6-4.
Best Bet
