Golden State Warriors at Memphis Grizzlies
The Dubs (50-23) head to Memphis (30-44) as the reigning champs look to finish the regular season off strong.
Golden State have won five of their last seven, however coach Steve Kerr has declared that they are prioritising health over the number one seed. Expect the big five to also receive rest days down the stretch, but are all likely starters in this one.
The Warriors won their most recent clash against the Pistons 121-114 behind 26 points from Steph Curry, while the addition of Andrew Bogut already looks like a nice move. The Aussie is averaging 5.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 16.3 minutes over his four games and has filled in.
Memphis have thrown the towel in for the season and will likely try to tank their way down the West standings. The Griz won their last clash in a 115-103 home win over OKC, behind Bruno Caboclo’s career-high 24 points, while Delon Wright (18 points, 13 assists) filled in impressively for Mike Conley (left knee soreness) at the point.
Last time these teams met in December, the Warriors won at home 110-93.
Tip: Golden State win @ $1.18
Indiana Pacers at OKC Thunder (ESPN)
The Pacers (45-29) are in OKC (43-31) in the first half of ESPN’s double-header.
You have to respect what Indiana have done since All-Star guard Victor Oladipo went down in January. While many thought they would slide, the likes of Bojan Bogdanovic, Myles Turner and Thaddeus Young have taken their games to another level and helped the team hang onto the fourth seed. They remain two games clear of the Celtics.
Indiana have been in a mini slump of sorts recently, dropping four in a row before smashing the Nuggets 124-88 in their last contest.
The Thunder’s last couple of weeks has been nothing short of disastrous, losing five of their last six to drop all the way down to the eighth seed. Home court advantage in the post-season could now be out of reach.
Last time these team’s met in Indiana a fortnight ago, the Pacers took it 108-106.
Tip: OKC -6 @ $1.92
LA Lakers at Utah Jazz
The Lakers (32-41) visit Utah (44-30) to cap off the NBA’s Thursday card (all times AEST).
The Lake Show has officially packed up shop for the season despite LeBron James continuing to shoulder the load. Luke Walton’s team were on a five-game losing streak prior to knocking off the Kings in their last clash.
Expect to see LeBron, Rajon Rondo, Javale McGee and Kyle Kuzma pop off in their remaining games.
Meanwhile, the Jazz need to keep winning as they chase down a top four seed. Utah have won seven of their last eight games and with Portland’s star centre Jusuf Nurkic (broken leg) going down, the Blazers could be vulnerable of dropping out.
In their last meeting in Utah in January, the Jazz prevailed 113-95.
Tip: Utah to win $1.05
