Memphis Grizzlies (50-29) at New Orleans Pelicans (40-39)
The Grizzlies will end the regular season with a 3-game road trip starting in New Orleans. They're currently sitting 2nd in the West and that likely won't change unless they lose all 3 games. So there's motivation for this team before the playoffs as well as entering the postseason with winning form. They'll be coming off 8 wins in their last 10. However, their form on the road hasn't been great with a 4-6 record in their last 10 and they were thrashed by the Bulls in Chicago on Monday by 21 pts.
The Pelicans are battling for the #6 seed in the West so they don't have to make it through the play-in tournament. However, they have a tough run home and got trashed on home court against the Kings by 18 pts on Wednesday. So they'll be eager to bounce back with the same starting 5 on Thursday.
This is a tough game to pick so I like the Under instead. It's 4-1 in the Pels last 5 games and also 6-3 when they're at home. Memphis are 4-2 against the Under in their last 6 as well.
Stadium Record
New Orleans are 5-5 in their last 10 at home. Memphis has lost 6 of their last 7.
Head to Head Record
Memphis holds a 6-4 record in the last 10 meetings and have won 2 of 3 this season.
Best Bet
Sacramento Kings (48-31) at Dallas Mavericks (37-42)
The Kings are most likely looking at the #3 seed in the West and they're coming off 3 wins in their last 4 games. They'll be on a back-to-back for this clash after crushing the Pels in New Orleans 121-103. De'Aaron Fox led the scoring with 23 pts and Keegan Murray added 21. They've now won 3 straight road games and hold a 9-1 record in their last 10 away from Sacramento. So that's very positive with the playoffs coming up.
The Mavs have been poor lately and will probably miss the playoffs. They've lost 7 of their last 10 and they're currently on a 3-game losing streak. The Doncic/Irving combination hasn't worked out how they hoped. Meanwhile, their defence has given up 116 or more pts in those 3 straight defeats. Both Doncic and Irving are questionable for this clash as the Mavs have considered shutting them down for the season so that's something to monitor.
It's hard to trust the Mavs at the moment, especially with talk that Doncic/Irving could be rested. Meanwhile, the Kings are in great form and have an excellent 8-2 ATS in Dallas.
Stadium Record
Dallas holds a 1-4 record in their last 5 home games. Sacramento has won 7 of their last 10 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
Since 2020, the head-to-head is locked at 5-5.
Best Bet
Los Angeles Lakers (41-38) at LA Clippers (41-38)
The Lakers are heading into the playoffs with excellent form after 4 straight victories. LeBron James led the way in their latest win as they took down the Jazz in Utah 135-133. They're still a chance of getting the #5 or #6 seed so their next few games will be critical. They would also love to get over the Clippers after losing 3 in a row this season. They'll be missing Russell but the questionable tags for Davis/James are gone.
The Clippers will need to end a 2-game losing streak as they're in danger of losing position in the West. The key will be improving their defence which has allowed 121 pts in their last 5 games. However, Kawhi Leonard is coming off scoring 40 pts and Westbrook is starting to heat up with Paul George on the sidelines. Russ will also be looking forward to this clash against his former side.
While the Clippers have dominated the LA derby, there are a few reasons to think the Lakers can finally break the drought. LeBron and Davis are healthy and will be confident after 4 straight road wins. Meanwhile, the Clippers are missing Paul George and that could hurt them in this matchup.
Stadium Record
The Clippers are 6-4 in their last 10 at home. The Lakers are 3-2 in their last 5.
Head to Head Record
The LA Clippers are 3-0 in the season series and 10-0 overall since December 2020.
Best Bet
