Toronto Raptors (11-9) at New Orleans Pelicans (12-8)
The Raptors are looking for 3 straight wins when they face the Pelicans in New Orleans on Thursday. They're coming off a 12 pt win over the Cavs on Tuesday and previously beat the Mavs by 5. They held a 20 pt lead over the Cavs and O.G. Anunoby continued his good form with 20 pts. Scottie Barnes made his return to the side after missing a few games as well, which is a positive for the Raptors. Winning on the road hasn't been easy for Toronto (3-7) so they'll look to improve in this matchup.
The Pelicans survived a scare against the Thunder on Tuesday with a 105-101 victory as Zion led the way. He finished with 23 pts, 8 boards and 8 assists. With Brandon Ingram still sidelined, Zion should continue to put up big numbers. They should get CJ McCollum back from injury in this matchup and that will help their backcourt depth. At home this season, the Pelicans have been tough to beat with a 7-3 record so they'll be a confident side coming into Thursday's affair.
Toronto have been excellent defensively lately and that should be the key in this one going Under the total. The Under is also 7-1 in the Pels last 8 home games and their scoring won't be the same without Ingram as well.
Stadium Record
New Orleans hold a 4-1 record in their last 5 home games. Toronto is 8-3 in their last 11 games when playing on the road against New Orleans.
Head to Head Record
The Raptors are 6-4 in the 10 meetings since 2017.
Best Bet
Chicago Bulls (9-11) at Phoenix Suns (14-6)
The Bulls continue their 6-game road trip to Phoenix on Thursday and they're 2-1 so far on this trip. They've beaten the Bucks and Jazz by under 10 pts but lost to the Thunder in OT. Winning in Phoenix is one of the toughest challenges in the NBA so the Bulls will need to be at their best. In injury news, Dosunmu and Caruso are both questionable for this matchup and will improve their bench rotation if they can suit up.
The Suns are looking for a 6th straight win on Thursday and they're also 6-0 on their home court. They come off a tough 5-point win over the improved Kings and Devin Booker was impressive. He finished with 44 pts and was the major difference between the two teams. Chris Paul is still out injured so Booker and Ayton will be the targets in the points markets for the Suns.
With an impressive home record, it's hard to look past the Suns in Phoenix. They're 8-3 ATS in their last 11 at the venue and have won 6 straight. The Bulls are just 2-4 on the road and 1-4 at this venue.
Stadium Record
Phoenix are 9-1 in their last 10 at home. Chicago are 1-4 at this venue in their last 5.
Head to Head Record
The Suns have dominated this matchup with 7 wins in the last 10.
Best Bet
Indiana Pacers (12-8) at Sacramento Kings (10-9)
Tyrese Haliburton faces his former team in Sacramento on Thursday and he's coming off a 24 pt outing against the Lakers. Indiana won a thriller on the buzzer and overcame a 17 pt deficit. With their next 5 games being played on the road, these are the types of games that they need to win. Chris Duarte is still out with injury but otherwise, they're injury free.
The Kings will look to end a 3-game losing streak when they meet the Pacers. They were close against the Suns on Tuesday as they held a 10 pt lead at one stage but went down 122-117. Malik Monk was impressive for the home side with 30 pts. Sabonis fell 1 assist short of a triple-double and he should be fired up for this clash with his former team.
The former team storyline is worth a look in this matchup for Haliburton and Sabonis. Haliburton looks good value to hit 20+ pts as he's scored 24 and 21 in 2 of his last 3.
Stadium Record
Sacramento hold a 4-1 record in their last 5 home games.
Head to Head Record
The Pacers are 6-4 against the Kings since 2017.
Best Bet
