The NBA takes center stage in today’s Best Games To Bet On. Starting things off will be an interesting showdown at the Palace of Auburn Hills, where the streaking Oklahoma City Thunder (52-22) and the Detroit Pistons (39-35) square off for the final time this season.
And capping off the night will be John Wall looking to lead the Washington Wizards (36-37) to victory, when they pay the defending champions—the Golden State Warriors (66-7)—a visit at Oracle Arena.
[sc:NBA250 ]Let’s now take a quick look at these two spectacular matchups. And while you’re at it, click here for our preview of the last regular-season meeting between the Houston Rockets and Cleveland Cavaliers.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Detroit Pistons (7:30 PM ET)
Line: Oklahoma City Thunder (-2.5) vs. Detroit Pistons (+2.5); total: 216.5 – view all NBA lines
[sc:NBA250 ]Oklahoma City’s already clinched a playoff berth and the Northwest Division title, but the team’s mentality remains as deadly as ever. The Thunder head into this matchup as winners of their last eight games.
The latest one came against Toronto last night, during which the pair of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant combined for 60 points, 19 boards and 20 assists. Both should be able to stay hot opposite an inconsistent Detroit defense that’s giving up 106.3 points in its past three contests.
As for the Pistons, they walk into this game having won five of their previous six games. The pair of Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson has been playing solid basketball, averaging 32.8 points combined in that stretch. Drummond, in particular, has also crashed the glass relentlessly as he continues to lead the league in rebounds with 14.9 per game.
Those two will look to lead the way for the Pistons, who are looking to strengthen their grasp of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference tonight.
OKC is 6-4 SU and 5-4-1 ATS in its last 10 road games. Detroit, meanwhile, is 8-2 SU and 6-3-1 ATS in its past 10 games at home.
Writer’s Prediction
OKC (-2.5) wins, but fails to cover the spread.
Washington Wizards vs. Golden State Warriors (10:30 PM ET)
Line: Washington Wizards (+13) vs. Golden State Warriors (-13); total: 226.5 – view all NBA lines
Washington opened its five-game road trip on a high note, beating Kobe Bryant and the Lakers on Sunday night, 101-88. John Wall led the way with a double-double of 22 points and 11 assists, while his teammate Marcin Gortat also imposed his will by tallying 16 points and 10 boards.
But the Wizards, who are 5.5 games behind the Pistons for the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference, might be in for a long night when they take on the reigning NBA champions—the Golden State Warriors.
Speaking of the defending champions, they should be able to move past the Wizards’ leaky defense (104.4 points allowed per game) easily, and you can expect the Splash Brothers—Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson—to lead the charge in doing so.
The two guards are averaging 52.7 points on 49.1% shooting combined this season. Another unbelievable game from Curry, who exploded for 51 points in the first regular-season meeting with Washington, could be in the making here.
Washington is 3-7 SU and 4-6 ATS in its previous 10 games as the underdog. Golden State, on the other hand, is 9-11 ATS in its last 20 games at Oracle Arena.
Writer’s Prediction
Golden State (-13) wins, 117-99.
Create a betting account now, and don’t miss to bet on these two crucial matchups.
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