It might be April Fools’ today, but the NBA will be all business, especially in the Western Conference, as the playoffs inch closer. First off, the Dallas Mavericks will look to put even more daylight between them and the Oklahoma City Thunder for the No. 7 seed in the West.
And later in the night, the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers stage a dress rehearsal for what could easily be a first-round playoff matchup. Read on for more on these thrilling games.
Speaking of thrills, college basketball will deliver that in spades with the Final Four this weekend. Check out our previews of both games, Michigan State vs. Duke and Kentucky vs. Wisconsin.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (8:00 PM ET)
Line: Dallas Mavericks (+4.5) at Oklahoma City Thunder (-4.5); total 216.5 – view these lines
[sc:NBA240banner ]The Dallas Mavericks suffered yet another loss – the fourth in their last five games – 104-99 to the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. The Mavs were without leading scorer Monta Ellis (19.1 points per game) in that game due to a lingering calf injury. But they could have Ellis and JJ Barea (ankle) back after both practiced on Tuesday.
The Thunder snapped out of their own two-game losing skid by beating the Suns, 109-97, behind Russell Westbrook’s 33 points. OKC is currently three games behind Dallas for the No. 7 seed in the West, and can move to within two games with a win tonight. The Thunder are 8-2 in their last 10 home games against the Mavs, but just 3-7 against the spread.
Writer’s Prediction
The Thunder win at home, but the Mavs are able to cover.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Portland Trail Blazers (10:00 PM ET)
Line: Los Angeles Clippers (+2.5) at Portland Trail Blazers (-2.5); total 210.0 – view these lines
The Los Angeles Clippers had their seven-game winning streak snapped with a 110-106 loss to the Golden State Warriors last night. Blake Griffin had 40 points and 12 rebounds in a losing effort for the Clippers. Griffin is averaging 20 points and 8.4 rebounds since his return from a staph infection. The Clippers are 7-2 with Griffin back in the lineup.
Griffin will face off with fellow All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge, who has helped the previously struggling Blazers to a four-game winning streak. Aldridge is averaging 24 points and nine rebounds in the four games, but he’s averaged 29 and 10 in three games against the Clippers this season. The Blazers trail the season series against Los Angeles, 1-2.
Writer’s Prediction
Aldridge outplays Griffin as the Blazers win and cover at home. Don’t be a fool and miss out on all the great NBA action; Create a betting account now with America’s top sportsbook.
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