NBA Play-In Game Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (4/12)
We had a thriller to finish up yesterday’s Play-In games. Tonight’s games should be no different.
Last night, the Hawks and Lakers clinched the seven seeds in their respective conferences. The Heat lost to the Hawks but will play the winner of tonight’s matchup between the Bulls and Raptors.
On the other hand, the Timberwolves took a loss to the Lakers last night. But they’ll compete for the eight-seed against whoever wins tonight’s Western Conference matchup between the Thunder and Pelicans.
Those games will be played on Friday. But we’ll find out who’s playing in that game tonight. I’ve got a couple of best bets that I’ll be placing for tonight’s Play-In games.
View 5-star bets and historical prop performance by players with our Prop Bet Analyzer >>
Today’s Best NBA Bets
Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook. All wagers are 1 unit.
Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors
The Chicago Bulls weren’t great offensively this season. The team added just 113.8 points per 100 possessions, 24th in the NBA. Chicago was able to limit turnovers and took quality shots. However, the Bulls were ineffective on the offensive glass and didn’t get to the foul line very much.
The defense is practically why the Bulls are standing in this position, playing in a Play-In game. The defense saved them. Chicago allowed just 112.5 points per 100 possessions and earned 15% of turnovers. Teams added only 25.1% of offensive rebounds and rarely got to the foul line against the Bulls.
Meanwhile, the Raptors didn’t get great looks this year. But they were active on the offensive glass, earning 30.2% of offensive rebounds. Toronto also helped themselves by limiting turnovers to 12% this season.
Not only did the Raptors limit turnovers on the offensive end, but they were the best at earning turnovers, getting opponents to turn the ball over 17.2% of the time. Opponents still got to the foul line at a high rate, and teams still shot a 56.9% effective field goal percentage against the Raptors this season.
They say defense wins championships. Neither team will win any championship this year, but the Bulls have a much more reliable defense.
Bet: Bulls +5.5 (-110)
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans
The Oklahoma City Thunder weren’t supposed to be in this position. With rookie Chet Holmgren out for the season, the Thunder was supposed to tank and add another top-tier player.
But instead, the Thunder have surprised everyone and have put themselves in a position to make the playoffs potentially. Oklahoma City won’t get the best of looks. But they’ve limited turnovers and have stayed active on the glass. That’s also helped the Thunder get to the foul line at an average rate.
The defense will be tested against New Orleans. Teams have shot a 55.1% effective field goal percentage and ultimately have had success on the glass against the Thunder.
Meanwhile. the Pelicans have been much more consistent on the offensive end. It would be nice if they had Zion Williamson, but that dream is gone, at least for this year. Still, the Pelicans are active on the offensive glass and get to the foul line at an above-average rate.
The defense is also well-rounded. They’ve kept teams to 25.4% of offensive rebounds and have earned 14.8% of turnovers. The Pelicans have way more pieces on both ends of the ball. Take the Pelicans to cover at home.
Bet: Pelicans -5.5 (-110)
View 5-star bets and historical prop performance by players with our Prop Bet Analyzer >>
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RadioPublic | Breaker | Castbox | Pocket Casts