Top NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (4/3)
We’ve got another massive slate on the horizon, including multiple matchups on ESPN.
I’ll make it easy for you. I’ve added two best bets for the games on national television. Let’s have a big day!
Wednesday’s Best NBA Bets
Odds courtesy of ESPN BET | All wagers are for 1 unit
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are going for win No. 60 tonight. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder have dropped to third in the Western Conference after a loss to Philadelphia last night. It might not get any easier until the playoffs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams were ruled out of yesterday’s game against the 76ers. Now, they’re questionable for tonight’s game against the Celtics. That’s ultimately Oklahoma City’s two best players and scorers.
Even without Shai and Jalen, the Thunder added 118.9 points per 100 possessions last night. It was just a struggle to get to the foul line like it’s always been for the Thunder this year. But Oklahoma City typically gets good looks from the floor and shoots a high effective field goal percentage.
However, the defense hasn’t been up to par. Opponents have scored at least 116.7 points per 100 possessions in three of the last five games. You’d have to figure the Celtics score higher than even that rate tonight. Boston just scored 127.8 points per 100 possessions against the Hornets and have added at least 124.7 points per 100 possessions in ten of their last 12 games. The Celtics continue to shoot at a high percentage from the field. They’re also good at limiting turnovers and grabbing many offensive rebounds.
On defense, the Celtics limit foul shots very well. They won’t earn a high rate of turnovers but have held teams to below 20% of offensive rebounds in three of their last five games. Therefore, I’ll ride with the Celtics, especially with the uncertainty surrounding the Thunder.
Bet: Celtics -8.5 (-110)
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Phoenix Suns
Although Donovan Mitchell didn’t play last night for the Cavaliers, he’s expected to play in tonight’s game against the Suns. The Cavaliers didn’t need Mitchell last night after a 129-113 win over the Utah Jazz. But he’ll surely be needed against a Phoenix Suns squad that is still trying to earn a top-six seed in the Western Conference.
Without Mitchell, the offense and overall play have taken a hit. With Mitchell, the Cavaliers are so much better. However, the defense has completely dropped off over the last few games. Cleveland has allowed at least 113 points in four consecutive games. They’ve struggled on the defensive glass and continue to allow a high effective field goal percentage.
That’s never a good look.
On offense, Cleveland has rarely seen the foul line and has been going hot and cold from the field for the last couple of weeks. They’ve been far from consistent.
The Suns haven’t been very consistent, either. They’ve had good runs offensively and then struggle. The struggles for the Suns’ offense came in the middle of a road trip. But Devin Booker added a massive performance against the Pelicans on Monday to help lead the Suns to 124 points in a win.
Phoenix has turned the ball over at least 15.1% of the time in six of its last seven games. That’s not ideal. However, the Suns can still earn a high rate of offensive rebounds. Just don’t expect Phoenix to get to the foul line much.
Defensively, the Suns aren’t good at forcing turnovers. However, they’ve been solid at forcing bad shots and limiting offensive rebounds. If the Suns can do those two areas well, they’ll come away with a home win against the Cavaliers.
Bet: Suns -5.5 (-110)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Wednesday: