NBA Best Bets for April 2: Can the Lakers Handle Rockets on the Road?

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Lonnie Walker IV #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers puts up a basket against Jalen Green of the Houston Rockets on March 15, 2023. Carmen Mandato/Getty Images/AFP.

NBA Pick: Lakers -11.5 (-110) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)

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Lakers -11.5 (-110)
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Picks Summary:

  • Lakers vs. Rockets – Lakers -11.5 (-110)
  • Suns vs. Thunder – Thunder +5 (-110)
  • Pacers vs. Cavaliers – Cavaliers -12.5 (-110)
  • 76ers vs. Bucks – Under 234.5 (-110)

After a slow night in the NBA yesterday, we’re back with a 13-game slate today. Here are some NBA picks for the later games on the slate.


Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets

Sunday, April 02, 2023 – 07:00 PM EDT at Toyota Center

Teams Analysis

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers can’t afford to lose to a Rockets team with only 19 wins this season. The Rockets have allowed 120.1 points per 100 possessions with an effective field goal percentage of 56.9%.

The Lakers should be able to get to the foul line at a high rate and limit turnovers against this Rockets’ defense.

Houston Rockets

Meanwhile, the Rockets have only scored 111 points per 100 possessions while shooting an effective field goal percentage of 51.7%.

Houston’s also turning the ball over 16.5% of the time but usually has success on the offensive glass. Not tonight. The Lakers have held opponents to 26% of offensive rebounds.

The Pick

The Lakers should earn more freebies, win the turnover battle and get better looks from the floor. Take the Lakers.

For Los Angeles residents looking to bet on this game, you can check out our top California betting sites.

NBA Pick: Lakers -11.5 (-110) at BetOnline


Phoenix Suns vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Sunday, April 02, 2023 – 07:00 PM EDT at Paycom Center

Teams Analysis

Phoenix Suns

The Suns just lost to the Thunder on March 19. Phoenix is a sleeper to win it all this year, but they just need to finish the regular season strong.

The Suns have been a below-average offense this year. However, Phoenix should dominate the offensive glass and earn plenty of second chances against the Thunder tonight.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder will have to face a problematic Suns defense. Oklahoma City has only shot an effective field goal percentage of 53.5%, 23rd in the NBA.

The Thunder should see the foul line at a high rate and could earn a ton of offensive rebounds themselves. It’s just that the Suns have done well forcing turnovers and limiting good shots.

The Pick

The Oklahoma City Thunder is only four wins away from the Phoenix Suns. This game is going to be closer than many think. With the Thunder at home, they’ll give a quality effort against a Suns team that fouls at a high rate. Take the Thunder +5 at home.

NBA Pick: Thunder +5 (-110) at BetOnline

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Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Sunday, April 02, 2023 – 08:00 PM EDT at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

Teams Analysis

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers haven’t been electric on the offensive end this year. The team has added just 114.6 points per 100 possessions while shooting an effective field goal percentage of 54.6%. The turnovers will be high, especially against the Cavaliers.

However, offensive rebounds could come into play for the Pacers, but the Pacers won’t dominate the glass. They’ll just earn a few second chances here and there.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers have way more to offer on the offensive end. Cleveland scored 117 points per 100 possessions, while the Pacers gave up 118.5 points per 100 possessions.

The Pacers have also allowed a 55.6% effective field goal percentage and have watched teams earn 30.6% of offensive rebounds against them. The Pacers have one of the worst defenses in the NBA, and they’re going up against one of the best defenses in the NBA.

The Pick

Following the NBA odds, back the Cavaliers to earn a massive one at home. They’ll cover the 12.5.

NBA Pick: Cavaliers -12.5 (-110) at BetOnline

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Philadelphia 76ers vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Sunday, April 02, 2023 – 08:00 PM EDT at Fiserv Forum

Teams Analysis

Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers aren’t dominating the offensive glass and they won’t dominate the offensive glass against a Bucks unit that has held teams to 24.4% of offensive rebounds this year. The 76ers are also used to getting to the foul line at a high rate. That likely won’t happen against the Bucks, either.

The Bucks are a top defense in the league, and the 76ers won’t be able to do what they typically do.

Milwaukee Bucks

The 76ers aren’t nearly as good on the defensive end. However, the Bucks ultimately don’t get to the foul line at a high rate.

The Bucks have scored 115.7 points per 100 possessions, which is an average rate. They’ll have more success on the offensive glass but won’t shoot it very well, either.

The Pick

This game should be like a playoff atmosphere. I’m taking the Under between two excellent defenses.

NBA Pick: Under 234.5 (-110) at BetOnline

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*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.