It’s a relatively short Thursday night schedule, but we have enough options to isolate a pair of teams that are poised to cash in our NBA picks today.
After reviewing the NBA odds at the industry’s most respected online sportsbooks, our basketball predictions have locked down on a pair of road dogs, giving us oodles of value in the LA Clippers and the Atlanta Hawks.
Covering the Number
We are all in this game to bet on teams to cover the point spread. If they are favorites, we need them to win by a certain number of points, but if we are backing the underdog, then we need them to hang tough within the margins or win the game outright.
Trends can often give us an idea of whether teams are money burners or veritable ATMs. In this case, we have two teams that have been earning money for their backers. The Clippers have covered their last three contests, while the Hawks have delivered winning tickets in five of their last six games.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Orlando Magic (-4.5)
Although these clubs have not met this season, we should note that the Clippers have won and covered in their last four meetings with the Magic, including last year’s 96-87 win right here at the Kia Center.
The odds on this game show the Magic as 4½ point home favorites, but the Clippers have had an extra day of rest compared to the Magic, who were in action on Tuesday night when they defeated the Warriors, 121-113.
This game boils down to Orlando’s stingy defense versus what can be an explosive offense of the Clippers, who boast James Harden but will once again be without the services of Kawhi Leonard. The Magic don’t match up well against the Clippers, which is why they struggle so mightily and frequently when they meet.
The Clippers are getting a 4½ point head start in a game they could very well win outright. So, let’s take advantage of the oddsmakers’ largesse and back the Clips on Thursday night.
Expert Pick: Clippers +4.5 (-110) at BetOnline
Atlanta Hawks vs. San Antonio Spurs (-3)
The game between the Hawks and the Spurs will be the first meeting of the year between these interconference foes. The last time they tipped off was in February, when San Antonio claimed a 126-125 victory, but it was the Hawks that got the money as four-point home hounds.
Atlanta rolled to five consecutive wins and covers before they underestimated the Pistons on Tuesday night when Detroit pulled a mild upset, defeating the Hawks, 120-112. This should be a sobering reality for the Hawks as they travel to the Lone Star State on Thursday night.
But here’s the thing. The Spurs will be without their generational talent, Victor Wembanyama, who is nursing a calf injury, while fellow starter Stephon Castle suffered a hip flexor injury in Sunday’s win over the Kings. This dramatically changes the complexion of this team, and the Hawks are an excellent defensive team, ranking eighth in the league in points allowed, surrendering 114.4 PPG.
Let’s grab the points and back the road dog with tons of value in this one.
Expert Pick: Hawks +3 (-110) at BetOnline
Place Your NBA Bets Now!
My favorite NBA picks today are the Hawks and Clippers, two underdogs poised to prove the sportsbooks wrong tonight.
If you want to make money on your NBA picks, then you must open an account at one or more of the most trustworthy, reliable, and reputable sportsbooks in the industry, like the several online sportsbooks featured at BMR.
Remember, the lines and odds don’t stay stagnant. They are dynamic and move with the money, so why not review my NBA picks today when the getting is good? Lock in on a line at some of the industry’s premier sportsbooks like BetOnline, and you’ll never have to worry that you missed out on value.
*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.
