The Scout: Saturday NBA Best Bets

Posted on April 8, 2021April 9, 2021 | Posted by The Scout

Orlando Magic @ Indiana Pacers

The Magic (17-34) have lost three straight games and are in full-blown tank mode while the Pacers (23-27) have won two of their last three.

Indiana are still well in the playoff picture but may play this game without Myles Turner, Malcolm Brogdon and Domantas Sabonis. With two young squads likely to take the court, I’m expecting a very open game with little emphasis on defense.

This young Orlando squad has been poor defensively, giving up 129 points on average in their last three games, and I think that will be the catalyst for a high scoring affair.

Suggested Bet: Game Total Over

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Philadelphia 76ers @ New Orleans Pelicans

The 76ers (35-16) are only one game behind the Nets and with Joel Embiid back in action they will be looking to regain the number one seed in the east.

It has been a disappointing season for the highly touted Pelicans (22-29) who are currently 11th in the west, have lost four of their last five, and are fresh off a 28 beat down at the hands of Brooklyn.

Joel Embiid showed no sign of injury in his 35 point outing against Boston and he should be too big, tall and quick for the Pelicans’ frontcourt of Zion Williamson and Steven Adams.

Suggested Bet: Philadelphia 11+ (Margin)

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Washington Wizards @ Golden State Warriors

The Wizards (18-32) have lost four of their last five and face the Warriors (24-27) who are also struggling with just three wins from their last 10 games.

This matchup looks an absolute shootout with both sides focused on offense – generally at the expense of defense. Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook taking on Steph Curry will be worth tuning in for.

Curry is having an underrated statistical season, averaging 29 points with 4.7 made threes per game. He’s averaging 36 across his last three games, including 41 against the Bucks, and I’m expecting we see him go big again here.

Suggested Bet: Stephen Curry 40+ Points

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