The Scout: Thursday NBA Best Bets

Posted on May 5, 2021May 5, 2021 | Posted by The Scout

Sacramento Kings @ Indiana Pacers

Sacramento (27-37) is on the verge of being eliminated from playoff contention and come up against the Pacers (30-34) who look destined for the play-in tournament in the east.

Indiana have had recent struggles losing three of their last four matches and they have a glaring weakness, their defense. Teams have been piling up points against the Pacers, in their last three losses the average points scored by their opponents is an outrageous 139.

The Kings are not known for their defense either but have plenty of capable scoring options including Buddy Hield and rookie Tyrese Haliburton. Indiana have a good spread of offensively capable players and considering their defensive record, I see this match sailing over the total.

Suggested Bet: GAME TOTAL OVER

Philadelphia 76ers @ Houston Rockets

Two teams on opposite sides of the spectrum, the Philadelphia 76ers (44-21) are the top team in the east and the Houston Rockets (16-49) are the bottom team in the Western Conference.

Houston is in all out tank mode and boast the worst record in the entire league. They aren’t look to win games of basketball at the moment, while Philadelphia is in a battle for the number one seed with Brooklyn.

Joel Embiid has returned from injury right where he left off, dominating anyone who is put in his path. The superstar centre is averaging 29 points and 10 rebounds and should have a field day with the Rockets.

Suggested Bet: Joel Embiid to Score 30+ Points @ $2.42*

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New York Knicks @ Denver Nuggets

The Knicks (37-28) are one of the hottest teams in the NBA having won 12 of their last 13 game while the Nuggets (43-22) have won 9 of their last 11.

Both sides are playing fantastic basketball, but I’m siding with the Knicks in this matchup. Julius Randle continues to lead the way, and will soon have his first All NBA selection.

Denver is a great side but have been severely hampered by two major injuries to Will Barton and Jamal Murray. Derrick Rose is dominating off the bench averaging 17 points in his last 10 games, and could prove the difference here.

Suggested Bet: New York (Head to Head) @ $2.18*

*Odds correct as at 2pm, 5th May 2021.

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