Even though there are less than five games left to be played for each NBA team, there’s no clear picture yet of what the Eastern Conference will look like come playoff time.
Only the top four are currently secured a postseason berth in the said conference, so online betting fans are surely in for a live betting treat as the likes of Indiana, Milwaukee, Miami and Charlotte all look to take a hold of a top-eight seeding this Sunday.
Chicago Bulls @ Brooklyn Nets (April 9, 05:00 GMT+8)
Although betting tips point to a convincing victory for the Bulls, they can’t take it easy against the improving Nets who just had Jeremy Lin score a season-high 32 points. The Bulls’ recent offensive resurgence gives them an advantage, but it’s quite difficult to trust them with their ever-pressing inconsistency issue.
Boston Celtics @ Charlotte Hornets (April 9, 06:00 GMT+8)
Cleveland just lost to the Hawks, so this is the best chance for Boston to narrow the gap again. Sure enough, Kemba Walker will be determined to keep Charlotte in the hunt for the playoffs, but the fact that they haven’t defeated the Celtics this year makes it a tall order for the All-Star. Not to mention that the Hornets are coming into this game with back-to-back losses.
If you’re punting, Boston -1.50 for 2.00 looks like a steal.
Indiana Pacers @ Orlando Magic (April 9, 06:00 GMT+8)
Barely holding the eighth seed in the East, the Pacers will have a chance to solidify their hold with a victory against the Magic. Indiana might still lack depth especially with injuries to some rotation players, but with Paul George and Lance Stephenson providing them with grit and energy, they can very well extend their winning streak.
Milwaukee Bucks @ Philadelphia 76ers (April 9, 07:00 GMT+8)
Three straight losses put Milwaukee in quite a perilous situation; however, odds point that they can return to their winning ways against the slumping Sixers. Having already shut down Robert Covington and Jahlil Okafor for the rest of the season, Philadelphia just don’t have enough to keep up with the Greek Freak and the sixth-placed Bucks. With that said, go for the Bucks -6.00 for 1.94.
Miami Heat @ Washington Wizards (April 9, 07:00 GMT+8)
Miami must win this one if they don’t want to be left out in the cold. Of course, it will be a difficult task against the highly-seeded Washington squad, but the Heat can find some silver lining from the fact that the Wizards haven’t defeated them even once this season. Hence, now that Miami need a victory more than ever, I doubt that they will give way this time.
LA Clippers @ San Antonio Spurs (April 9, 08:30 GMT+8)
After resting some key players, Coach Gregg Popovich will certainly have his Spurs squad full of energy when they host the Clips. Indeed, that won’t make Doc Rivers happy particularly after seeing how a San Antonio squad – composed mostly of reserves – manhandled Dallas the last time out.
Utah Jazz @ Portland Trail Blazers (April 9, 10:00 GMT+8)
Utah obliterated Portland by an average of 21 points in their last two meetings, so to say that they have just a psychological advantage is an understatement. The Jazz are clearly a better team with Gordon Hayward leading the way; and now that Derrick Favors is back, they’ll be a tougher team to crack.
New Orleans Pelicans @ Golden State Warriors (April 9, 10:30 GMT+8)
The Pelicans have already lost three matches in a row, so it’s hard to imagine them taking down the 65-win Warriors. Moreover, with Kevin Durant expected to play against the Anthony Davis-DeMarcus Cousins pairing, there’s just no stopping Golden State from wreaking havoc in the NBA again.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
