Top NBA Picks and Predictions Today (Mavericks, Blazers & 76ers Have Great Value On The Road)
We have a light day in the NBA, with just four games on tonight. After a jam-packed 13 game slate last night, five teams are playing on a back-to-back tonight.
It may not be a lot of games on the docket, but there is still basketball to take us through the end of the night – and BetSided has you covered.
Here are our top picks for all of Thursday’s games.
Mavericks vs. Wizards Prediction and Pick
Bradley Beal has already been ruled out for this game because he’s in the health and safety protocol, so Washington is fighting even more of an uphill battle.
Unfortunately for them, I don’t think they’ll be able to get over the hump tonight.
With Luka Dončić playing at the insane level he is, I trust Dallas against the Wizards who are 24th in offensive rating and 21st in defensive rating.
Dončić should easily cook Washington, so I wouldn’t hate Dallas ATS – or Dončić’s point total over. The Mavs haven’t covered in five straight games, so we’re expecting some positive regression here. – Donnavan Smoot
Hornets vs. Heat Prediction and Pick
Both these teams are in the bottom third of the league in offensive rating. We’ve seen the offensive creation issues with Miami since last season, and they have continued this year. The Heat are also 27th in points per game and 27th in fastbreak points per game. They don’t run and they don’t score a lot as it is.
If you add that with the injuries Charlotte has, this is a game begging to have the UNDER bet. Gordon Hayward and Cody Martin are still out and likely won’t play on the second night of a back-to-back.
Charlotte is 1-6 against the OVER in its last seven games, while Miami is 3-5 in its last eight games.
Miami hasn’t been the consistent winning team it normally is, so let’s back the total instead of taking the Heat ATS. – Donnavan Smoot
Sixers vs. Hawks Prediction and Pick
Over the last five games, which James Harden has missed two games of, the 76ers have started to look better. While the 3-2 record isn’t amazing, their net rating has gone up from the year long numbers.
Embiid scored 30 points against the Suns, despite having a bad shooting night. Even with Clint Capela in the middle, I expect Embiid to have a more efficient game and help power the 76ers offense.
Before Wednesday night's loss to the Utah Jazz, Atlanta had won and covered in three straight games, but I’m not a big fan of its defense heading into this game. The Hawks are normally 14th in defensive rating. Over the last five games, they’ve dropped down to 20th.
I think with the 76ers finding their rhythm without Harden, this is a good time to sell high on the Hawks. – Donnavan Smoot
Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans Prediction and Pick
Portland has used its top 10 defense to jump to a great start. The Blazers lost a few games when Damian Lillard was out, but can compete with anyone now that he’s back. Lillard had an off-night in his return (4-of-12 from the field), but he should be able to find his rhythm against the Pelicans.
New Orleans is lead by its offense, and the defense has been the unit that needs work. The Pels are right in the middle of the league in defensive rating, which has been a reason for their inconsistent start.
The Pelicans have the offense to outscore Portland, but I don’t trust them yet. The Blazers are 5-1 with Lillard in the starting lineup, yet the matchup they lost was the game Lillard left with an injury.
They’ve still yet to lose when he plays the entire game. Because of that, I like Portland to get the win on the road. – Donnavan Smoot
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.