Top NBA Picks and Predictions for April 7 (Bucks, Warriors, Pelicans All Favorites to Trust)

It may be Opening Day in MLB and the first round of The Masters, but there are still plenty of NBA games to bet some without playoff implications, on Thursday night.

BetSided's Peter Dewey, Ben Heisler and Donnavan Smoot have you covered with a few of their favorites in the Association tonight, with all odds via WynnBET:

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors Prediction and Pick

The Lakers have lost seven straight games head into this matchup, with four of them coming by double-digits. 

Like I mentioned earlier, this team has nothing to play for, and as long as LeBron James and Anthony Davis sit, I think this is a no-brainer spot to fade Los Angeles. 

The Warriors haven’t been as dominant without Steph Curry (foot), but they are still one of the best home teams in the NBA, going 19-16-2 against the spread as a home favorite and 30-10 straight up at home this season. 

I don’t see Steve Kerr’s squad letting up in this spot, as the Warriors are trying to stay in the top three in the West to avoid a second-round matchup with the Phoenix Suns. 

Lean: Warriors -12.5 (-108) -- Peter Dewey

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record in the NBA this season here.

Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks Prediction and Pick

Considering that the Celtics have been the best team since January of the season, even off a back-to-back on the road in Chicago; I'm a bit surprised this number is as high as it is. These teams haven't played since December when Milwaukee inched out a 4-point win at home, but at that point, the Celtics were an entirely different team; just 16-17 on the season as they tried to figure out their identity.

They've since gone 34-13 in that time, catapulting up the Eastern Conference standings in the process.

So why the sizable number towards Milwaukee?

Part of what's led to the Bucks' success this year is their ability to not give Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday and the rest of their stars limited minutes throughout the season, saving it for when playoff time rolls around. No player on Milwaukee has averaged more than 33:30 minutes per night. With this game having substantial playoff implications, we may see a few more extended minutes for the Bucks and they'll be rested and ready.

Furthermore, no Robert Williams for Boston against the length of Milwaukee inside could be a problem. Brook Lopez comes off a team-high 28 points his last time out, and Giannis, via NBA.com is averaging over 33 points per night over his last 11 contests, going over 40 three of those times.

The Celtics are always a difficult out, and I think they'll keep it close for most of the game. It's partially why if I'm going to bet this one, I'll more likely to grab Milwaukee live at a better number.

I'll still lean Bucks pregame, but keep an eye for something juicy mid-way through the third quarter.

LEAN: Bucks -6 (-110) -- Ben Heisler

Follow all of Ben Heisler's betting plays in real-time HERE.

Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans Prediction and Pick

Since the All-Star break, the Blazers have been terrible against the spread. They are 5-14-1 ATS overall and are 2-8 ATS in the last 10 games. Although this spread is a big one and you might be enticed to take the points, don't do it. Portland is 3-7-1 as a double digit underdog since the All-Star Break. They are putting out a G-league team every night and it will be exposed today.

New Orleans is going to be in the play-in tournament regardless of outcome. However, the Pels are playing to keep their first matchup in New Orleans and not in San Antonio. I expect the Pelicans to give 100% and blow Portland out.

The Pelicans have the fifth best net rating over the last 10 games. Portland is last on that list. This game shouldn't be close.

Lean: Pelicans -16.5 (-110) -- Donnavan Smoot

You can find Donnavan Smoot’s full betting record here.