Top NBA Picks and Predictions Today (Thunder Upset Nuggets, Magic Can Cover on Thursday)
It's a light slate in the NBA on Thursday night, but there are a few entertaining young teams getting a chance to go toe to toe with contenders.
The Golden State Warriors hit the road to play the young Orlando Magic in the first game of the night, as Golden State aims to snap a three-game skid.
Then, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder look to improve to 7-1 against the spread when they host the Denver Nuggets and back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic.
If you're looking to bet on these games, BetSided's Donnavan Smoot has you covered with his best bet for each matchup:
Golden State Warriors vs. Orlando Magic Odds, Prediction and Pick
The Warriors are in the middle of a three-game losing streak, but have a good opportunity to get back in the win column tonight. Orlando is 1-7 on the season and have the fourth-worst offensive rating in the league. Considering the Warriors have had trouble defending (25th in defensive rating), that will be a welcomed sight.
However, Golden State is 2-6 ATS this season, and I don’t have too much confidence in the Warriors covering a near double-digit spread. The Warriors are 23rd in net rating this season, finishing just 1.2-point ahead of the Magic.
When it comes to net rating, these teams are more similar than different. If Orlando can lean into its defense, it can keep the score in this game down and stay competitive.
Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Odds, Prediction and Pick
Before the season started, I would’ve picked the Nuggets to clear the Thunder in this matchup. Now, I’m not so sure.
Oklahoma City has started the season on a tear defensively. The Thunder are fifth in defensive rating and have already given the Nuggets a run for their money this season.
Denver hasn’t lived up to expectations this year, and its mainly because of its stars. Nikola Jokic hasn’t been his otherworldly self, and Jamal Murray is still working his way back into basketball shape.
With the Nuggets struggling on defense (25th in defensive rating) and its stars struggling, I like Oklahoma City to not only cover, but get a big upset.
You can find Donnavan Smoot’s full betting record here.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.