Blowouts and potential playoff matchups line the NBA’s slate for this Thursday. At least three teams are double-digit favorites per the NBA betting lines while we also have two Eastern Conference heavyweight tilts between top-five seeds. On the western front is also a tasty matchup between Denver and Memphis.
NBA Games For April 7
Magic vs Hornets
It isn’t often you spot a team that gets blown out as a double-digit favorite the next game, but the Charlotte Hornets have a lofty spread as they host the moribund Orlando Magic. Charlotte is 4-2 as a favorite against divisional opponents although the Magic have a winning spread record: 21-17-0 when lined as a road underdog.
Celtics vs Bucks
The first game of the TNT doubleheader is the fourth and final regular-season game between the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks. Boston won the first two games and is 3-0 against the spread (ATS) against Milwaukee. However, the Bucks are favored and have covered their last seven games against a conference opponent.
76ers vs Raptors
In what could be an early preview of the playoffs, the Toronto Raptors host the Philadelphia 76ers as slight underdogs. Toronto is 2-1 and 3-0 ATS against Philadelphia this year and upset them in their last meeting. The Raptors continue to defy expectations this season and are on a roll heading to the postseason with an 11-4 spread record in its last 15.
The Raptors and 76ers are currently set to face off in the 1st round of the NBA playoffs. https://t.co/fjtsrpBCc7 pic.twitter.com/6DnjZI6Hmd
— theScore (@theScore) April 7, 2022
Spurs vs Timberwolves
The San Antonio Spurs have been on a roll having won seven of their last eight games. But they have a tough assignment visiting the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team they have failed to cover against in their last seven meetings. The Wolves should also be a popular bet online as they take on San Antonio without several key players.
Trail Blazers vs Pelicans
CJ McCollum gets to stick it to his old team again as his New Orleans Pelicans host the freefalling Portland Trail Blazers. Losers of eight straight, Portland has won just one of its last 12 road games and is 1-13 against the spread (ATS) in its last 14 conference games. New Orleans is 7-3 ATS in its last ten.
Grizzlies vs Nuggets
Another potential playoff first-round preview features two Western Conference elites. The Denver Nuggets host the Memphis Grizzlies as favorites, a team they have not beaten this season. Scoring may be higher than usual here as eight of Denver’s last 11 games have gone over the total.
Lakers vs Warriors
The Golden State Warriors get to rub salt on the recently eliminated Los Angeles Lakers’ wounds as big favorites. The banged-up Lakers have nothing to play for and could even rest its star players. Seven of the Warriors’ last eight home games have gone under so that could be a lean on the online sportsbook.
