NBA Thursday Betting Recap: Favorites Dominate

The home side were given a welcome boost as OG Anunoby returned from injury, which played a part in helping this number go from its opener of 3½ to settling at a -5½ for the home team.

The Raptors took control early and never really conceded momentum even as the Cavs made a third-quarter run. Their 117-104 win saw them comfortably cover the closing line down the stretch, with a late flurry of points in the final few minutes also sending this one over the total of 214 points.

The Memphis Grizzlies were the biggest winners of the night as they blew out the visiting Indiana Pacers 133-103.

Both sides were on the second night of a back-to-back but, regardless of the tough spot, the home side had little trouble making light work of the traveing Pacers here.

Despite the line moving from 12½ to 11½ on the back of injury updates, the home side were completely dominant from the opening tip as they ran out to a 44-23 lead after the first quarter.

The outpouring of points from Memphis also helped get this game over the final total of 236 points.

Let’s check the latest news, stats, injury reports, and NBA odds. We’ve plenty of predictions for you to consider.

Undermanned Bucks Coast

The Milwaukee Bucks managed to cover most numbers against the Washington Wizards on a spread that went from -12.0 to -8½ for the home team with news that Giannis Antetokounmpo would join Khris Middleton on the sidelines.

Despite the key absences from their lineup, this was pure domination from the Bucks for the most part as they ended up 114-102 winners. A late rally from the Wizards saw them close to within seven points (and a cover) with just under two minutes to play, but Milwaukee rattled off a 5-0 run in the final minute to ensure another home favorite was able to get the job done.

This was the only game on the slate that stayed under the full game total, falling 12 points shy of the final number.

The nightcap was undoubtedly the most entertaining game of the night as Chris Paul made an unexpected return to the starting lineup for the Phoenix Suns on the road in Denver.

The market here was heavily impacted by the news, with the Nuggets going from 4.0-point favorites to just -1.0 by tip-off.

We previewed this game and highlighted the advantages for the Nuggets on a night where they were likely facing a shorthanded and fatigued Suns team, but the undeniable impact that Chris Paul has was on full display in his return as the Suns ran out 140-130 winners.

The veteran point guard recorded 17 points and 13 assists in 30 minutes, but had his efforts overshadowed by Devin Booker, who erupted for 49 points on 16-of-25 shooting.

The victory officially secured the top seed for the Suns in the West as they recorded their 60th win.

“We have a special team, it’s that simple,” said Paul after the game.

The win was also the only game that went the way of the road team on an otherwise dominant night for home favorites and overs bettors.