Filip Tomic
The All-Star Weekend festivities are over and the NBA finally returns with a full 9-game slate tonight. We have our expert NBA picks for today’s biggest matchups available, but to celebrate the Association’s returned, I’ve compiled my 3 best bets for Thursday in the form of an NBA parlay at +1056 odds! Let’s get into it.
76ers ML (+220)
Knicks -12 (-110)
Suns -2 (-110)
NBA parlay odds: +1056
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Philadelphia 76ers ML over Boston Celtics (+220)
The 76ers didn’t do themselves any favors going into the break on a 5-game losing streak, but thankfully all is not lost just yet. The Chicago Bulls are just 1.5 games ahead in the 10th seed, so there’s still plenty of time left to get something out of this season. Facing the defending champions in their first game after the All-Star Weekend isn’t ideal, but Philadelphia has shown they are more than capable of holding their ground in the 2 meetings with Boston this year. With a healthy Joel Embiid, they won 118-114 at TD Garden on Christmas Day despite being 9.5-point underdogs.
The 2nd meeting did go Boston’s way, but Philly led by as many as 26 points in that game despite not having Embiid. The big fella is expected back in the lineup on Thursday which is a massive boost, along with Tyrese Maxey and Paul George. The impact of Maxey should also not be underestimated here, as he is averaging over 30 points per game in his last 10 outings and has 30+ in both meetings with the Celtics this season. The likes of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown could be a bit sluggish to start for Boston after participating in the ASW and that could be Philly’s chance to take advantage. Upsets are very much possible right after the all-star break and we could see one from the 76ers tonight.
Add some extra sizzle to tonight’s game on TNT with our Celtics vs 76ers Same Game Parlay picks
New York Knicks -12 over Chicago Bulls (-110)
The Bulls went into the break with 4 consecutive losses and they looked pretty bad in all 4 games, losing by an average of 24.8 points, which is the worst Net Rating by far during this stretch. The last time these 2 met it was the Zach LaVine and Coby White show, with each of them scoring 33 points. LaVine has since been traded to Sacramento while White had 7 and 5 points in his last 2 games against the Pistons.
New York went into the break as one of the hottest teams in the league, winning 9 of 11 games. They are also 6-1 against East teams in their last 7 games and have a 12-5 record in their last 17 at MSG against the Bulls. Karl-Anthony Towns had back-to-back 40+ point games going into the break, and coincidentally he also had 44 and 46 points in the 2 meetings with the Bulls earlier this season. Chicago is in a free fall at the moment, but they have had the Knicks’ number in the 2 meetings this year. I think it’s time the Knicks finally play some defense and inflict even more pain on the struggling Bulls here. Expect New York to blow out Chicago.
Read our Chicago Bulls vs New York Knicks prediction
Phoenix Suns -2 over San Antonio Spurs (-110)
Time is of the essence for the Phoenix Suns, who are trying to save their season and capture one of the remaining play-in tournament spots in the Western Conference. Coming out of the break, they face a San Antonio team that could be without their best player Victor Wembanyama. If that’s the case, the Spurs will be massively handicapped on Thursday night. Phoenix is well equipped on the offensive end, and to match up with them you have to be at full strength, otherwise if one of the big 3 of Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal or Devin Booker gets hot early you could be doomed.
Recent head-to-head meetings tell us exactly why the Suns are favorites here, as they’ve won 11 of 14 against San Antonio. The Spurs’ form has significantly dropped over the past month or so. They’re just 5-13 in their last 18 games, while from a betting perspective, they’ve covered just once in 6 games overall. No Wemby in the middle could leave the paint wide open, but even if he plays I still have the Suns coming out on top. They held Wembanyama to just 15 points on 6-for-18 shooting in the first meeting. Give me the Suns and Kevin Durant, who is averaging 30 points per game in February.
Read our full Phoenix Suns vs San Antonio Spurs prediction
