Filip Tomic
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The NBA returns in a big way following the all-star break, as 24 teams hit the hardwood on Thursday night. TNT will have a double-header featuring the Suns vs Mavericks and Lakers vs Warriors games, and I have included 1 of those 2 games in my NBA mega parlay. Continue reading below to see who else made the cut.
I would also encourage you to head over to our NBA picks page for predictions on the side and total on Thursday’s games.
Let’s dive into my bet now!
Nets ML (+118)
Mavericks ML (-154)
Bulls ML (+270)
NBA parlay odds: +1230
Brooklyn Nets ML over Toronto Raptors (+118)
The big news coming out of Brooklyn right after the all-star break is the firing of head coach Jacque Vaughn. He was swiftly replaced by assistant Kevin Ollie, who will take over until the end of the regular season. Vaughn’s faith was sealed after the Nets lost 136-86 in their last game against the Celtics; the team was just not responding to him anymore and it was time to part ways. A new head coach more often than not brings a positive shock as well as a fresh perspective to a roster looking for a result.
Because of all this, the Nets are underdogs on Thursday in Toronto — but I wouldn’t count them out so easily. They did win the first meeting between the 2 teams back in late November, plus the Raptors have issues of their own and are on a 3-game losing streak. In 2 of those losses they were beaten by double-digits, the 23-point home loss to San Antonio was a painful one as it was only the 11th win in 55 games for the Spurs. I just feel like this is a really good spot for a bounce-back Nets victory. They have had the Raptors’ number for quite some time now, having beaten them 8 times in the last 10 meetings — including the last 5 in a row. I’m backing Brooklyn.
Find out our expert’s best NBA futures bets to make at the all-star break
Dallas Mavericks ML over Phoenix Suns (-154)
Dallas went into the break as one of the hottest teams in the NBA, winning 6 games in a row. All but one of the 6 wins were by double-digits, and Dallas also posted the 3rd highest Net Rating of 17.3 during the winning streak. Luka Doncic was the lone representative in Indianapolis this weekend, while the rest of the team took some time off to heal their injuries. Thankfully the 2nd-biggest star on the team Kyrie Irving didn’t have any significant injury issues, he will look to get one over his former teammate Kevin Durant. Dallas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 home games and 5-1 ATS in its last 6 overall.
Phoenix has 2 wins in its last 2 visits to Dallas; I think it’s time the Mavs put an end to that streak. They are in a slightly more comfortable position here having not had to travel since the break had started, plus the Suns had both of their stars in Indiana over the weekend — while Doncic was the only one for the Mavs. Let’s go with the home team to win outright.
Read our full Phoenix Suns vs Dallas Mavericks predictions
Chicago Bulls ML over Boston Celtics (+270)
To close things out and for a bit of a odds boost, I have the Chicago Bulls taking down the Boston Celtics in what would be the biggest upset of the night. Yes, the Celtics did dominate the first meeting of the season 124-97, but a lot has changed since — especially with the Chicago Bulls. Zach LaVine is out with an injury, but over their last 19 games they are 11-8 SU while delivering a couple of memorable home wins over Houston and Minnesota.
Boston is on a 6-game winning streak, but with its duo of Tatum and Brown not having much time off (if any) during the past 7 days, they could face a couple of issues here and there. These 2 teams have split the last 10 meetings; Chicago is also an encouraging 8-2 ATS during that stretch. This team has covered the spread in 6 of the last 9 games against East opponents. If there was ever a time for them pull off an upset against a big team, it will be Thursday when both teams play for the first time in 7 days.
Ahaan Rungta has delivered his best NBA player prop bets for Thursday night
