What better way to end your week than by hitting big on an NBA parlay? Sunday features an entire day of great action, beginning at 3:30 p.m. with the Boston Celtics taking on the New Orleans Hornets on ABC. There are seven more games in the evening, with one of them being a potential NBA Finals preview between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers at 8:00 p.m. on ESPN. Make sure you check out our picks on the side and total for each of those matchups.
Here’s our five-team parlay for Sunday:
Boston Celtics -2.5 (-110)
Orlando Magic -2 (-110)
New York Knicks -2.5 (-110)
Atlanta Hawks +3 (-110)
Los Angeles Clippers ML (-230)
Parlay odds: +1790
Let’s break down each of the five legs one by one.
Boston Celtics -2.5 over New Orleans Pelicans (-110)
The Boston Celtics have been inconsistent this season, dealing with a plethora of COVID- and injury-related absences to key players. However, this team appears to finally be figuring things out–winning two of their last three with relative ease. The New Orleans Pelicans have been one of the biggest disappointments of the NBA season so far. The Pelicans feature a dynamic young duo of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson but they have struggled to find the win column this year, sitting at 12-17 as we approach the halfway mark of the campaign.
One of the Pelicans’ biggest struggles has been closing out games. In each of their last two games, the Pelicans have held late leads, but failed to close things out. The Celtics have more experience, more talent, and a better coach. Start your Sunday off on the right foot by backing the big-three of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kemba Walker.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans.
Orlando Magic -2 over Detroit Pistons (-110)
The Orlando Magic are missing Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz, Aaron Gordon, and Jonathan Isaac, but continue to find ways to win basketball games. Most recently, they have won three of their last four contests, having defeated the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Sacramento Kings–each of whom are playing solid basketball as of late.
On the flip side, the Detroit Pistons are dealing with a myriad of injuries, but are faring less well. They have started their current five-game road trip with back-to-back losses and are likely to make it three in a row on Sunday. Detroit is sitting Blake Griffin until they figure out what to do with him. They recently traded Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks. Simply put, this is not a roster that is built to win games. Take Orlando.
New York Knicks -2.5 over Minnesota Timberwovles (-110)
Head Coach Thibodeau has the New York Knicks playing every defensive possession like the fate of the world is at stake. The Knicks exceptional effort on the defensive end of the floor has translated into more than a few surprise wins and currently has them situated firmly inside the Eastern Conference playoff picture. New York has the fourth-best defensive efficiency in the NBA and has held their opponents to a stifling 32.0 percent from beyond the arc. The Minnesota Timberwolves rank in the bottom-third of the league in perimeter shooting and are likely to struggle from deep once again on Sunday against a very determined defense.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New York Knicks.
Atlanta Hawks +3 against Denver Nuggets (-110)
A quick look at the Atlanta Hawks recent schedule and a person will see a lot of losses. However, a deeper dive reveals a heartbreaking defeat against the Dallas Mavericks, and competitive losses to the San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, and Boston Celtics–all current playoff teams in their respective conference. Trae Young has been elite, averaging 26.6 points, and 9.3 assists per game. Clint Capela has looked like an all-star, posting 14.7 points and 14.1 rebounds per game. Not many people can contend with Nikola Jokic down low, but Capela gives the Hawks a chance.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Denver Nuggets vs. Atlanta Hawks.
Los Angeles Clippers ML over Brooklyn Nets (-230)
The Los Angeles Clippers are seeking revenge over the Brooklyn Nets in primetime tonight. Earlier this month when these two teams played at the Barclays Center, the Clippers blew a fourth-quarter lead, struggling down the stretch in an eventual loss. However, Paul George is healthy and back in the lineup for this group. In his last 15 games, Los Angeles is 13-2.
For the Nets, Kevin Durant is sidelined once again. Brooklyn has won five games in a row, but has benefitted from facing teams dealing with injuries to key players. They will not have that luxury against Los Angeles this evening. These two teams are evenly matched and feature an abundance of stars, but bet on the healthy, more-motivated Clippers to grab the win at Staples Center tonight.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Brooklyn Nets vs. Los Angeles Clippers.
Pickswise is the home of free NBA picks and predictions. Make sure to also check out our ‘NBA parlays‘ and ‘NBA prop bets‘ tabs for more expert picks.
