Filip Tomic
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Thursday is traditionally a TNT doubleheader day in the NBA, and with just 5 matchups being played tonight I’ve included both TV games in our NBA mega parlay. The regular season ends on Sunday, so let’s hope we can deliver a few more winners before then.
Check our NBA predictions for picks on the spread and total for Thursday’s 5-game slate, but let’s not waste any more time and jump straight into my mega parlay.
Over 230 points in Blazers vs Spurs (-108)
Philadelphia 76ers -3.5 (-110)
Phoenix Suns 1-10 win margin (+175)
Parlay odds: +911
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Over 230 points in Blazers vs Spurs (-108)
Both these teams are very young and defense just hasn’t been a priority for either of them this season. There are a ton of bad habits on that end on each side and I don’t expect those to go away overnight. The teams’ last 2 meetings have produced 240 and 274 points, and that’s what happens when there’s no incentive to get any stops. Another factor contributing to so many points is pace of play of the Spurs. They’re currently the fastest team in the NBA, averaging 104.1 possessions per game, and I’m expecting them to assert themselves at home. They’re also dead last in defensive efficiency, allowing 117.6 points per 100 possessions, while the Blazers are 27th, allowing 115.6 points. That should make for an entertaining experience if you’re one of those NBA fans that likes watching only the offensive side of a basketball game.
Don’t forget to check our Portland Trail Blazers vs San Antonio Spurs predictions
Philadelphia 76ers -3.5 (-110)
The Heat will attempt to win their third game in a row here after beating Dallas and Detroit in their last 2 games. However, there is bad news on the injury front for them as Kyle Lowry and Bam Adebayo are both questionable. Adebayo in particular would be a huge loss as that would leave their paint wide open for the likes of Joel Embiid and co. to exploit. Stopping Embiid is a task in itself, but Miami should be more worried about their offense as they’ve put up just 101 and 96 points in the 2 meetings this season against Philly. Ending the season on a strong note would help Embiid boost his MVP case and beating Miami would send out a clear message that the Sixers are going to be a force in the postseason. At 5-1 SU in their last 6 home games it’s no wonder they’re the favorites. The Sixers are also 13-5 SU in the last 18 meetings with the Heat at Wells Fargo Center, and with a healthy Embiid and Harden I fancy their chances.
Read our full analysis of Miami Heat vs Philadelphia 76ers
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Phoenix Suns 1-10 win margin (+175)
Adding Kevin Durant to their team has been a flawless process so far for the Phoenix Suns, who are 7-0 with KD in their lineup. They’re also on a 6-game win streak after winning 4 straight games since Durant’s return from injury. They’re going up against the Nuggets, who have just clinched the #1 seed in the West for the first time in franchise history. Their form has been up and down over the past few games, and a 21-point loss to the Houston Rockets with Nikola Jokic back in the lineup wasn’t a good look. These teams played each other 6 days ago and Phoenix came out on top 100-93. All 3 meetings so far this season have been won by the home team, this could very well be a second-round matchup in the Western Conference playoffs, so tonight’s game is a preview of what’s to come. I expect both teams to be sharp, but in the end Durant is the difference-maker. Phoenix is 7-3 SU/ATS in the last 10 head-to-heads, while also winning the last 4 meetings at Footprint Center. Expect a close game, with the Suns coming out on top by single digits.
Check out our NBA first basket scorer prop bets
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