We have a relatively heavy NBA slate on our hands for a Thursday night, highlighted by a TNT double-header featuring the Dallas Mavericks against the Philadelphia 76ers, and the New Orleans Pelicans against the Milwaukee Bucks. Other notable teams in action include the red-hot Brooklyn Nets, the Denver Nuggets, and the Los Angeles Clippers. Be sure to check out our picks on the side and total for all of tonight’s big matchups.
Here’s our four-team parlay for Thursday:
Philadelphia 76ers -5 (-110)
Brooklyn Nets -7.5 (-110)
Los Angeles Clippers -7.5 (-110)
Milwaukee Bucks -8.5 (-110)
Parlay odds: +1228
For this play we like a lot of marquee teams as favorites against weaker opponents. Let’s break down each of the four legs one by one.
Philadelphia 76ers -5 over Dallas Mavericks (-110)
The Philadelphia 76ers are led by MVP candidate Joel Embiid, who is averaging a sensational 29.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game on 52.7 percent shooting from the field and 40.5 percent from beyond the arc. Embiid also anchors a Philadelphia defense that ranks sixth in efficiency and is a huge reason why they currently hold the top seed in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Dallas Mavericks have underperformed dramatically relative to their preseason expectations. Despite playing a little bit better of late, there are still clear weaknesses to this lineup that ranks in the bottom-five of the league in defensive efficiency and can not seem to slow down anyone on the defensive end of the floor. Getting one of the best teams in the league against one of the league’s worst defenses at only a five-point spread is a gift. It would be rude not to take advantage.
Brooklyn Nets -7.5 over Orlando Magic (-110)
For much of the season, the only category in which the Brooklyn Nets led the NBA was media attention. However, they have silenced their critics in a big way as of late, becoming the first Eastern Conference team in over a decade to go a perfect 6-0 on a West Coast road trip. Brooklyn knocked off three of the top four teams in the Western Conference standings without arguably their best player, Kevin Durant. They return to the Barclays Center for a Thursday matchup against the Orlando Magic, who are currently decimated by injuries. Even without Durant, there is little reason to bet against the red-hot Nets, who have won seven in a row and appear to have every intention of making it eight.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Orlando Magic vs. Brooklyn Nets.
Los Angeles Clippers -7.5 over Memphis Grizzlies (-110)
The Los Angeles Clippers appear to be the forgotten team in the NBA this season, after suffering an embarrassing early-round playoff exit against the Denver Nuggets. However, despite dealing with some injuries and COVID issues to some of their best players, the Clippers own the second-best record in basketball, including the third-best per game point differential. They own the second-best offensive efficiency and have improved drastically on their early season struggles on the defensive end of the floor.
On Thursday night, they get to play a Memphis Grizzlies team that is below average on both ends of the floor. Los Angeles is the league’s best three-point shooting, whereas Memphis has the fourth-worst perimeter defense of any team. The Clippers should have no problem finding plenty of open looks for their sharpshooters and might turn this game into a rout if they are able to get hot from long range.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Los Angeles Clippers at Memphis Grizzlies.
Milwaukee Bucks -8.5 over New Orleans Pelicans (-110)
In the month of February, Giannis Antetokounmpo has finally looked like the reigning two-time MVP. His co-star, Khris Middleton, was snubbed of an all-star nod, but is having a superb season, posting 20.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. The Milwaukee Bucks appear to have put their early season struggles behind them, having won each of their last three contests by a margin of 13 points or more. They have seven players averaging double-figures in scoring.
Milwaukee has the third-best offensive efficiency in the NBA and ranks top 10 in defensive efficiency as well. They are finally healthy which could be a scary thing for the rest of the league. Back them with confidence against the defensively-challenged Pelicans, who are slowly slipping out of the Western Conference playoff picture.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for New Orleans Pelicans at Milwaukee Bucks.
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