Betting odds favour the playoff-bound teams to win the NBA showcase this Wednesday, but it doesn’t mean that they are the right choice for punters.
With some of these so-called “strong” squads struggling lately as the season winds down, the underdogs—who are all looking for a respectable finish—seem to be the perfect picks with handicap betting.
Detroit Pistons @ Cleveland Cavaliers (March 15, 07:00 GMT+8)
Detroit have been one of the more improved defensive teams this March, but the brighter aspect of their game is their offence that just keeps rolling behind Reggie Jackson and Tobias Harris. If they can keep up this form and consistently make their shots, it’s not farfetched that they’ll be able to repeat their win against the Cavs who are coming from a gruelling loss at Houston. That being said, Detroit +7.50 for 2.02 should be a good deal.
Indiana Pacers @ New York Knicks (March 15, 07:30 GMT+8)
With defence still a problem for the Knicks, it’s hard to see them winning against a playoff-bound team like Indiana. However, it should be a silver lining for them that they’ll be playing at home against one of the league’s worst road team.
Of course, Paul George will remain a threat, but this one should be a close affair considering that no one in Indiana has been very consistent on the offensive end.
I think the Knicks have the advantage given that they won two of their last three meetings with the Pacers, so New York +3.50 for 1.87 isn’t a bad bet to make.
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Brooklyn Nets (March 15, 07:30 GMT+8)
Although Brooklyn are still at the bottom of the NBA standings, it can’t be denied that they have been playing better than expected this month. Their strongest weapon is their three, and they are a ferocious team when they are clicking from deep.
Oklahoma, nevertheless, are still a dangerous team with Russell Westbrook expected to seize another triple-double, though the fact that they lost their last three away games isn’t encouraging.
If you’re willing to take the risk, the Nets +6.00 for 1.97 is a punt worth considering.
Portland Trail Blazers @ New Orleans Pelicans (March 15, 08:00 GMT+8)
Still fresh from his 46-point-and-21-rebound outing, Anthony Davis will be determined to keep the Pelicans soaring following a horrible start to his partnership with DeMarcus Cousins. The Blazers might be on a roll and could have had a six-game winning run if not for a controversial loss to the Wizards, but their latest defensive struggles – with their last three wins decided by nine points or less – should give New Orleans a fighting chance. With that in mind, choose the Pels -2.50 for 1.85.
Philadelphia 76ers @ Golden State Warriors (March 15, 10:30 GMT+8)
There’s no doubt that the Warriors have more depth and quality compared to the Sixers even without Kevin Durant, and all odds point that Golden State will win this game at Oracle Arena where they have lost only four times this season. Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean the Sixers will go down without a fight considering that they went neck and neck with them (without Joel Embiid) when they met last February.
I don’t expect the Sixers to win, but given the handicap, they should be a logical bet on +16.50 for 2.04.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
