NBA Best Bets for Today (Aug. 13): Playoff Motivation for Blazers, Suns, Grizzlies & Spurs
With two days left in the bubble before the NBA playoffs, some teams have everything on the line, and others not so much. Games since the restart, especially over the last few days, have presented interesting scenarios for both sports bettors and oddsmakers to tackle at online sportsbooks sites. Thursday’s jam-packed, seven-game slate is no different.
On Wednesday, we saw underdogs go 2-2 SU adn 3-1 against the spread. With so much I’m going to lean towards the underdogs against the spread today in games that encompass uncertainty regarding actives/inactives, playing time, and motivation.
NBA Odds for Today: Thursday, August 13
NBA Best Bets, Props and Playoff Motivation
Washington Wizards vs. Boston Celtics (12PM ET)
The day is filled with big NBA games but this isn’t one of them. With the Eastern Conference playoffs practically set, and the Wizards eliminated, both teams have little to play for.
Here’s what the Eastern Conference playoff seeding looks like:
(1) Bucks vs. (8) Magic
(2) Raptors vs. (7) Nets
(3) Celtics vs. (6) Sixers
(4/5) Heat vs. (5/4) Pacers
Pretty much the entire Celtics’ starting five is out, so this is a game of bench players from both sides of the course. Games like these are more of a coin toss than most people realize. Take the points: Wizards +2.5.
The rookie from Gonzaga has dropped 20+ points in two of his last three games while grabbing at least seven rebounds in each three of his last five. The matchup against Boston’s reserves should be great for Hachi.
Note: The spread has since flipped to Celtics +2.
Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers (1:30PM ET)
LeBron James is expected to suit up but I don’t expect the Lakers to give him significant minutes. Anthony Davis ‘s status is also up in the air, listed on the injury report with a sore right knee.
The Kings entered the bubble in the playoff hunt but have since fallen out due to a disappointing 2-5 record in Orlando. Now they’re without De’aaron Fox for their final game of the season, which should hurt them on the offensive end. All things considered, Under 222.5 is my play.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Memphis Grizzlies (4PM ET)
This one isn’t too complicated. The Bucks have the 1-seed, Giannis Antetokounmpo is out after the NBA issued him a one-game suspension for headbutting the Wizards’ Mo Wagner, and the Grizzlies are playing for their playoff lives.
This line has moved quite a bit as public money has piled in on Memphis in a do-or-die game, but we can still grab Grizzlies -3 at some shops. It’s a big move from where the line opened last night. The Grizzlies have lost their fair share of players to injuries but I’m hopping on the public transit in this one and hoping I’m not led astray. Grizzlies -3.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns (4PM ET, TNT)
The Mavericks are locked into the 7-seed in the Western Conference and the Phoenix Suns, like the Grizzlies, are in do-or-die mode. Who in a do-or-die situation doesn’t want Devin Booker on their side?
Outside of Damian Lillard, Devin Booker has arguably been the best player since the NBA restart. Here are his point totals (in chronological order) since things heated back up on July 31: 27/30/35/20/35/35/35.
Booker has absolutely taken over, putting the Suns organization on his shoulders as the vie for a playoff berth.
As much I like the Suns in this spot, the line has moved a bit too much for me to take them against the spread. I’ll bet on Booker to keep his hot hand, though: Booker Over 31.5 Points.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Utah Jazz (6:30PM ET, TNT)
The third of four teams making their final playoff push, the San Antonio Spurs need a win against the Utah Jazz plus some help from two of the three teams playing the Suns, Grizzlies and Blazers. Things aren’t looking good for San Antonio’s absurd 22-season playoff streak.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Orlando Magic (9PM ET)
The Pelicans and Magic both fumbled from the start of the restart and now are left playing a meaningless game before exiting Disney World. I’ll stay away from this one, but if I do anything I’ll be taking the points for the reasons mentioned at the beginning of this article. Pelicans +4.
Trail Blazers vs. Brooklyn Nets (9PM ET, TNT)
The Trail Blazers need no help to earn the 8-seed so long as they do their part and close the deal against the Nets tonight. 8.5-point favorites, the Blazers are expected to do just that.
There’s been absolutely no stopping Damian Lillard and there’s no reason for that to change against the Nets. Blazers -8.5.
Image Credit: USA Today Sports Images