The 2016-17 NBA regular season has entered its final week, but there’s still plenty of opportunity and plenty of value on the board as we preview this Tuesday, the 11th of April’s 9 game slate.
Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics (9.30am AEST)
The Boston Celtics were awarded with the No.1 pick in the draft late last week thanks to their opponents Tuesday in the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets are still suffering badly from the woeful trade made for Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Jason Terry a few years ago, and although Boston will finish 2nd in the Eastern Conference this year, they will receive the pick from the Nets who currently hold a dismal 20-60 record on the season.
The Celtics are still in a tight battle with the Raptors for the 2nd seed in the East and can’t afford to lose this game. Being at home and having a full strength squad should be more than enough here for the Celtics, the question is whether they cover a large 10.5 line. They won’t be taking any chances and the Nets have an important out in Sean Kilpatrick. Boston should cover here.
TIP: Boston Celtics -10.5 - $1.95 at Sportsbet
Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Clippers (12.30pm AEST)
While the Rockets are locked into the 3rd seed in the West, the Clippers are in a battle for the fourth seed with the Utah Jazz. The two teams currently have the same record with just 2 games to play. The Jazz will have the hard task of playing the Warriors Tuesday while the Clippers will have to play the Rockets.
The Clips will have the home court advantage here and a near full strength squad with just Austin Rivers sidelined through injury. Given the importance of this game, and the fact that the Rockets will most likely be resting players in the lead up to playoffs, I think the Clippers can cover at home.
TIP: Los Angeles Clippers -6 - $1.95 at William Hill
Utah Jazz at Golden State Warriors (12.30pm AEST)
The game of the day sees the red-hot Warriors face off against the Jazz from 12.30pm AEST. The Warriors have won their last 14 games and with the addition of Kevin Durant back from injury in their last game, they should only get stronger as the move toward the playoffs. Durant returned with an excellent 16-10 performance and should take the opportunity to improve on match fitness here.
Steph Curry sustained a knee injury that saw him miss the Warriors last game against the Pelicans and although he’s listed as probably here, with the West already wrapped up he’s likely to miss this game. Lots on the line for the Jazz and given their defensive nature and ability to keep games close and low scoring, we think they cover here.
TIP: Utah Jazz +12 - $1.95 at Sportsbet
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