There’s plenty of exciting NBA action on this Thursday with 10 games on the slate. We bounced back in a big way on Monday after a couple of tough outings and will be looking to keep the momentum going. Check out our best spread and player prop bets for Thursday right here!
NBA Betting Tips: Thursday, 18th of February
New York Knicks at Orlando Magic
Amway Center, 11am AEDT
New York Knicks are no longer the laughing stock of the NBA, instead they’re a team that no one can afford to face unless they’re giving 100%. They come into this off a convincing home win against the Hawks that made it three wins on the spin, increasing their record to a very respectable 14-15.
Orlando Magic have been ravaged by injuries since the start of their campaign where they started 4-0. They’re pretty much playing a couple of key guys along with some end-of-the-bench players, which is starting to show on their record. The Magic have lost four of their last five and surely won’t be playing playoff basketball this season.
These clubs have already met once this season when the Magic had a healthier list and the Knicks still managed to chalk out a decent win. Fast-forward to now when the Knicks are in winning form and the Magic are certainly not, making this an easy play for us.
We were on Randle a couple of days ago against a handy matchup and he delivered with a career-high 44 points. He gets another favourable matchup here against a weak interior defensive unit in the Magic and we expect another cover as a result.
Prop: Randle O23.5 Points ($1.91)
New York Knicks -4.5
$1.90
Atlanta Hawks at Boston Celtics
TD Garden, 11:30am AEDT
Atlanta Hawks have been a team of topic for us in recent slates, such has been their struggles. They’re now four games without a win, three of those by double-figures, and have also lost seven of their last eight. We’ve been saying for a while that DeAndre Hunter’s absence on both ends of the floor will hurt and the proof is in the pudding.
Boston Celtics have had to adjust their line-ups plenty of time this season with some injury concerns to their key players; however, the Celtics were able to dismiss a talented Nuggets outfit last time out, which will give them plenty of confidence going into another home game.
The Celtics are one of the premier teams in the East and on their home floor it’s very difficult to see the depleted Hawks challenging them here. They may put up a good fight for three quarters, but we expect the cream to rise to the top down the strech.
One place where the Celtics are vulnerable is in the paint and that bodes very well for Hawks big man, Clint Capela. We’ve already seen a bunch of big games from Capela this season and although the Celtics should win, he should be on for a good game in this one.
Prop: Capela O29.5 PRA ($1.85)
Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Clippers
Staples Center, 2pm AEDT
Utah Jazz are BY FAR the hottest team in the league at the moment. They’ve won 19 of their last 20 games and are a clear first in the league as a result. It hasn’t been a one-man show to get them to this point, instead it’s been a full buy-in for Quin Snyder’s men to get them to this point.
Los Angeles Clippers have had to deal with a ton of different starting line-ups due to injury, which has obviously halted their progress. They come into this matchup at a very healthy 21-8, but that’s only good enough for third best in the West at the moment. Kawhi Leonard is slated to return for this outing, while Paul George will continue his stint on the sidelines.
The talent on the Clippers roster is undeniable, but even more undeniable is the form of the Jazz. They’re on a historic run at the moment and are crushing just about anyone that they face. The Clippers should put up a stern challenge, but it’s impossible to go against the Jazz here.
