The NBA Play-In Tournament continues on Thursday morning with two do-or-die games. We bring you previews and our best betting tips for both games right here!
Also, be sure to check out our NBA Tips page regularly to find our best betting tips for the key slates each and every week. On top of that, we provide NBL betting tips for every round of the season for those who love a good punt on the basketball as much as we do!
NBA Betting Tips: Play-In Tournament Day 2
(10) Charlotte Hornets at (9) Atlanta Hawks
State Farm Arena, 9am AEST
Scenario: The winner of this all or nothing game will take on the Cavaliers in Cleveland on Saturday and the loser will be eliminated. The winner of Saturday’s game will secure the #8 seed in the East and take on the Heat in the first round of the playoffs.
Injuries: Gordon Hayward remains as the only key out for the Hornets, which is obviously a big loss. It’s expected that PJ Washington will continue to fill the starting role in his absence. For the Hawks, John Collins is a big out for them, while spark plug Lou Williams will also be sidelined.
Season H2H: Tied 2-2. These teams took turns in beating one another in the regular season and ultimately tied the season series at two wins apiece. Each team went 1-1 on their home deck, showing that there is little to split between these teams during the regular season.
Prediction: The Hornets finished the season with three strong wins in a row but will definitely miss the leadership presence of Gordon Hayward during this do or die clash. On the other hand, the Hawks gathered playoff experience and success last season and will be confident of rising to the challenge. With that said, I’m happy to be with the Hawks to cover the small spread at home here.
(10) San Antonio Spurs at (9) New Orleans Pelicans
Smoothie King Center, 11:30am AEST
Scenario: The winner of this all or nothing game will take on the Clippers in Los Angeles on Saturday and the loser will be eliminated. The winner of Saturday’s game will secure the #8 seed in the West and take on the Suns in the first round of the playoffs.
Injuries: The Spurs will welcome the return of All-Star Dejounte Murray from injury, while sharpshooter Doug McDermott will be unavailable. For the Pelicans, Zion Williamson obviously remains on the sidelines, while Brandon Ingram is under a slight injury cloud but is expected to play.
Season H2H: Spurs 3-1. The Spurs won the opening two games against the Pelicans by double-figures this season before losing to them by 33 points in Game 3. However, the Spurs bounced back on the road to win by four points a couple of weeks ago to win the season series 3-1.
Prediction: The Spurs were finishing the season with a flurry before All-Star Dejounte Murray went down with injury, while the Pelicans suffered a couple of heavy and disappointing defeats to finish their regular season campaign. Now with Murray back and ready to go, I expect him to be able to lead this Spurs outfit to an upset win.
San Antonio Spurs H2H
$2.85
