A huge 13-game slate in the NBA this Saturday, as the teams cram their last handful of games in before the regular season comes to a close in just over a week’s time. With just about everyone’s positions solidified in the Eastern and Western conferences, several teams are going to start resting stars very soon, as well as there being several teams with players already mentally checked out for the season. It’s a tough part of the schedule, so the bet sizes will get a bit smaller, but we’re still here to dive in to three of the biggest games on the slate, offering up our previews and best bets for all three.
2022-23 NBA Betting Tips: Saturday, April 1st 2023
Toronto Raptors at Philadelphia 76ers
Wells Fargo Center, 10:00am AEDT
I think we’re getting a very slight discount on the 76ers in this one, as not only have the 76ers been sputtering to end the season, but the Raptors are on a nice 3-game win streak. Despite the form lines, I fully expect the 76ers to run the Raptors out of the Wells Fargo Center.
If we dig into the Raptors winning streak, all 3 wins came at home, and all 3 came against teams not amongst the elite of the Eastern Conference, which the 76ers clearly are. In their last game on the road, the Raptors lost to the Bucks by 8. Prior to this, they had lost 5 of 6 on the road, mirroring their road record during the regular season that has been quite poor.
With the latest NBA MVP Straw Poll having come out today, the margin between Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid for the MVP award is ridiculously close. Embiid has spoken out regularly the past few seasons about how much he wants to win the MVP award. This straw poll, widely regarded as the most accurate indication of an award in the NBA, will no doubt motivate Embiid to come out and just destroy the Raptors. I’ll take the 76ers to cover the spread.
Philadelphia 76ers (-5.5)
$1.90 (2 Units)
New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, 10:30am AEDT
Whilst not mathematically assured, this is almost guaranteed to be a preview of the first round of the playoffs, as the 4th seed Cleveland Cavaliers host the 5th seed New York Knicks. And whilst I’ve been a Knicks stan in the second half of this season, I’m going to fade them here against the Cavs.
The Knicks are going to be without Julius Randle, and whilst that isn’t the only reason I’m looking to fade the Knicks, it’s certainly one of the reasons. With their number 1 scorer out, the Knicks have to look elsewhere to create enough points to beat this Cavaliers defence, which is number 1 in defensive efficiency in the NBA, whilst also conceding the least amount of points per game in the NBA.
The Cavs will surely want to put their stamp on the Knicks prior to the first round of the playoffs, even more so at home, as they will want to take advantage of the home court advantage through the playoffs.
The Knicks are all but assured of 5th place, so player resting is definitely a concern. Whilst the Cavs still have a slight chance at the 3 seed, they have to keep playing and trying to win every game. Cavs to win and cover.
Cleveland Cavaliers (-4.5)
$1.85 (2 Units)
Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves
Target Center, 11:00am AEDT
This is a MASSIVE game when it comes to the seeding in the western conference play-in tournament. With only a 1-game difference between the 4 teams currently occupying 7th through 10th, a game like this can make all the difference. This is particularly relevant to the Lakers in this matchup, as they trail the Timberwolves 2-0 in the head-to-head standings this season. A loss here, and the Lakers can kiss the 7-seed goodbye.
The Lakers have LeBron James back as they head into the final stretch of the season, and with LBJ and Anthony Davis both looking (relatively) healthy, there’s many thinking the Lakers can not only make the playoffs, but make a run in the playoffs.
The Timberwolves have finished the season strongly too, and they are surely a chance at a win against the Lakers here. If they manage to beat the Lakers, the Timberwolves would have one hand on the 7-seed, which is a huge advantage going into the play-in tournament. But in a one-game sample, I like the experience of AD and LeBron to get the win here.
Los Angeles Lakers to Win
$2.05 (1.5 Units)
