We had a successful day on Wednesday’s slate by going +3.1 units. That takes our overall NBA season record to +25.2 units.
Now, we turn our attention to the massive slate on Thursday where there are 10 games scheduled for play. As always, Jake Smit brings you his analysis and three best bets for the day.
Also, be sure to check out our NBA tips page regularly to find our previews and best bets for every Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday slate for the entire NBA regular season!
NBA Betting Tips: Thursday, 15th December
Sacramento Kings at Toronto Raptors
Scotiabank Arena, 11:30am AEDT
The Kings continue their lengthy road trip with a stopover in Toronto where they will take on the Raptors. The visitors are currently priced as $2.80 underdogs against the $1.40 Raptors.
This will be the fifth of six straight games on the road for the Kings in a trip that is starting to turn ugly. They’re coming off back-to-back double-digit losses against the Knicks and the 76ers where they didn’t lead at the end of any quarter.
Likewise, the Raptors have lost their last two games, both also on the road. Thankfully, they return home to Scotiabank Arena where they’ve won 10 of a possible 13 games this season.
The Raptors have a fantastic record against the Kings in recent times, whether it be at home or in Sacramento. They’ve won nine of their last 10 against the Kings, including a 2-0 series sweep last campaign.
Everything points towards a solid win at home for the Raptors here and I’m keen to back that in for a couple of units.
Toronto Raptors -5
$1.92 (2 Units)
Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs
AT&T Center, 12pm AEDT
My next best bet comes from San Antonio where the Spurs will host the Trail Blazers at the AT&T Center. The home team aren’t expected to do too well according to the H2H market ($3.06 vs $1.38).
The Trail Blazers have been an interesting team to follow this season. We’re nearly a third of the way through and still no one’s quite sure whether this team is any good or not. The standings say they’re the fifth best team in the West at 15-12, and they’re one of just three teams in the conference to be over 500 on the road.
In contrast, every man and their dog know the Spurs aren’t any good. It’s no secret that they’re in full rebuild mode, and their 9-18 record reiterates that.
While the jury is still out on the Trail Blazers’ legitimacy of being a contender in the West, they should have no problems taking care of this Spurs unit. The Spurs have lost 15 of their last 16 games to their conference rivals and have little motivation to improve that record.
Simply put, the Trail Blazers, with their great form on the road, should be winning this game by double-digits.
Portland Trail Blazers -6.5
$1.85 (1.5 Units)
Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Clippers
Crypto.com Arena, 2pm AEDT
To finish off the Wednesday slate I’ll be making a play on the Timberwolves at Clippers game, which kicks off at 2pm (AEDT). The Clippers are listed as heavy favourites at the time of writing ($1.42 vs $2.90).
It’s no surprise the Timberwolves have been struggling with Karl-Anthony Towns side-lined through injury. They enter this slate with losses in each of their last two and six of their last nine games.
The Clippers are trending in the opposite direction, welcoming back both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George from injury. As a result, they come into Thursday night’s game on a mini two-game win streak.
The Clippers can be a frustrating team to back at times due to their inconsistency but having nearly all their key piece available helps steady the ship. They should be able to take advantage of the Timberwolves road struggles and secure a comfortably win on this occasion.
Los Angeles Clippers -5.5
$1.82 (2 Units)
