Nine games on Thursday in the NBA, and as always, we’ve got you covered for game previews and best bets for three of the games in today’s action.
Check out our NBA betting tips for Thursday 2nd February below, and make sure to check our daily content over at Before You Bet!
2022-23 NBA Betting Tips: Thursday 2nd February
Washington Wizards at Detroit Pistons
Little Caesars Arena, 11:00am AEDT
The Wizards have been streaking of late, winning their past 6 matches by an average of 11.3 points per game. They’ve been getting contributions from all over the floor, with Kyle Kuzma (21.8p, 7.6r), Bradley Beal (22p, 5.2a), and Kristaps Porzingis (22p, 8.8r) all contributing over the course of the season. In their last game on Tuesday, it was bench small forward Deni Avdija who led the way, scoring 25 points and grabbing 9 rebounds in the Wizards win at San Antonio.
Today, the Wizards look to keep their streak alive against the stuttering Detroit Pistons. The Pistons have lost 9 of their past 11, and currently hold the 2nd worst record in the league. There’s every chance the Pistons have started tanking, with French phenom Victor Wembanyama looking extremely likely to be taken first overall in next year’s draft.
The Wizards have won the past 6 matchups between these teams, including the only matchup played this season. The Wizards hosted the Pistons at the end of October, cruising to an easy victory 120-99. Whilst I’m not certain the Wizards will again blowout their opponents, I do see them covering the spread, and I’ll take them today. I make the Wizards 9-point favourites, and will gladly lay the 5.5.
Washington Wizards (-5.5)
$1.91 (2 Units)
Portland Trail Blazers at Memphis Grizzlies
FedExForum, 11:00am AEDT
The Blazers come into this road fixture with the Grizzlies having been based in Portland for what seems like an eternity. With only one of their previous 11 matches being on the road, it’ll be interesting to see how the Blazers react to being back on the road, as they kick off a 3-game road span today. The Blazers have been below average away from home, losing 9 of their past 10 road games.
They take on the Grizzlies, who are battling the Nuggets for the 1 seed in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies currently rank 1st in the NBA in defensive efficiency, whilst also scoring at a good clip (7th PPG over the past 2 months). And whilst they struggled recently on a 5-game road trip (0-5), they stopped the rot on Monday, with a scrappy 112-100 win over the Pacers.
Whilst the Grizzlies are stuck in a bit of a rut, I think they get a good spot here against a team that has had the advantage of home comforts for a little too long. Whilst the battle between Damian Lillard and Ja Morant should be dynamite to watch, I like the Grizz to cover in this matchup.
Memphis Grizzlies (-5)
$1.91 (1.5 Units)
Atlanta Hawks at Phoenix Suns
Footprint Center, 2:00pm AEDT
The Suns have finally started showing glimpses of the team we’ve seen over the past few seasons, winning 6 of their past 7 games, after having lost 12 of their previous 14. The return of Chris Paul has been the catalyst, with the upcoming return of Devin Booker set to boost them further.
Today they get the Atlanta Hawks, who have been very up and down throughout the whole season. Trae Young was out on Tuesday, as the Hawks went down 129-125 to the Blazers in Portland. With no Young, Dejounte Murray was finally able to spread his wings, scoring 40 points on 13/26 shooting from the field. Young is listed as day-to-day with an ankle injury; however, I believe he will play.
With this game currently listed as a pick em, I have to take the Suns in this one. They’ve looked so much better lately, and they need to keep winning these types of games if they have any chance at winning the Pacific Division. They have a 19-8 home record, and have shown to have a significant home court advantage over the past few seasons. I like the Suns to get this done.
Phoenix Suns
$1.88 (3.5 Units)
