All eyes will be on the Phoenix at Charlotte game in the NBA world on Thursday as Kevin Durant looms likely to make his highly anticipated Suns debut. We preview that game plus more, and bring you our NBA betting tips here!
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NBA Betting Tips: Thursday March 2nd 2023
Phoenix Suns at Charlotte Hornets
Spectrum Center, 11am AEDT
A Suns at Hornets game on a regular Thursday slate wouldn’t usually draw much attention, but it certainly will this time around. Superstar Kevin Durant is set to make his team debut for the Phoenix Suns.
Not only is Durant expected to suit up on Thursday, but so too are the Suns other stars in Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and DeAndre Ayton, all of which have battled with injuries at various stages this season.
It’s no surprise that the four-headed monster that is the new-look Phoenix Suns will start favourites against the Hornets, especially when you consider they’re set to be without LaMelo Ball and PJ Washington.
Durant has been ready to return from his injury for a while now, so perhaps the Suns were waiting to introduce him for the first time against an easy kill like the Hornets. Needless to say, the Suns should be far too good for the rebuilding, yet undermanned Hornets.
Phoenix Suns -10
$1.91 (2.5 Units)
Los Angeles Lakers at OKC Thunder
Paycom Center, 12pm AEDT
An important game in the landscape of the Western Conference will play out at the Paycom Center on Thursday, with the Thunder hosting the Lakers at 12pm AEDT.
The Lakers will be without LeBron James after he hurt his ankle in their recent win against the Mavericks a couple of days ago. James was able to play out that game but pulled up sore and is set to miss an extended period.
Anthony Davis will now be tasked with leading the Lakers on the offensive end, which he’s done well in the 10 games he’s played without James. Davis is averaging 28 points and 16 rebounds when James sits, and 25 points and 11 rebounds when he plays.
Meanwhile, the Thunder will be without their superstar in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander due to injury. They’re 3-4 this season when SGA hasn’t suited up.
The Thunder have lost four in a row and have given up 120+ points in all four games, whereas the Lakers have won three of their last four games. The Lakers are clearly in the better form at the moment and should be able to negotiate a win.
Los Angeles Lakers
$1.87 (1.5 Units)
New Orleans Pelicans at Portland Trail Blazers
Moda Center, 2pm AEDT
Another pair of Western Conference teams vying for similar spots in the standings will do battle in the final game of Thursday’s slate, with the Trail Blazers playing hosts to the Pelicans.
The Blazers will be without key pieces Jusuf Nurkic and Anfernee Simons for this one, which means Damian Lillard will be tasked with carrying the lion’s share of the scoring once again, just days after dropping a career-high 71 points on the Rockets.
Lillard has been on an absolute heater since the turn of the new year, averaging an amazing 36 points per game in 2023. The Blazers have needed every one of those points too as they’re still currently three games under 500.
Likewise, the Pelicans are dealing with a few injuries to key personnel at the moment. Zion Williamson continues to miss with a bad hamstring, while Larry Nance Jr. and Jose Alvarado are also unavailable.
The Pelicans are currently riding a four-game losing streak and only one of those losses came against a top eight team with a positive record. They’ve also lost nine of their last 10 games on the road. I can’t see them reversing the trend on this occasion.
Portland Trail Blazers -2.5
$1.88 (2 Units)
