We get a day off from NBA betting action on Monday this week, but what follows will be two days of action that will totally clear up the playoff picture. The Western Conference combatants are settled, with just seeding left to decide, while there is still one playoff spot left up for grabs in the Eastern Conference. There are some huge games coming up in the final two days of the regular season, so let’s dig into that schedule to see if we can come up with some NBA betting picks that might help you build your bankroll ahead of the NBA postseason.
Top NBA Betting Picks of the Week – April 8th Edition
The #NBA Players of the Week for Week 25’s action!
East: @KembaWalker of the @hornets West: @russwest44 of the @okcthunder pic.twitter.com/CVQWNF4evS — NBA (@NBA) 8 de abril de 2019
Charlotte Hornets at Cleveland Cavaliers – Tuesday
The Charlotte Hornets have certainly made things interesting in the race for the #8 seed in the Eastern Conference, winning 3 in a row to get within a game of the Detroit Pistons. They will play twice in the final two days of the season and they really need to win both in order to get in.
You would certainly like their chances against the woeful Cleveland Cavaliers, especially since Charlotte have already taken 2 of 3 from the Cavs this season. That said, their lone loss did come on the road in Cleveland, so this is by no means an easy outing. I still believe that the Hornets will rise up and win here, though.
Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder – Tuesday
Neither of these teams really have anything to play for at this point other than seeding, but what makes this one so interesting is that this would be the opening round match-up if the season ended today.
Both teams are finishing the season well, with the Rockets winning 6 in a row, while the Thunder are on a 3-game winning streak. The Thunder have always performed well versus Houston, taking 4 of the last 6 meetings, which includes 2 of 3 from this season. I think that home court will help OKC here, which is why I am on them to win.
Detroit Pistons at New York Knicks – Wednesday
Depending on how things play out on Tuesday night, this may well prove to be the game that decides who makes the playoffs and who doesn’t. Going on the road for a must-win game is never an ideal scenario, but if the Pistons were asked to choose their final opponent in just such a game, there is a very good chance that they might well have gone with the New York Knicks.
This is not just because the Knicks have been poor again this season, but also because Detroit have owned them over the last couple of seasons, winning 6 in a row, including all 3 games this season. Look for Detroit to win and get in.
Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs – Wednesday
Again, we are looking at a game with not very much on the line, but what makes this one special is that it will signal the end of a career for Dirk Nowitzki. It will certainly be sad to see the big man take his final bow in the NBA, but don’t expect the Spurs to become suddenly charitable on Wednesday night.
They are in the #7 seed right now with a real shot at moving up, so they will be going all out to win. San Antonio will be firm favorites here given that they have won 4 in a row versus Dallas, including all 3 games this season. Look for the Spurs to complete the sweep.
