2016-17 NBA Betting Tips – Thursday, March 9th
The 2016-17 NBA season continues this week as we near closer to the season finishing. This week we preview the two ESPN televised matches and two more for our NBA, Thursday March 9th, Preview and Betting Tips.
Detroit Pistons at Indiana Pacers (12pm AEDT)
There is just one game separating these two sides as they fight it out in the Eastern Conference. They have two great big men in Andre Drummond and Myles Turner but both have varying skill sets. It will be an interesting match up as the Pistons attempt to bang it in while the Pacers will look to spread the floor.
Paul George has performed at a high level for the past month and will enter the game with back-to-back matches with over 30 points. He has made his presence felt on the boards and with assists too. Jeff Teague has had a bit of a slump but should get the upper hand in the battle against Reggie Jackson. While these two sides are close in the standings, the Pacers definitely have the stronger team on paper and have the home court advantage.
TIP: Pacers to win at the line (-3.5) – $1.95 at Sportsbet
Boston Celtics at Golden State Warriors (2.30pm AEDT)
The Warriors have bounced back from a slight slump to win their past two games. It took them a while to adjust without Kevin Durant who has been sidelined with a leg injury but should return before the playoffs. The side has enough depth and all-star talent to still play at a high level without the former MVP. They brought Matt Barnes in to help cover the small forward position.
The Celtics are on a two game losing streak themselves as they have missed a big opportunity to climb the Eastern Conference standings into first position. Isiah Thomas made a huge mistake against the Suns which cost them while they have been without Al Horford. It is likely he will miss this meeting which takes away their advantage at the centre position. This leaves us believing it will be a blow out on the Warriors court.
TIP: Warriors to win at the line (-8.5) – $1.95 at Sportsbet
Los Angeles Clippers at Minnesotta Timberwolves (12pm AEDT)
The Clippers bounced back and defeated the Celtics in a tight contest in their last match up. Chris Paul played at a high level while Blake Griffin was a massive contributor. The sides problem is their depth. They need a consistent third scorer and in this match it was Jamal Crawford who came up big.
The Timberwolves are without Zach Lavine but are still playing at a high level. The young squad has picked up its game and caused a lot of upsets this season. The side is 15-18 at home while the Clippers are 18-15 on the road. It should be a close game but we are leading towards the playoff bound Clippers to come up with the winning formula in the fourth quarter.
TIP: Clippers to win at the margin (1-10) – $2.50 at William Hill
Utah Jazz at Houston Rockets (12pm AEDT)
This will be a big battle between two Western Conference contenders. The Rockets lost a nail biter to the Spurs in their last meeting but James Harden continued to press his case for MVP at seasons end. He put up huge numbers like he has all season. However, he may find it difficult in this match when he faces one of the best defences in the league.
The Jazz will have an advantage at the centre position with Rudy Gobert having a break out season. He will need to stay out of foul trouble while he protects the rim from the driving James Harden. The Jazz are likely to be without George Hill due to his reoccurring toe injury but Shelvin Mack will likely be in the line up. Derrick Favours will join Hill on the sidelines due to his knee injury.
However, we are predicting the away side to earn the victory in this one on the back of their defensive play and a huge game from all-star Gordon Hayward.
