NBA Best Bets (April 9): Celtics vs. Knicks, 76ers vs. Rockets, and Lakers vs. Warriors

There is nothing quite like crunch time at the end of the NBA regular season to get the blood pumping. Yeah, the postseason picture has been filled, but we still don’t know where several teams will be seeded, who gets to host, and who the road warriors will be. That uncertainty means several teams have something to play for, which we’ll factor into our NBA Best Bets for the Thursday.

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Playoff teams with nothing to play for have no reason to put their best guys on the court and risk an injury that could impact the team’s playoff run. But the postseason picture isn’t exactly set in stone for the teams covered below. So, in theory, we should see these teams put their best foot forward.

NBA Best Bets: Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks Odds & Prediction

• Spread: Celtics +5.5 (-110) | Knicks -5.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Celtics +180 | Knicks -218
• Total: O/U 214.5 (-110/-110)

Odds via DraftKings

Heading into this game, the Celtics have a three-game lead on the Knicks for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. But New York has a 2-1 season series lead on Boston and will own the tiebreaker with a win at home over its hated rival. Should it win out and the Celtics lose their final two regular-season games…don’t laugh. It could happen.

But first things first, the Knicks must win this game for what happens in the last two to matter.

That task will be more or less challenging depending on what happens with the Boston injury report. As of late Thursday morning, the Celtics listed Neemias Queta, Sam Hauser, Derrick White, and Jaylen Brown as “GTD” or game-time decisions and considered questionable. Brown is not expected to play.

If these guys sit, I wouldn’t be shocked if Jayson Tatum sat as well.

Now, Boston’s two remaining games are against the New Orleans Pelicans and Orlando Magic, both of which are winnable games, even with a full injury report. The Knicks finish up with Toronto and Charlotte, a more challenging slate for sure.

My Pick: Knicks -5.5 (-110)

• Boston has too many players listed as questionable to make an informed decision without the final injury report. Without Derrick White and Jaylen Brown (Update. Apri. 9, 2:50 p.m. ET—Jaylen Brown has been ruled out), the Celtics are not keeping this one close (I’d expect Jayson Tatum to sit as well). Take the Knicks and lay the points. However, should Boston have Brown, White, and Tatum on the court, take the Celtics and the points. But it would not be shocking to see all four players sit with this being the first of a back-to-back for Boston. Take the Knicks.

NBA Best Bets: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Houston Rockets Odds & Prediction

• Spread: 76ers +6 (-110)| Rockets -6 (-110)
• Moneyline: 76ers +190 | Rockets -230
• Total: O/U 227.0 (-110/-110)

Odds via bet365

At 43-36, the 76ers are currently the No. 7 seed, but could fall back to the No. 8 or 9 seed if they falter down the stretch. But if they can win a couple of their final games and get some help, they could get out of the play-in tournament altogether. The need for a win is not as dire for Houston, but it is still needed. With injuries putting the Lakers in a late-season free fall, the Rockets can slide into the No. 4 spot and host the first round rather than the Lakers.

Injuries were holding the 76ers back for a while, and Joel Embiid is out with an illness Thursday. But Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, Kelly Oubre Jr., and VJ Edgecombe are not on the injury report. With each game down the stretch being crucial, it would be surprising to see anyone take the night off. However, they have not been great on the road this season, 21-18 overall and 4-6 in their last 10 road games.

The 76ers have lost two in a row and last played on Monday, falling to the Spurs in San Antonio, 115-102.

As for Houston, the Rockets have had issues with consistency and have been hard to trust at times this season. But the roster is relatively healthy. They’ve won their last seven in a row and their last five at home.

My Pick: Rockets -4

• Houston could be peaking at the right time with the offense averaging 121.2 points over the last five games and holding teams to 106.8 points per. In comparison, the 76ers have averaged 114.1 points over the last five while allowing 116.8. It can be hard to trust a Houston team that is 15-23 ATS at home to cover, but it is healthy and playing better basketball than the 76ers at the moment.

NBA Best Bets: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors Odds & Prediction

• Spread: Lakers +4.5 (-110) | Warriors -4.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Lakers +160 | Warriors -190
• Total: O/U 225.5 (-110/-110)

Odds via bet365

This is a game we should get excited about. But it's one we’ll probably be eager to forget.

With the injuries to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, the Lakers are in a free fall. They have lost their last three, allowed 132 points per game in those losses, and scored just 103.7 points per game (only the 76ers have been worse at 103.3 points per game).

Thrillzz

4.8/5

FREE $100K Pick’em Entry 🏀

• Excellent choice of sports.
• Pre-match and live picks.
• Strong community vibe.

400% Extra: Deposit $10 Get $50

Claim Now

Jaxson Hayes is listed as out, and Marcus Smart is listed as a GTD. But Smart has not played since March 21, and it would be surprising to see him in action tonight. LeBron James is not on the injury report, and there has been no word on whether he’ll play or not. The Lakers need to win if they are going to have any hope of holding onto the No. 4 seed. But is it worth risking injury to James? Probably not, but…

Golden State has locked in the 10-seed and will play on the road in the first play-in tournament game. They have nothing to gain by putting their best players on the court and risking injury. The current injured list is long:

• Will Richard (back): listed as GTD but considered doubtful.
• Charles Bassey (ankle): listed as GTD but considered questionable.
• Gui Santos (pelvis): listed as GTD but considered questionable.
• LJ Cryer (illness): listed as GTD but considered probable.
• Kristaps Porzingis (illness): Out

Steph Curry is not on the injury report. But he has only been back for two games since his lengthy stay on it. His availability will be crucial in the play-in game. No announcement has been made, but I wouldn’t count on him playing.

My Pick: Lakers ML

• I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but the Lakers ML is the best bet for this game. As bad a shape as the Los Angeles roster is in, the Warriors may be worse off. If LeBron James ends up playing (and Steph Curry does not), absolutely take the Lakers to win outright.