NBA Odds, Best Bets and Expert Tips | April 1

I’ve been looking at a spot of Wednesday afternoon NBA betting and have three picks I’m keen on across NZ betting sites. First of all, there’s a Knicks side who I think should cover the spread in Houston. Then there’s a pick that feels like a blowout waiting to happen, and a play-in battle in LA where injuries could be the difference.

Knicks +2 | $1.95 @ Betandplay

New York are 48-27 and third in the East, even if they’ve stumbled a bit lately with losses to Charlotte and OKC. Jalen Brunson’s still been excellent, averaging 30 points over his last three, and Karl-Anthony Towns grabbed 14 rebounds in 24 minutes against New Orleans. The raw talent is there even when their results wobble.

Houston are 45-29 and dominant at home this season. Kevin Durant puts up 26 a night. But losing Fred VanVleet to a torn ACL has left a playmaking hole. The Knicks won the first meeting 108-106 in February. 

Getting a +2 spread on the best sports betting apps in NZ for a team with this much firepower feels generous to me.

Hornets -9.5 | $1.85 @ VipLuck

Brooklyn are 18-57. That’s where I’ll start and probably where I’ll finish, too. Jalen Wilson missed the Sacramento game through illness and Josh Minott is nursing a hip problem. There’s nothing to play for at Barclays Center.

Charlotte, on the other hand, are 39-36 and scrapping for play-in position. LaMelo Ball’s scored 20-plus in six of his last seven, while Rookie Kon Knueppel dropped 26 on the Knicks last week, with Brandon Miller chipping in 21 in the same game. I can’t see this being close.

Clippers -2.5 | $2.15 @ Betista

Portland have been impressive lately, with seven wins from their last 10 and Deni Avdija averaging 24 points and seven assists. Plus Donovan Clingan just posted a career-high 28 against Indiana. 

But they’ve been without Damian Lillard all season after his Achilles tear. Shaedon Sharpe’s out too, and Jerami Grant’s day-to-day with a niggly calf.

Kawhi Leonard is off the injury report for the first time in weeks. He’s been on a tear, landing 25-plus points in each of his last 11 outings and averaging a career-high 28.3 on the season. 

With Darius Garland beside him and LA on a five-game streak, I’m taking the Clippers at home. It’s a coin-flip game and odds of $2.15 reflects that, but I trust Leonard more than Portland right now.