NBA Odds, Best Bets and Expert Tips | April 3

Friday’s NBA betting tips span three afternoon games here in NZ. I’ve got a revenge spot in Detroit, a spread I fancy in Charlotte, and a points line in the marquee game of the day - Doncic versus SGA in OKC. It’s a good range that I’m confident in across NBA betting NZ sites today.

Timberwolves -3.5 | $1.95 @ Betandplay

Detroit beat Minnesota 109-87 at Target Center on Sunday, but Anthony Edwards and Ayo Dosunmu were both missing. Edwards is back now, averaging 29.5 points this season, and the Wolves responded with a 124-94 demolition of Dallas on Monday.

The Pistons are 55-21 and top of the East. Cade Cunningham has been sidelined since mid-March but Daniss Jenkins has filled in admirably, averaging 18.5 points across his starts. Then there’s Jalen Duren, who put up 31 against Toronto on Tuesday. 

I’m still backing Minnesota here. At 46-29, they’re scrapping for the four seed and Edwards changes their threat level completely. Yes Jaden McDaniels is out, but 3.5 feels manageable on any of the best online sports betting sites.

Hornets -5.5 | $1.85 @ Betandplay

Charlotte demolished Brooklyn 117-86 on Wednesday. They’ve gone 16-5 in their last 21, with LaMelo Ball running everything, Kon Knueppel leading the league in threes as a rookie, and Brandon Miller scoring consistently.

Phoenix are 42-34 and got Dillon Brooks back on Tuesday after a month out with a hand fracture, though he picked up two fouls and a tech in under two minutes - talk about rusty. Their starting centre Mark Williams (foot) hasn’t played since early March. They lost to Orlando 115-111 on Wednesday after letting a lead slip. Booker and Jalen Green can put up numbers, but the Suns have lacked consistency. 

Charlotte at home should handle this by more than 5.5.

Lakers +10.5 | $2.25 @ Betista

Luka Doncic dropped 42 on Cleveland on Tuesday - his 16th 40-point outing this season. He put up 600 points in March alone, something only Michael Jordan had previously done in March. The man is averaging 33.8 on the year and the Lakers are 50-26.

OKC are 60-16 with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at 31.4 per game. SGA scored 47 against Detroit on Monday in overtime and has won 15 of his last 16. At home, the Thunder should win. But 10.5 is too many points between two teams with title ambitions. 

Doncic has a habit of willing his side into competitive games. I’ll take the betting apps NZ value on LA hanging in there.