NBA Expert Tips and Best Bets | March 4

Wednesday’s basketball lineup gives NBA betting NZ fans plenty of ammo for a good midweek punt. I’ve got a near-certainty, a comfortable spread pick, and one that needs the Knicks to do what they always do against Toronto. Here’s the breakdown.

Knicks -1.5 | $1.90 @ Betandplay

Toronto are on a three-game losing streak at home and have been awful against Atlantic Division teams this season. That’s a grim record for a side sitting fifth in the East at 35-25.

New York are third at 39-22 and put away San Antonio 114-89 on Sunday. Brunson’s averaging 27.0 points per game, and Bridges piled on 30 in their last clash with the Raptors back in January, a 119-92 blowout.

But here’s the stat that seals this bet for me: the Knicks have won their last 10 meetings against Toronto. Given their dominance, a 1.5-point spread on sports betting sites is barely anything to cover. 

Thunder ML | $1.35 @ VipLuck

Chicago didn’t win a single game in February. They went 0-11 for the month and are clearly in tank mode ahead of the draft lottery. It doesn’t help that Simons, Ivey, Williams, Smith and Collins are all out injured.

OKC are 47-15 and top of the West despite missing Jalen Williams with a hamstring issue. SGA is putting up over 32 points per game and is a genuine MVP candidate. It’s no wonder the Thunder have won 22 of their 30 road games this season.

Chicago snapped their losing streak against Milwaukee on the weekend, but OKC are a completely different animal. A $1.35 return at VipLuck isn’t going to make anyone rich, but it’s a banker if you’re looking to build an NBA multi this week.

Lakers -8 | $1.95 @ Betista

LA snapped a three-game slide with back-to-back wins over the Warriors and Kings, and now they look right back in form. Doncic has been great since returning from a hamstring strain, averaging 30.4 points over his last five games, while LeBron added 22 against Golden State.

New Orleans are 19-43 and have Zion sidelined with an ankle injury. They’re 6-25 on the road and have lost nine of their last 11 away games against the Lakers. LA won their most recent meeting 111-103 in January.

Eight points is a decent spread to cover, but I don’t think the Pelicans will be able to score enough to keep this competitive.