NBA Odds, Best Bets and Expert Tips | April 9

I’ve got three picks across NBA betting sites for Thursday afternoon. Cleveland host Atlanta in what could be a first-round playoff preview, and I’m keen on Portland’s price at San Antonio now that Wembanyama is doubtful with a rib injury. Denver’s game against Memphis looks lopsided on paper - and in the betting.

Hawks +6.5 | $1.90 @ VipLuck

Atlanta are 45-34 and won four straight before dropping a tight one to the Knicks on Tuesday. Jalen Johnson has been sensational against Cleveland this season - he put up a 29-point triple-double the last time these two played back in November.

Donovan Mitchell is questionable with an ankle issue after being held out Monday. James Harden is back and Max Strus is available, so Cleveland aren’t crippled, but they’re 50-29 and this is a Hawks team that has owned the head-to-head. I’d be less keen if Mitchell was confirmed to play. With him questionable, 6.5 points on best betting sites is enough for me.

Nuggets -14.5 | $1.90 @ Betandplay

I know 14.5 is a big number. I don’t care.

Memphis are 25-54 and have lost Ja Morant for the season with a UCL sprain. Zach Edey had ankle surgery and won’t be back either. Beyond those two, Brandon Clarke and Santi Aldama have also been shut down for the year.

Nikola Jokic just dropped 40 on the Spurs in an overtime win on Saturday and Denver lead the NBA in scoring at 121.6 per game. Memphis gave up 142 to Cleveland on Tuesday. I’m comfortable laying the points here through betting promotions.

Trail Blazers +8 | $2.05 @ Betista

Victor Wembanyama left Monday’s game against the Sixers with a rib contusion after colliding with Paul George. X-rays came back negative, but he’s been listed as doubtful for this one. The Spurs have three games left and Wemby needs to play in one more to qualify for MVP and DPOY - I’d expect them to save him for Dallas or Denver later in the week.

Portland are 40-39 and fighting for the nine seed. Shaedon Sharpe and Jerami Grant are both out, which hurts, but Deni Avdija has been excellent as the primary option and Portland won eight of 10 before Monday’s loss in Denver. Eight points is generous when the Spurs are without their best player against a side playing for postseason survival.

I like Portland to hang around on the live betting sites I use. $2.05 at Betista.