Media by Associated Press – Chicago Bulls guard Coby White, right, celebrates with forward DeMar DeRozan after scoring a basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies in Chicago, Sunday, April 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
The NBA season is creeping toward the end of the regular season. What that means for teams is that some are thinking about the golf course, and others are still harboring dreams of winning an NBA crown. One thing that is important for anyone contending for a title is avoiding playing in the play-in tournament.
Here’s a look at the games worth betting on Tuesday.
Atlanta Hawks at Chicago Bulls (-3.5)
The Bulls have woken up recently, winning seven of their last ten games to move into 10th place in the Eastern Conference. Chicago has a chance to keep climbing the standings if it can beat likely fellow play-in tournament participant Atlanta Hawks. The Bulls have won two of the three meetings between the teams this season.
All three games have been close, however. Chicago and Atlanta’s three meetings have been decided by a total of 14 points. The Bulls have been good against the spread, covering seven of the past ten games, including the last four games in which they were favored. Atlanta has struggled against the spread recently.
The Hawks have failed to cover in four straight games and are 3-3 straight up over their last six games. Atlanta’s defense has struggled recently, giving up 123.8 points per game. The Hawks will see those struggles continue, and Chicago will cover the spread.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Brooklyn Nets (-1)
The Timberwolves have fallen on hard times since they scored back-to-back wins over Golden State and Sacramento. Minnesota has lost three straight games and needs to keep winning games to stay in the race for the play-in tournament. The Nets have won three straight games and have moved into sixth place in the East.
Brooklyn, despite trading away superstars earlier this season, has found its groove. They are 22-16 at home and have won three straight at home. Brooklyn has scored 112.1 points per game while allowing 111.1. The Nets are 3-7 against the spread over the past ten games.
The Timberwolves are 4-6 over the spread over their past ten games. Minnesota has dropped three straight games and lost two straight at home. The Nets will extend the Timberwolves’ suffering and grab a home win.
Sacramento Kings at New Orleans Pelicans (-2.5)
The Pelicans are anxiously awaiting to see if they will get Zion Williamson back before the playoffs start. As things stand now, the Pelicans have won back-to-back games and are a half-game out of sixth place in the Western Conference. Brandon Ingram and C.J. McCollum have stopped the scoring and made the Pelicans a tough out.
New Orleans has covered seven of the past eight games against the spread. The Kings are excited to make their first trip to the playoffs in nearly two decades. Sacramento is coming off a surprising loss to San Antonio. The Kings are 3-5 against the spread over the past eight games.
New Orleans will cover the spread on the road.
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