Thursday’s NBA Predictions and Betting Tips – April 22, 2021

The NBA got a bit out of control yesterday, so it won’t be a bad thing to cool things down with Thursday’s six-game schedule.

Phoenix and Boston tip the night off with a pretty tense clash at TD Garden, but the game of the night is undoubtedly an epic battle between the 76ers and Bucks in Milwaukee.

Those should be the main games bettors circle for Thursday’s slate, but I’m here to provide assistance if you’re looking to place other bets.

Let’s gear up for another fun NBA betting slate by diving into Thursday’s betting picks and NBA predictions.

Boston could be sneaky at home, but they haven’t been at full strength, and handling the Suns is a tall order. Phoenix is still in a position to nab the NBA’s top seed, so I expect them to keep it rolling here.

Milwaukee hosts Philly in a massive Eastern Conference tilt. With the Nets banged up, this could easily play a huge hand in deciding the #1 seed in the east, and I’ll give Milwaukee the edge at home.

Orlando is fading fast (1-9 over their last 10), and they will have zero answers for Zion Williamson down low. The Pels are reeling (lost four straight), but this serves as a “get right” spot as they continue to eye a playoff spot in the west.

San Antonio also has a gimme-game against the Pistons, while the Mavs should snap out of their current skid by taking out a depleted Lakers squad.

Charlotte vs. Chicago is arguably a bit of a toss-up, but the Hornets are just as banged up as the Bulls are, and they really have no answer for Nikola Vucevic inside.

You can roll with these NBA picks as straight-up bets, but sometimes the moneyline doesn’t match the pick you like. For my favorite upsets and best bets on this slate, read on.

I presently do not see any NBA upset picks I’m floored by, but to be fair, there is pricing out for just two games as I prepare this post.

Charlotte (+3) is not the worst upset try, while New Orleans is so bad defensively that Orlando (+7.5) is somewhat viable, as well.

Either of those bets would definitely stand out to me here. Whatever the case, I’ll take another look when odds are updated and edit this section if I see any NBA underdog picks that I like.

As I said, there aren’t many lines available just yet, but if you wanted to get a head start on Thursday’s NBA betting slate, you have my basic NBA picks and some of my preferred wagers.

I’m sure updated pricing will open things up, but I actually really like the Over for both of the games listed above.

New Orleans has picked up the pace recently, and that’s a huge reason to bet on the Over in any game they’re associated with.

That, and they can score pretty well and don’t defend worth a lick.

The Pelicans defense this season: pic.twitter.com/E9Updszfqv

— InsideHoops.com NBA (@InsideHoops) April 21, 2021

Nobody in the NBA has seen the Over hit more times (38-20) on the year, either, while Orlando should contribute with the league’s 26th ranked defense.

For the other game, the Hornets and Bulls both score decently, and they’re not terribly slow (13th and 18th, respectively) in terms of pace. Neither defend particularly well (tied for 17th best defense), and this game total is just super low to begin with.

I think you can hammer the Over with confidence in both spots and then check back here to see if I add any more NBA picks before Thursday’s games go live.