NBA: Preview and picks for tonight’s Raptors-Thunder, Pacers-Warriors, 76ers-Lakers games

Gilgeous-Alexander Visits Toronto to Play the Raptors

We know, why are we highlighting a game featuring the 23-46 Toronto Raptors playing out the string, trying to protect that No. 1 draft this summer (the San Antonio Spurs hold that pick if the Raptors finish out of the bottom six, from last year’s Jacob Poeltl trade)? 

Because Canadian PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is in town with the Oklahoma Thunder (48-20, tied with Denver for 1^st in the Western Conference) to play the Raptors. Alexander is one of the best players in the NBA – Wednesday night in their 119-107 win over Utah he had 31 points, making him just the 13th player in NBA history to score 30 or more points in 50 games. 

The Indiana Pacers (39-31, 6^th in the Eastern Conference), jockeying for playoff position, are on the road to take on the Golden State Warriors (36-32, 10^th in the Western Conference, on the edge of missing the playoffs entirely. Same situation with the L.A. Lakers (37-32, 9^th in the Western Conference), hosting the Philadelphia 76ers (38-31, 8^th in the Eastern Conference).

NHL Schedule: Game Details

Game 1: Raptors vs. Thunder Insights

Right now, the Raptors are seventh last in the NBA, so that No. 1 pick would go to the Spurs if the season ended tomorrow. Debate amongst yourself if they should tank for a Top 6 draft spot. 

Then again, when you look at the probable starters to tonight, it looks like an exhibition game. There is nothing intentional about it. SG Immanuel Quickley is out with a personal issue. SG RJ Barrett remains away from the team, mourning the death of his brother. PF Chris Boucher is out with a knee injury. Poeltl had surgery on his finger, so he’s gone. SF Scottie Barnes has been out the entire month after fracturing his hand.

🏀 Bet on Raptors vs. Thunder at DraftKings 🏀

That means a likely starting lineup tonight of F Gradey Dick, F Ochai Agbaji, PF Kelly Olynyk, SG Gary Trent Jr. and SF Bruce Brown.

The Raptors have lost eight in a row, coming off that 123-88 blowout loss to Sacramento Wednesday night. The Thunder have won three in a row and are 7-3 in their last ten. No injuries to report for the Thunder.

Alexander is pacing the team in points (30.9), FG% (54.4), FT% (87.5), and assists (6.4). He leads the league in steals (2.1).

Raptors vs. Thunder Player Props

On the online betting front, according to PointsBet Canada, most bet player props are Alexander Over 5.5 Assists (1.63) and Over 5.5 Rebounds (1.67), and Dick Over 1.5 Threes made (1.67).

At DraftKings, Alexander Over 30.5 Points (1.83), Under 6.5 Rebounds (1.69), Olynyk Under 7.5 Rebounds (1.69) are most bet player props. 

Game 2: Pacers vs. Warriors Insights

The Warriors are looking for a season sweep over the Pacers, and the Pacers are looking for their fifth-straight road win and hold on to that last guaranteed playoff spot. Wednesday, they routed the lowly Detroit Pistons, 122-103, led by PF Pascal Siakam’s 25 points and eight rebounds. 

PG Tyrese Haliburton leads the NBA in assists and dished out nine with 20 points against the Pistons. Great synergy between those two since Siakam came over in the trade with the Raptors in January. Siakam leads the Pacers in scoring (20.7), with 7.6 rebounds.

🏀 Bet on Pacers vs. Warriors at FanDuel 🏀

The Warriors? I don’t what to tell you. They’re shooting 47.4% from the field, 2.5 points lower than the Pacers allow to opponents (49.9%, 29^th in the NBA). PG Stephen Curry is averaging 26.8 PPG, 4.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists. They routed the Grizzlies Wednesday, 137-116, but that fast rise back into the Western Conference playoff conversation hasn’t materialized. They rank seventh in league scoring (118.6), and their defense is 20^th in the NBA. PG Chris Paul describes the year as having been up and down. No kidding.

PF Obi Toppin and SG Bennedict Mathurin are out for the Pacers. SG Moses Moody is questionable out for the Warriors, and PF Draymond Green is listed as probable.

Pacers vs. Warriors Player Props

On the NBA betting front, at PointsBet Canada, current most bet player props are Curry Over 27.5 Points (1.83) and Over 4.5 Assists (1.69), and Haliburton Over 29.5 Points (1.83).

At DraftKings, Siakam Over 7.5 Rebounds (1.71) and Over 0.5 Three Pointers Made (1.77), Curry Over 26.5 Points (1.83), Over 4.5 Three Pointers Made (1.77) and First Field Goal (7.50), and Haliburton Over 10.5 Assists (1.60) and Under 2.5 Three Pointers Made (1.67) are most bet player props.

Game 3: 76ers vs. Lakers Insights

The Lakers are coming off a 136-105 blowout win over the Atlanta Hawks Monday, led by SF LeBron James’ 25 points, PG D’Angelo Russell’s 27, and PF Anthony Davis’ 22. Russell shot 60% from three-point land (tying the franchise record set by Nick Van Exel, at 183 for the season). That’s a good, long break for the Lakers, who needed it. 

On the injury front, C Joel Embiid keeps rehabbing that injured knee. PF Robert Covington, PF Kai Jones, and SG De’Anthony Melton are listed as out, PF Tobias Harris is listed as questionable. C Colin Castleton, G Jalen Hood-Schifino, PF Jarred Vanderbilt, PG Gabe Vincent and F Christian Wood are out for the Lakers, while Davis is listed as probable, dealing with an Achilles issue.

The 76ers are 4-6 in their last ten and are sliding. The Lakers are 6-4. Philadelphia lost 115-102 to the Phoenix Suns Wednesday. PG Tyrese Maxey leads the 76ers in points (25.7) and assists (6.2).

76ers vs. Lakers Player Props

At PointsBet Canada, most bet player props this morning are James Over 7.5 Rebounds (1.77) and Davis Over 13.5 Rebounds (1.71). At DraftKings, it’s D’Angelo Russell First Field Goal (10.00). 

Our NBA Picks Today

We are going to take the Over (231) in Raptors-Thunder at FanDuel, in what will be a dominant Thunder win as they look to put a little real estate between themselves and the Nuggets in the Western Conference standings.

The loss of Mathurin is a factor for the Pacers (something the Raptors saw first-hand in a loss to the Pacers a few weeks back), and the return of Green (and Paul’s play), the fact it’s home court, and the sense of low-level panic that must be setting in, where they are in the standings, means we’re taking the Warriors ATS at BetMGM.

The week-long rest gives the Lakers the advantage against the 76ers in the night cap. Plus the 76ers continue to miss a ton of key guys. They’re 6-9 coming out of the all-star break. Take the Lakers ATS at 888 Sport.