NBA 2021: Best bets for all the biggest games on Thursday

After Cade Cunningham was dishing six assists per game, he decided to serve up one in a loss to the Blazers as things just keep going wrong.

If I wasn’t annoyed, I’d be laughing. So maybe try the opposite of these picks?

Denver Nuggets @ Orlando Magic

The Magic will welcome back Cole Anthony but lose Jalen Suggs, but they still won’t have many answers for Nikola Jokić.

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But in saying that, the Nuggets depth took another hit with Bones Hyland in the health and safety protocols.

The Magic kept it close against the Sixers and I think they can keep it within seven here. The Magic covering is $1.95 on TAB.

Best bet: Handicap betting - Magic +7.5

Philadelphia 76ers @ Boston Celtics

Unless I’m missing something, the Sixers are at full strength.

I know Philadelphia’s record isn’t great and they squeaked by Orlando, but before the absences they were rolling and Boston has yet to get it together this season.

So Philadelphia as a $2.20 underdog on TAB is what I want.

I also like Dennis Schröder’s points. A healthy Celtics mean he has fewer shots and minutes, and it’s set at 16.5. The under is $.177 on Sportsbet.

Best bet: Game result - Philadelphia to win

Best bet: Player points - Schröder under 16.5

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Miami Heat

No Bam Adebayo for Miami and maybe no Jimmy Butler, yet TAB has the Heat as 4.5 point favourites. I’ll take the Cavs to cover.

It’s a little weird to see Kevin Love with an assist line of just 1.5, but recent games haven’t been great.

Before his Covid diagnosis, he was getting threes and fours, so I do think getting to two assists here is possible. The over is $1.85 on TAB.

Best bet: Handicap betting - Cavs +4.5

Best bet: Player assists - Love over 1.5

Dallas Mavericks @ New Orleans Pelicans

Kristaps Porziņģis is on track to play and his rebound number looks way too low, set at just 6.5.

He should go over that and it’s paying $.190 on TAB.

Best bet: Player rebounds - Porziņģis over 6.5

Season results to date

67-72 (48%)

-11.972 units

ROI -8.6%

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