Basketball Sports Odds and Preview Capsules: April 11
Atssportsline.com
There's less than a week left in the NBA regular season but there are still teams fighting for spots. Miami has the home court advantage locked up so expect them to rest just about everybody. Four teams are playing tonight are all fighting for playoff seedings. The playoffs start next Saturday on April 20. Take a look at some of the betting tips below for the NBA's top games on Thursday. Looking for winners for the NBA regular season, playoffs and baseball? Go to ATS Sportsline. We have all your basketball betting statistics, matchups and odds.
New York (51-26 SU, 43-32-2 ATS, 37-38-2 O/U) at Chicago (42-35 SU, 34-43 ATS, 34-42-1 O/U)
Intangibles:
New York has won 13 straight games.
Chicago has won four straight against the Knicks
The Bulls stopped Miami's 27-game winning streak
Last game: (1/11/13): Chicago (+4) over New York, 108-101.
Keys to Success: The Bulls are tied with Atlanta for fifth place in the East, though they have the edge with one less loss. Joakim Noah is still out with a foot injury and Luol Deng is doubtful with a hip injury. Those are two of the better defenders for the Bulls, who now must take on a Knicks team that has scored 245 points in their last two games. Carmelo Anthony has been unstoppable lately, averaging 40.6 points in his last five games. Without Deng, the Bulls will have to do more doubling on Anthony.
The Knicks beat Washington, 120-99 on Wednesday, giving 8.5 at home. The Bulls have lost two straight, falling at home to Toronto, 101-98, giving 3.5. Chicago Bulls are 1-5 ATS last 6 overall. Basketball Odds: New York is a 4.5-point betting odds favorite. Total: 191.5.
Oklahoma City (57-21 SU, 47-29-2 ATS, 36-40-2 O/U) at Golden State (45-33 SU, 39-38-1 ATS, 44-33-1 O/U)
Intangibles:
Kevin Durant has averaged 30.4 points in 20 career games against the Warriors
Oklahoma City is tied for first place in the Western Conference with the Spurs
The Thunder are 24-15 on the road this year.
Last game: (2/6/13) Oklahoma City (-11) over Golden State, 119-98.
Keys to Success: The Warriors are in sixth place and could fall to seventh as they are just one game ahead of Houston in the Western Conference. The Warriors have won four of their last five as they are quietly having a strong season at 12 games over .500. The Warriors can match the backcourt of Oklahoma City with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are shooting lights out after struggling through slumps. Russell Westbrook will be difficult to defend as he has produced 27.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 7.2 assists in his last five games. On Feb. 6, the Thunder held Curry to 5-of-20 shooting when the Thunder won by 21.
The Spurs are coming off a 99-97 win over Atlanta at home on Saturday, giving 10.5. Denver defeated Houston, 132-114 on Saturday, giving 6. In their last eight matchups, Oklahoma City is 1-8 under the total bet on the road. NBA Odds: Oklahoma City is a 4-point betting odds favorite. Total: 204.5.