The NBA season continues as we approach the New Year and we’re greeted with another big slate of games on Thursday. We’re coming in hot after hitting 6/7 of our last spread bets and believe we have some more winners for you here!
Also, make sure to head over to our NBA Tips page regularly, as we’ll be providing free tips for all the major slates for each and every week of the 2023-24 season!
NBA Betting Tips: Thursday, December 28th 2023
Philadelphia 76ers at Orlando Magic
Kia Center, 11am AEDT
Two of the top four teams in the East will come together in the opening game on Thursday, with the Philadelphia 76ers travelling to take on the Orlando Magic. The 76ers have been one of the hottest teams in the league this season but will be without superstar Joel Embiid who also missed in their loss to the Heat on Boxing Day. Obviously, the 76ers aren’t the same team without their spearhead and that opens the door for the Magic to continue their bright season to date, which has come as a bit of surprise. The Magic enter this slate at 18-11 and that includes 11 wins from 14 games at home. At near full strength and taking on the Embiid-less 76ers, you have to fancy the Magic in this one.
Orlando Magic to Win
$1.72 (2 Units)
New York Knicks at OKC Thunder
Paycom Center, 12pm AEDT
The juiciest matchup on this Thursday slate is undoubtedly the one between the New York Knicks and the OKC Thunder in Oklahoma. Both teams have exceeded expectations as we head towards the midway point of the season, with the Knicks sitting at 17-12 and the Thunder at 19-9. The Knicks have reeled off three wins from their past four games but now hit the road to take on the young Thunder who are taking the league by storm. The Thunder have won 11/16 at the Paycom Center including six of their last seven and are becoming a force to be reckoned with. And although the Knicks have shown plenty of fight and promise of late, you simple can’t go past the form of the Thunder, particularly on their home court.
OKC Thunder to Win
$1.72 (2 Units)
Phoenix Suns at Houston Rockets
Toyota Center, 12pm AEDT
Another intriguing game on Thursday is the one at 12pm AEDT between the travelling Phoenix Suns and the Houston Rockets. The Suns have well and truly lowered their colours so far this season and are currently sporting a negative record after 29 games, which no one would’ve anticipated. Meanwhile the Rockets have are two games above 500 and that’s well above everyone’s expectations at this point. The Suns are 7-6 on the road which isn’t horrible, but they’ve lost three and a row and remain with Bradley Beal. In contrast, the Rockets are 11-3 at home and clearly deserve to be favourites in my opinion.
Houston Rockets to Win
$2.15 (2 Units)
