It’s another big day in the NBA on Saturday with 10 games on the schedule, with the first of those set for a 10:00am (AEDT) tip-off time. There are plenty of quality matchups across the day, headlined by the 64-12 Thunder taking on the 50-27 Rockets. Catch our preview and best bet for that game plus more below!
Also, make sure to head over to our NBA Tips regularly, as we’ll be providing free tips for all the major slates for each and every week of the 2024-25 season!
NBA Betting Tips: Saturday, April 5th 2025
Utah Jazz at Indiana Pacers (10:00am AEDT)
The Pacers host the Jazz in a matchup that heavily favours Indiana. With a 45-31 record, the Pacers are pushing for playoff positioning and come into this game boasting one of the league’s most efficient offenses. They average 117.1 points per game while leading the NBA in assists, showcasing their fast-paced, unselfish style. Defensively, they allow 115.2 points per game but should have little trouble containing a struggling Utah side.
The Jazz have been in full tank mode, entering this contest with a dismal 16-61 record and one of the league’s worst defences. They concede 120.4 points per game, ranking near the bottom in efficiency, and have shown little resistance against high-scoring teams. Offensively, they struggle to keep up, averaging just 111.4 points per game, and injuries to key players have further limited their competitiveness. With Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, and Jordan Clarkson sidelined, Utah has relied on a young core that has been unable to deliver consistent performances.
Indiana is heavily favoured, with a spread of 15.5 points. Given Utah’s poor form and lack of motivation, the Pacers should cover comfortably. Expect Indiana’s offense to dictate the pace and secure an easy home win.
Pacers -15.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Detroit Pistons at Toronto Raptors (10:30am AEDT)
The Detroit Pistons (42-34) will visit the Toronto Raptors (28-49) at Scotiabank Arena. The Pistons are aiming to solidify their playoff position in the Eastern Conference, while the Raptors have been eliminated from postseason contention and are in tank mode.
Detroit's offence, averaging 115.4 points per game, is led by standout performances from key players. Defensively, they allow 113.2 points per game. The Pistons have dominated the season series against Toronto, winning all three previous matchups.
Toronto has struggled offensively, averaging 110.6 points per game, and defensively, conceding 115.2 points per game. Despite a recent 4-1 record against the spread in their last five games, the Raptors have faced challenges against teams with strong offensive capabilities.
The Pistons are favoured by 10.5 points in this matchup. Considering Detroit's superior record, offensive efficiency, and success in previous meetings, they are well-positioned to cover the spread and secure a convincing victory over Toronto.
Pistons -10.5
$1.83 (2.5 Units)
OKC Thunder at Houston Rockets (11:00am AEDT)
The Oklahoma City Thunder (64-12) will visit the Houston Rockets (50-27) at the Toyota Center. This matchup features the top two teams in the Western Conference. The Thunder are on an 11-game road winning streak and aim to extend their dominance.
Oklahoma City boasts a potent offence, averaging 120.4 points per game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the team with 32.8 points and 6.3 assists per game and is the front runner for the MVP. Defensively, the Thunder excel, leading the league in three-point defence, fastbreak points allowed, and points allowed in the paint.
Houston has secured a playoff spot for the first time since 2019. The Rockets rank fifth in the league for points allowed per game and are fourth in field goal defence. They lead the Western Conference in rebounding, averaging 48.8 boards per game, with Alperen Şengün contributing 10.5 rebounds per game.
The Thunder lead the season series 3-1. In their last meeting on March 3, Oklahoma City secured a 137-128 victory. The Rockets will be without Dillon Brooks due to suspension, impacting their defensive capabilities.
Given Oklahoma City's offensive prowess and Houston's defensive challenges without Brooks, the Thunder are well positioned to extend their winning streak and cover the spread.
Thunder -6.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
