We’re into the last fortnight of the NBA regular season which means there are some crucial encounters each day, as the fight for playoff and play-in spots intensifies. This Tuesday in the Association we have a huge 10-game slate to sink our teeth into, with the first of those games getting underway at 9:00am AEST. As always, we bring you our three best bets for the day 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: Wednesday, April 9th 2025
Los Angeles Lakers at OKC Thunder (10:00am AEST)
The Oklahoma City Thunder will be looking to bounce back when they host the Los Angeles Lakers at Paycom Center. Sitting at 64-14, the Thunder are leading the Western Conference and have already matched their franchise record for wins in a season. They rank among the league’s best in both scoring and efficiency, with an offensive rating of 117.8 and a defensive rating of 110.2. At home, they’ve been particularly dominant, averaging over 121 points while keeping opponents below 110. Their ball movement and perimeter shooting continue to give them a decisive edge.
The Lakers come into this game with a 48-30 record but face several concerns. LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves are all listed as questionable, while Rui Hachimura is out. These absences leave Los Angeles vulnerable, especially against a Thunder side known for its depth and tempo. The Lakers remain one of the poorest rebounding teams in the league, collecting just 41.4 boards per game, and their offensive rhythm has suffered during stretches without key contributors.
With momentum, home-court advantage, and the motivation to bounce back from their recent loss, the Thunder are primed to respond with a big win. Expect them to dictate the pace and take full advantage of what’s highly likely to be an undermanned Lakers lineup.
Thunder -13.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Minnesota Timberwolves at Milwaukee Bucks (10:00am AEST)
The Minnesota Timberwolves travel to Milwaukee with a strong chance of extending their momentum against a Bucks team still searching for consistency. Minnesota, currently 46-32, have built their success on defensive pressure and controlled pace, ranking among the top five in defensive rating at 109.1 this season. Their road record has been solid, and their ability to contest shots without fouling has made them a tough matchup for high-scoring teams. Offensively, they’ve improved their ball movement and scoring balance, posting an offensive rating of 111.5 and shooting over 48% from the field.
Milwaukee, at 44-34, sit in fifth spot in the Eastern Conference standings but have struggled to string together strong performances against playoff-calibre opponents. Despite being formidable at home, their defence has been vulnerable this season, with a rating of 114.6. While they continue to score efficiently, their issues closing out games and defending the perimeter have led to dropped results against stronger defensive units. Their rebounding numbers are solid, but second-chance points conceded remain an area of concern.
This matchup favours Minnesota, who are peaking at the right time and have the tools to disrupt Milwaukee’s rhythm. Expect the Timberwolves to grind out a physical contest and come away with a statement win on the road.
Timberwolves -3.5
$1.85 (2.5 Units)
Golden State Warriors at Phoenix Suns (12:00pm AEST)
The Golden State Warriors head to the Footprint Center to face a Phoenix Suns side that has fallen out of playoff contention. At 46-32, the Warriors are fighting to solidify their place in the Western Conference playoff picture. Their offence has been consistent throughout the season, with a rating of 112.4, while they continue to rely on sharp ball movement and disciplined spacing. Defensively, they rank among the top teams in opponent three-point percentage and have held teams to just over 110 points per game over the past month.
Phoenix, now 35-43, have struggled to find rhythm on either end of the floor. Their defensive rating sits at 116.7 and they’ve been particularly vulnerable during transition sequences and defending the perimeter. Offensively, they have shown flashes but often lack the sustained efficiency needed to keep up with high-tempo opponents. The Suns are allowing too many points per possession, especially against teams that move the ball well and attack mismatches.
With playoff urgency on their side and the Suns trending in the wrong direction, Golden State should control this matchup. Expect the Warriors to push the pace, exploit Phoenix's defensive lapses, and come away with a dominant and important road win to bolster their postseason position.
Warriors -8
$1.90 (2.5 Units)
