There’s a huge 9-game slate of NBA action on this Thursday with a few key matchups taking place. We’ll look at the value on offer in some of the key games, so join us here where we preview our NBA betting tips for Thursday, 14th December!
2017-18 NBA Preview & Betting Tips for Thursday, 14th December
OKC Thunder At Indiana Pacers (11:00am AEDT)
The Thunder have failed to live up to the hype through their first 26 games this season, winning just 12 of them. Of their 13 games on the road they are 3-10 and a league worst 2-11-0 against the spread. It won’t be any easier for them when they face the red-hot Pacers on Thursday, who are currently the fifth seed in the East. Coach Billy Donovan will undoubtedly be feeling the pressure and will have to turn things around quickly in order to save his job.
The Pacers are clearly one of the most improved teams this season and currently sit fifth in the Eastern Conference standings with a 16-11 record. Thursday’s matchup with the Thunder will be their fifth of a six game homestand where they are currently undefeated. They have been playing tremendous basketball and are being led by ex-Thunder Guard Victor Oladipo, who will be fired up for this one.
The Pacers hot form and the Thunders poor away record makes this one an easy selection. We see them adding another win to their current 4-streak on the back of a big performance from Oladipo.
TIP: Oladipo 25+ points and Pacers win - $3.50 at Ladbrokes
Denver Nuggets At Boston Celtics (11:30am AEDT).
The Nuggets are 15-12 and sit in fifth place in the Western Conference after an inconsistent 2017-18 campaign to date. On Thursday they will play the final game of their season-high 6-game road trip, where they have won 2 of 5 matches so far. They have struggled in recent games with Millsap and Jokic sidelined by injuries, but managed to find a way to get the job done in Detroit on Wednesday. However, the depth of the Nuggets roster will be fully put to the test when they face the top dogs in the East on the second game of a back-to-back.
The Celtics will be looking to bounce back from their worst game of the season where they lost to the Bulls by 23 points on Tuesday. They will be boosted by the return of Kyrie Irving to the starting line-up and the support from their home fans on Thursday, which should see them regain the form they’ve shown for the majority of the season.
The Celtics are 9-4-1 against the spread at home this season and we think they’ll show why with a big win against the Nuggets.
TIP: Boston Celtics to win (-7.5) - $1.95 at Sportsbet
Charlotte Hornets At Houston Rockets (1:30pm AEDT)
The Hornets are 3-7 in their last 10 games and a disappointing 10-16 for the season, placing them third last in the Eastern Conference. Many punters thought the Hornets would definitely be in the Playoff race in the East, but right now they look more like being in the running for a lottery pick. They are 3-8-1 against the spread on the road and will be put to the test against the hottest team in the league on Thursday.
The Rockets are the number one seed in the Western Conference and have the best record in the NBA with 21-4. The Rockets are 9-3 at home and are on a league high 10-game winning streak overall. Since Chris Paul’s return they have won 10 straight on the back of his 14.8 points and 9.5 assists in just 30.4 minutes per game. James Harden is having a career season and is the leading MVP favourite, averaging 32 points and 9.5 assists on 46% shooting.
We are expecting the Rockets to take care of business and put this game to bed early. Don’t be surprised to see them win by 20+ here.
TIP: Houston Rockets at the line (-12.5) - $1.90 at CrownBet
