A monster Thursday slate in the NBA is headlined by Celtics vs. Pacers in an Eastern Conference Finals rematch.
Elsewhere, the Knicks take on the Heat, the Lakers try to bounce back from their first loss of the season in LeBron James' old stomping grounds in Cleveland, and Victor Wembanyama takes on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder.
Let's get to our NBA picks and best bets today from the "Buckets" crew.
NBA Picks, Best Bets Today
Rockets at Mavericks
| Rockets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5.5 -110 | 227.5 -112o / -108u | +180 |
| Mavericks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5.5 -110 | 227.5 -112o / -108u | -218 |
By Jay Money
"Luka’s best games this season [have come] when he’s the facilitator rather than the sole scorer, keeping the offense flowing and involving teammates. Dillon Brooks will be on him, applying pressure and trying to disrupt his rhythm. This Mavs team is the deepest Luka has played with, and he doesn’t need to go for 30-plus every night."
Pick: Luka Doncic under 29.5 points
By Sean Little
"[Ime] Udoka has Houston playing defense-first basketball with a slow pace, ranking 26th in possessions per game. Dallas doesn’t exploit the paint, which is Houston’s main defensive vulnerability, and they’re not a team that consistently draws fouls. With limited trips to the free-throw line and a focus on perimeter play, this has the makings of a low-scoring game."
Pick: Rockets–Mavericks Under 227.5
