NBA Best Bets For Wednesday, April 9: Luka Doncic’s Return To Dallas
Teams are still fighting to avoid the play-in tournament during the final week of the regular season. The playoffs are around the corner, but the spotlight is currently on Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas in tonight’s matchup at 7:30 p.m.
Keep reading for NBA best bets below, and bet with your favorite sportsbook apps.
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NBA Best Bets For Wednesday, April 9
Check out three bets below for Wednesday’s NBA games.
Klay Thompson Over 2.5 Made Threes (-118 FanDuel)
Since the trade deadline, the Lakers have allowed the ninth-most wide open triples per game and the ninth-most attempts per game from above the break. They are vulnerable to outside shooters, especially those that utilize screens because Doncic and Austin Reaves can get lost.
Klay Thompson remains one of the top off-screen shooters in the league, and he’s still knocking down 39.4% of his outside shots at 34 years-old. Thompson should see plenty of quality looks with Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively, and Daniel Gafford applying tremendous rim pressure versus a small-ball Lakers squad.
It’s worth noting that Thompson has hit 3+ triples in 18 of 26 games since the deadline that shocked the world. That’s a 69.2% hit rate, and his -118 odds own an implied probability of just 54.1%. I recommend playing the line at one unit.
Oklahoma City Thunder -9.5 (-108 DraftKings)
Phoenix’s offense depends on Devin Booker’s scoring and playmaking to an unhealthy degree. He must dominate the game for the Suns to flow, which raises serious concerns tonight.
Luguentz Dort, Alex Caruso, and Cason Wallace are the best trio of perimeter defenders in the league. Dort’s physicality, in particular, will significantly throw off Booker’s game (both physically and mentally). In two matchups this season, Booker has averaged 15.5 points per game, shot 26.3% from the field, and coughed up more turnovers than assists.
If Kevin Durant suits up, then Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren are both capable of limiting his impact. The Suns also struggle with turnovers and occasionally defensive rebounding, so the Thunder should win the possession battle.
Meanwhile, who is guarding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander? Look for SGA to hunt Phoenix’s weak perimeter defenders and force them into isolations or ball screens. Opponents are also shooting an absurd 71.5% in the restricted area versus Phoenix post deadline, so the Thunder’s drive-heavy offense likely dominates.
Overall, the Suns are a great matchup for OKC on both ends of the court. Even though the Thunder just played last night, they have enough depth and consistency to avoid the back-to-back fatigue. I expect this game to be over quickly and suggest playing it at one unit.
Nikola Jokic Over 10.5 Assists (+108 FanDuel)
Sacramento’s defense forces a ton of catch-and-shoot looks because they commit to limiting rim attempts. They also lack the vertical athletes necessary to deter Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun’s cutting. As a result, Nikola Jokic should feast as a playmaker tonight, especially with Jamal Murray’s expected absence.
In two matchups this season, Jokic has dished out 13 and 17 assists. I expect the MVP candidate to replicate that success and hit the over. I would play the line at one unit.
