The 2023-24 NBA regular season is coming to an end and we’re continuing to tackle it hard at VSiN. As always, Jonathan Von Tobel continues to provide you with his exceptional coverage of the greatest league in the world. Just click here for all of his content. However, all of my picks will be featured in this daily column, which will combine my NBA best bets and NBA player props. So, keep reading to find out how I’m playing the NBA slate on Thursday, April 4th. Also, check out our NBA Odds page for the latest line movement.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have on April 4
2023 Record: 300-318-2 (-16.08 units)
NBA Best Bets Today – April 4
Sacramento Kings at New York Knicks – 7:30 pm ET
The Knicks got some bad news earlier today, as it was announced that Julius Randle will miss the remainder of the season. I’m a little worried about what that will mean for the team mentally. But there’s so much to like about this matchup that I’m still taking New York with today’s NBA best bets.
I just find it hard to ignore that the Knicks went into Sacramento and earned a 98-91 win over the Kings on March 16th. That’s a very difficult place to play, and New York went out there and out-worked Sacramento. The Knicks won the battle on the glass 52-42, and they’ll likely do that again here. Also, New York has been one of the best defensive teams in the league over the last month. So, the absence of Malik Monk will hurt the Kings here. They’ll need all the offense they can get against New York. Sure, De’Aaron Fox will get his in this game, but Jalen Brunson is capable of matching his offensive production. And Isaiah Hartenstein, one of the better interior defenders in the NBA, should give Domantas Sabonis trouble around the basket.
The Kings are also coming off a 14-point road win over the Los Angeles Clippers, and they have had trouble backing up big wins this year. Sacramento is just 7-16 against the spread when coming off a win by 10 or more. The Kings are also 2-10 ATS after giving up 105 or fewer in their previous game. And I’m not even asking New York to cover here. I’m just dealing with the juice and backing the Knicks to win outright. Hopefully Josh Hart (questionable) plays for New York. But the team can win without him.
Bet: Knicks ML (-148 – 2 units)
NBA Player Props Today – April 4
Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets – 8:00 pm ET
Klay Thompson has played fewer than 30 minutes in back-to-back games. That’s a little concerning considering I’m taking the Over on Thompson’s point total tonight. But the reality is that Thompson is still going to get his opportunities in this game. And if he is shooting well, Steve Kerr won’t hesitate to close the game with him. Well, Thompson is averaging 19.5 points per game in two meetings with the Rockets this season. So I think a good performance is likely.
Houston is a good defensive team, but it hasn’t impacted Thompson thus far. And he’ll likely be covered by Jalen Green tonight. Green has taken his game to another level this year, but he still tends to fall asleep defensively. Thompson will make him pay if he does that. That said, I like Thompson to have at least 17 here. And I can see him finishing with 20 or more. That’s why I’m going to him with my NBA player props.
Bet: Thompson Over 16.5 Points (-111 – 1.5 units) & Thompson Alt Points 20+ (+180 – 0.5 units)
Added Plays
Miami Heat ML (-140 – 1.5 units) vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Denver Nuggets ML (-149 – 2 units) vs. Los Angeles Clippers
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