We're back with our best NBA bets tonight from the "Buckets" podcast.
No nights off for the NBA, although it is a light slate with just two games on the schedule — Miami Heat vs Brooklyn Nets and Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors.
Let's dive into our top NBA predictions for Thursday.
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7:30 p.m. | Nets 1H +1.5 |
  | 10:00 p.m. | Warriors +1Q ML (+100) |
| 10:00 p.m. | Chris Paul Over 1.5 Steals + Blocks |
Nets 1H +1.5 at Heat
7:30 p.m. ET ⋅ NBA TV
By Sean Little
Miami has won six in a row with four of those wins on the road. After a long road trip, we have seen teams come out sluggish in that first game at home.
The Nets are second in the league in percentage of points via the 3-point line (40.6%), while the Heat are toward the bottom of the league in defending the 3 — currently at 27th in the NBA (38.6%).
I think the Heat will be relaxed being back at home whereas the Nets can come out firing and take advantage of a first half cover.
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Warriors 1Q ML (+100) vs. Thunder
10:00 p.m. ET ⋅ NBA TV
By Jay Money
I know who is and is not playing for the Warriors tonight. No Stephen Curry, no Draymond Green — no problem for the Warriors, I think they come out fired up. It is all about the spot here. The Warriors are 3-0 in their last three first quarters and this is a Bounce-Back Jay spot.
The whole world is going to be on the Thunder tonight as they are coming off a big In-Season Tournament win. But as I said, Golden State will come out with some fire, some juice so I like the Warriors on the moneyline in the first quarter.
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Chris Paul Over 1.5 Steals + Blocks vs. Thunder
10:00 p.m. ET ⋅ NBA TV
I look at the Thunder vs. Warriors game very similarly to Jay. The system is still the system. They have lost four straight and still hung with the Timberwolves even after losing Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. When the line is this small, it is a sign to me that the Warriors will keep this close.
I know Chris Paul is going to play a lot of minutes tonight. When he plays 28-plus minutes this season, he has hit this line four of five times. His quick hands and basketball IQ are so good, I can see him taking advantage of his veteran presence and snagging a couple of quick turnovers.
A perimeter-heavy team like the Thunder should allow CP3 to jump some passing lanes.
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