It’s the first day of April which means the NBA Playoffs tip off later this month! However, still meaningful games left to be played and opportunities to cash in. I am firing at 60%+ this season and I hope to close the season strong. Below are my NBA Picks for April 1, 2024.
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NBA Picks April 1, 2024
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Orlando Magic
Tipoff – 7:10 pm EST
Spread: Magic -16
Total: 210.5
This game is a pretty simple one for me. You have one team, the Blazers, who are headed to the NBA Draft Lottery, and one team getting ready for the playoffs. The Trail Blazers are playing end of the bench players in this game, and the Magic are putting their best foot forward.
Typically when the Magic are winning games at home, they are covering the spread. In fact, the Magic are 26-11 SU and 25-12 ATS. Further, when the Magic play a team with a winning percentage of less than .400 and are a double-digit favorite at home, they are 8-0 SU and 7-1 ATS. I am not afraid of the big number here. Lay it with the Magic!
Best Bet: Magic -16
Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Tipoff – 8:10 pm EST
Spread: Pelicans -1.5
Total: 223.5
A tight playoff race in the Western Conference features two teams going head-to-head tonight in New Orleans. The Suns will travel to take on the Pelicans in a game where I am expecting it to be a playoff-type of atmosphere and tightly contested defense.
Over the course of the last five games, the Pelicans rank #7 in defensive efficiency, and the Suns are a respectable #14. Further, both teams are well below the league average when it comes to the pace of play.
Over the last three games, the Suns have failed to score more than 105 points. This is a team that features the most prolific scorers in the NBA in Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
Additionally, the Pelicans are without Brandon Ingram and are relying on Zion Willamson and CJ McCollum to carry the offensive load. Lastly, since the All-Star Break, the Suns are 13-6 to the Under and the Pelicans are 14-5 to the Under in the same span.
Best Bets: Suns/Pelicans Under 223.5
YTD Record: 53-34-1 (60.8%)
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