It's that time of the year again, the NBA Western Conference Play-In is upon us.
Let's take a look at spread, moneyline and total plays to help you beat the books as these four teams battle it out for NBA playoff berths:
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Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans
Matchup Page: Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans, 7:30p.m. ET
| Team | Spread | Money | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Lakers | +1 (-108) | -102 | O 225 (-110) |
| New Orleans Pelicans | -1 (-112) | -118 | U 225 (-110) |
Pick: Lakers vs Pelicans OVER 225
The total has gone OVER in six of the Lakers' last seven games, and four of their last five in New Orleans. Lebron and co. breezed to a 17-point halftime lead in game 82 on Sunday. There's no reason to believe this contest is about to go any differently.
New Orleans lacks the depth to slow down the Lakers' offensive onslaught. LA has simply been outscoring teams down the stretch, averaging nearly 120 points per game in their last ten on close to 48% shooting from the field. Having said that, with Brandon Ingram back in the lineup, the Pelicans can score points in bunches. This Lakers team lacks any truly reliable wing defender. This team does have some shooting depth, with CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy and Jose Alvarado capable of knocking 'em down from deep.
The OVER has smacked in four of New Orleans' last six home games. Willie Green's team will have to play end-to-end basketball and outscore the Lakers to win this contest. The Lakers vs Pelicans OVER 225 is an easy play.
Golden State Warriors vs Sacramento Kings
Matchup Page: Golden State Warriors vs Sacramento Kings 10:10 ET
| Team | Spread | Money | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden State Warriors | -2.5 (-110) | -138 | O 223 (-110) |
| Sacramento Kings | +2.5 (-110) | +118 | U 223 (-110) |
Pick: Golden State -2.5
The Kings are cooked. Sacramento won just two of their last seven games to fall into the Western Conference play-in.
On the flip side, Golden State has been on a tear going 10-2 SU in their last 12 games. They're also 7-1 in their last eight road games and 4-1 ATS of late when playing on the road in Sacramento. Most importantly, the "splash brothers" are back. Steph has knocked down a ridiculous 43% from deep over his last 10 games, with Klay Thompson knocking down 42% of his own.
An NBA player has made 300+ threes 7 times… 5 of those times have been Steph Curry 🤯
— NBA (@NBA) April 16, 2024
His 357 this year are the 3rd-most ever! pic.twitter.com/XrgDUC3Yne
Draymond Green has become a nightmare matchup for Domantas Sabonis, as evidenced by his atrocious performance in last year's seven-game playoff series. The Gonzaga alum has averaged only 17 points and is a brutal -48 in his last 10 games against Golden State. I love the Warriors come away with the dub and cover the spread tonight.
