Race to 10 bets (first team to score 10 points) are a fast and simple way to place bets for those who aren't exactly keen on waiting until the final buzzer sounds for potential gains or losses.
Here's a look at three Race to 10 bets you need to consider for the NBA's slate of games on Thursday, February 8, 2024:
*Race to 10 records accurate as of Feb. 7:
Dallas Mavericks Vs. New York Knicks
The Game: Dallas Mavericks vs. New York Knicks, 7:30 p.m. ET
| Team | Odds | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Mavericks | -138 | 34-17 |
| New York Knicks | +108 | 26-25 |
Pick: Dallas Mavericks, -138
The New York Knicks made headlines on Thursday following a big trade with the Detroit Pistons, but all of the pieces involved won't be available for this matchup at Madison Square Garden.
Take the Dallas Mavericks here in the Race to 10, as the Knicks are currently dealing with some injuries to key pieces who have already been ruled out on top of the trade they just made. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, meanwhile, are expected to compete for the road team.
Cleveland Cavaliers Vs. Brooklyn Nets
The Game: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Brooklyn Nets, 7:30 p.m. ET
| Team | Odds | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers | -162 | 30-18 |
| Brooklyn Nets | +126 | 24-26 |
Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers, -162
In the midst of the Cleveland Cavaliers' seven-game winning streak, the team has gone barely above .500 at 4-3 in the Race to 10.
However, three of those betting wins have come in the last three games, so let's ride the wave and hope that streak for betters carries through against the Brooklyn Nets.
Minnesota Timberwolves Vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Game: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 8 p.m. ET
| Team | Odds | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Timberwolves | -111 | 23-28 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | -115 | 27-24 |
Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves, -111
The odds are pretty much evenly split here, and their respective records in the Race to 10 are close enough that leaning one way or the other is much more difficult.
The Milwaukee Bucks are 3-2 under new head coach Doc Rivers in the Race to 10, and still haven't proven capable of stopping anyone defensively for a full 48. The Minnesota Timberwolves will take this one at Fiserv Forum, not only in the Race to 10, but also in the win-loss column which matters most.
