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NBA Best Bets: Basketball Picks, Predictions, Odds to Consider on DraftKings Sportsbook for May 8

Kenny Ducey gives his best bets on DraftKings Sportsbook for Saturday’s NBA betting card.

Washington’s Russell Westbrook shouts before an April 23 game against the Thunder. BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Congrats, we’ve made it to Saturday. As a way to celebrate, we’ve got a splendid seven-game slate coming your way on the hardwood tonight. With so much to choose from, let’s survey DraftKings Sportsbook for some player props, totals and sides to bet. You can follow me on Twitter (@KennyDucey) for any late adds.

Here’s what jumps out to me tonight.

Place your NBA bets at DraftKings Sportsbook and bet online by downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook app.



Washington Wizards vs. Indiana Pacers

Over 249 (-113)

I know what you’re thinking. There’s no possible way this could go over a ridiculous number like this, right? Well, I really do believe tonight’s game is going to be this high-scoring.

The Wizards have ranked in the top three of pace all season long, and nothing has changed with regards to the last 10 games. The Wizards are right up there in fourth, while the Pacers, ironically, lead the way in pace over that span. The best part of this matchup is that neither team has decided to play any defense lately, and with so many injuries for Indiana, the Wizards could hit 140 points by themselves. It’s also worth noting that Malcolm Brogdon (hamstring) is questionable, and with him off the floor, the Pacers play even faster. Take this and watch the score fly.


San Antonio Spurs vs. Portland Trail Blazers

Spurs +6

The Spurs are a very decent, but not very good, 7-6 against the spread on the second night of back-to-backs; however, I think they should manage to keep this one close. San Antonio’s got everything to play for here, entering a ridiculously hard part of its schedule and trying desperately to hold onto the 10th spot out West.

I realize Portland has covered in five of the past seven games, but the only two times they were asked to cover a spread like this were against tanking teams. They couldn’t pull away from the Lakers on Thursday, and I don’t think things will go much better against a respectable defense.


Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Shootaround [$100K to 1st]


Brooklyn Nets vs. Denver Nuggets

Nets -3.5

The gas tank seems to be running low for the Nuggets, who have gone on a spectacular run but have sputtered lately. The most recent shortcoming was on Friday night when the Nuggets led the Jazz for almost the entire game and managed to fall late, looking gassed and lethargic on the last few possessions. As a result, they failed to cover.

Denver’s pretty locked into either the third or fourth seed right now and should be taking it easy heading into the playoffs, given that they’ve seen so many players already get hurt. The Nets, on the other hand, are still within striking distance of the top spot, and though they have lost four straight, have played pretty close games. I think they should put their foot on the gas here and finish strong.

Place your NBA bets at DraftKings Sportsbook and bet online by downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook app.


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All betting odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.


I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is jetsfan196) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.


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