The play-in tournament continues this Thursday with four more teams vying for a spot in this year’s playoffs.
BetDeluxe takes an in-depth look at both matches as the Raptors host the Bulls and the in-form Pelicans take on Australia’s Josh Giddey and the Thunder.
Raptors vs. Bulls
13th April 9:00am
The play-in tournament continues Thursday, with the Toronto Raptors battling the Chicago Bulls for a place in this year’s playoffs.
The Raptors are expected to replicate their victory over the Bulls from last month, entering this match as $1.45 favourites with BetDeluxe. They’ll do so on the back of a much-needed 16-point win against the Bucks in the lead-in, with Gary Trent Jr top-scoring with 23 points as both sides went in undermanned.
Pascal Siakam has been the main danger for the Raptors this season with 24.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, while Fred VanVleet has dropped 19.3 and 7.2 assists. The star guard’s numbers post-All-Star Game have been even more impressive, with 8.6 assists and 2.3 steals.
The Bulls will derive confidence from their trio of scoring options, with Zach LaVine (24.8), DeMar DeRozan (24.5) and Nikola Vucevic (17.6) all capable of causing headaches for the opposition defense.
While they’re $2.75 outsiders, expect the Bulls to go much closer than the market suggests.
Suggested Bet: Same Game Multi
- Leg 1: Raptors to win
- Leg 2: Under 214.5 total points
- Leg 3: P. Siakam over 20.5 points
- Leg 4: N. Vucevic 10+ rebounds
- Total: $6.75
Pelicans vs. Thunder
13th April 11:30AM
The second of the Western Conference play-in games will feature the in-form New Orleans Pelicans and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Pels, who enter at $1.44, have earned their spot in this year’s post-season with nine wins from their past 12 games, including victories over the higher-ranked Clippers (twice), Nuggets, Grizzlies, and the Knicks.
Brandon Ingram has top-scored in nine of those games, with the star forward averaging 27.3 points and 6.9 assists since the All-Star break. If they are to progress, it will be without Zion Williamson after being ruled out from making a return from his hamstring injury.
The Thunder hasn’t been nearly as convincing in the lead-up to the post-season, with just four wins from their past ten games. However, it hasn’t been through a lack of trying from star duo Shae Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey, with the pair continuing to lead every major statistical category for the Thunder.
Suggested Bet: Pelicans to win @ $1.44
