After a break last night thanks to NCAA action, we are back with a monster 14-game NBA slate tonight to tip off the final week of the regular season. There is still so much to play for. In the East, 2nd to 6th place are separated by just 2.5 games. In the West, 3.5 games separate 4th to 9th. And that is not to mention that the top 3 have just 1 game between them. Tonight should be a major indi cator of how things will shape up come the playoffs. You can check out all of our NBA picks for today's games, but for now, let's dive into my Tuesday NBA parlay picks.
Milwaukee Bucks ML over Boston Celtics (+104)
The Bucks simply have more at stake in this game. With their current 4 game losing streak, it has allowed the chasing pack to catch up, putting their 2nd seed at risk. With the Celtics being well clear of everyone else in the standings, there is no need for them to exert themselves against an opponent they could face in the Eastern Conference finals. They will not want to reveal too much tonight. This is one of those end of season games that the circumstances around it should play a major part. The Celtics have both Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford listed as questionable. Considering how injury prone of one is and the age of the other, do not be surprised to see them err on the side of caution and leave the big men out. That should give the Bucks a major advantage on the interior. Back them to pull off the win at home, especially with Damian Lillard back running the show.
Orlando Magic -2.5 over Houston Rockets (-106)
The team that is hottest on the heels of the Bucks are the Orlando Magic, being just a game behind. They will be taking on a team in the Houston Rockets that has just been completely eliminated from playoff contention. As a result, do not be surprised to see them give younger players like Cam Whitmore and Amen Thompson much larger roles in the offense. That should play right into the hands of the Magic, who are 4th in defensive rating over the last 10 games. The Rockets are just 26th in that same category, and an injection of youth into their playing rotation is unlikely to help matters. The hosts have also ranked just 19th in true shooting percentage during that time. The Magic should be able to really limit what the Rockets can do offensively, helping them secure a much needed win.
San Antonio Spurs -2.5 over Memphis Grizzlies (-112)
With Jaren Jackson Jr. confirmed out for the Memphis Grizzlies, this should be the Victor Wembanyama show tonight. The Spurs big has been phenomenal, cementing his credentials as this years rookie of the year. Over the last week he is averaging 24.3 points, 15 rebounds, 7.7 assists and a monster 6.3 blocks per game. That level of rim protection should make it incredibly tough for a Grizzlies team who are making just 33.6% of their 3-pointers over the last 10 games. If they cannot get it going from inside or out, it is hard to see the hosts coming away with a win. The Grizzlies are the weakest home team in the Western Conference too, with the fewest wins and a -7.1 point differential per game. With the star power the Spurs have in their rookie, they should be able to come out on top here.