NBA- More Betting
9 NBA bets to make bank today – Thursday, April 9, 2026
Stop guessing and start winning. Check out our 9 top NBA picks for Thursday, featuring Warriors vs. Lakers and Celtics vs. Knicks.

The NBA regular season is sprinting toward the finish line, and tonight’s slate features a fascinating mix of playoff seeding battles and high-stakes lottery positioning. Whether you’re looking at the heavyweight clash in New York or a high-upside total in D.C., we’ve identified nine NBA best bets with the best analytical edges for Thursday night.
Miami Heat vs. Toronto Raptors (7:00pm ET)
The matchup: The Raptors (44-35) host a Miami team (41-38) that has struggled on the road recently (16-23 away record). Toronto is currently holding the 6th seed in the East and looking to solidify their spot to avoid the Play-In Tournament.
Raptors to Win (-150)
- Probability: 64.2%
- Edge: 4.2%
Toronto is playing for safety. With a 22-17 home record at Scotiabank Arena, they are statistically favored to handle a Heat team coming off a recent loss.
Raptors -4.5 (+108)
- Probability: 50.4%
- Edge: 2.4%
For better plus-money value, the Raptors to cover is the play. Miami's offense has been inconsistent, and Toronto’s length defensively matches up well against Miami’s perimeter scorers.
FULL PREVIEW: Heat vs. Raptors predictions
Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards (7:00pm ET)
The matchup: This is a battle of the basement. The Wizards (17-62) are on a 7-game losing streak and own the worst defensive rating in the league, while the Bulls (30-49) are just looking to finish the season with some dignity.
Under 246.5 (+113)
- Probability: 54.8%
- Edge: 7.8%
The total here is massive. While Washington gives up a lot of points, neither team has the offensive firepower to consistently sustain a pace that clears 246.5. This is our highest analytical edge of the night.
FULL PREVIEW: Bulls vs. Wizards predictions
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks (7:30pm ET)
The matchup: A potential Eastern Conference Finals preview. The Celtics (54-25) have already locked up a high seed, while the Knicks (51-28) are one of the hottest teams in the league, currently riding a 3-game win streak.
Knicks to Win (-187)
- Probability: 69.7%
- Edge: 4.6%
New York is a dominant 28-9 at Madison Square Garden. With Boston potentially managing minutes for stars like Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown late in the season, the Knicks are the safer play to protect home court.
Celtics +4.5 (+113)
- Probability: 50.7%
- Edge: 3.7%
Even if they lose, the Celtics rarely get blown out. They have the depth to keep this within two possessions, especially if the Knicks' physical style slows the game down.
FULL PREVIEW: Celtics vs. Knicks predictions
Indiana Pacers vs. Brooklyn Nets (7:30pm ET)
The matchup: This game has massive Draft Lottery implications. Both teams are at the bottom of the East standings, with Indiana (18-61) and Brooklyn (20-59) likely focused more on 2026 draft odds than the scoreboard.
Pacers to Win (-149)
- Probability: 63.9%
- Edge: 4.1%
Despite their record, the Pacers' young core has shown flashes. Against a Nets team that has struggled for identity all year, Indiana’s transition offense gives them the advantage.
Nets +2.5 (+117)
- Probability: 49.7%
- Edge: 3.7%
Expect an ugly game. In matchups between two struggling teams, the points are usually valuable. Taking the home dog with a small cushion is a smart value play.
FULL PREVIEW: Pacers vs. Nets predictions
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Houston Rockets (8:00pm ET)
The matchup: The Rockets (50-29) are surging, having won seven straight games. The 76ers (43-36) are fighting for seeding but have lost two in a row.
76ers +4.5 (+122)
- Probability: 51.4%
- Edge: 6.4% (High Edge)
The Rockets are favorites for a reason, but 4.5 points is a lot for a Philadelphia team that has Joel Embiid back in the fold. The 76ers are 40-39 against the spread this season; expect them to keep this one within striking distance.
FULL PREVIEW: 76ers vs. Rockets predictions
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors (10:00pm ET)
The matchup: A classic rivalry to close the night. The Lakers (50-29) are on a 3-game slide, while the Warriors (37-42) are fighting for their Play-In lives at the 10th spot in the West.
Warriors to Win (-130)
- Probability: 61.4%
- Edge: 4.8%
The Warriors are desperate, and Stephen Curry in a must-win environment at Chase Center is a dangerous thing. With the Lakers reeling from a tough week, Golden State should capitalize on their home-court urgency.
FULL PREVIEW: Lakers vs. Warriors predictions

