NBA Thursday trend plays: Celtics fare well in underdog role
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Tuesday saw a bevy of trend plays hit, including the Pistons-Cavaliers over and the Kings-Suns first-half under. With four games on tap Thursday, here are some betting angles to keep an eye on.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Detroit Pistons (-7)
These two went over the total Thursday, marking the fifth straight meeting in which the over has cashed. Despite the defensive adjustments that potentially occur when two teams see each other twice in three days, this game is still trending to the over. The Pistons have hit the total in each of their last seven as favorites, 11 of their last 14 at home, and seven of their last nine overall. Meanwhile, the Cavs head into Thursday hitting each of their last four overs, while cashing each of their last four following a straight-up loss.
Trend play: Over 220.5
Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers (-2.5)
Although the Celtics are just 2-5 against the spread and coming off a blowout loss to the Spurs, Thursday could be an ideal buy-low spot. Boston has covered six of its last seven games as an underdog and has held six of eight opponents to the team total under this season when getting points. The 76ers, on the other hand, are 0-4-1 ATS in their last five overall and 0-3-1 ATS against teams with winning records.
Trend plays: Celtics +2.5, Sixers team total under 108.5
Portland Trail Blazers (-1.5) at Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves have been ice-cold at home, currently on a 3-12 run ATS in their last 15. As a home underdog, they've covered just one of their last seven. The Trail Blazers, meanwhile, have gone under the total in each of their last six as road favorites, four of the last five as favorites in general, and eight of the last 10 away from home.
Trend plays: Trail Blazers -1.5, Under 224
Houston Rockets (-4) at Oklahoma City Thunder
Unlike the T-Wolves, you can trust the Thunder at home. Oklahoma City is on a 5-0 run ATS as a home 'dog, 13-2 ATS in its last 15 when getting points, and currently riding a 6-0 ATS streak overall. The Rockets have covered just once against the Thunder in their last six meetings.
Trend play: Thunder +4
Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKoIodziej.