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NBA Thursday trend plays: Why you should fade the Nuggets

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After going o-fer on Wednesday's trend plays, we're back for a five-pack of games Thursday. Here are the best betting angles that apply to the slate.

Phoenix Suns at New York Knicks (+3, 226)

The Suns can't catch a break lately. Following a four-game win streak against the spread, Phoenix hasn't covered in its last five tries, all as a favorite. The Suns are now on an 0-5 run ATS as favorites, 0-4 when playing on one day of rest, and 0-5 against teams with losing records. Meanwhile, New York has been formidable against beatable opponents, going 5-2 ATS the last seven home games against clubs with losing road records.

Trend play: Knicks +3

Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks (-9.5, 224.5)

Despite the Bucks' track record of covering the spread in virtually every situation, this spot lines up well for Boston. The Celtics are 6-1 ATS their last seven as underdogs, 5-1 the last six when getting points away from home, and 10-4 the last 14 following a double-digit loss at TD Garden. After getting shellacked at home by Detroit on Wednesday in a potential lookahead spot, this is a ton of points to be getting.

Trend play: Celtics +9.5

Utah Jazz at New Orleans Pelicans (+4.5, 225.5)

Both teams are on fire heading into Thursday's clash. The Jazz are 7-1 ATS the last eight road games, 13-3 overall in their last 16 contests, and riding a 4-0 run as favorites. Meanwhile, the Pelicans are 6-1-1 ATS the last eight as 'dogs, 6-1 the last seven home games against teams with winning records, and on a 5-0 run with at least two days of rest. Instead of trying to pick a side, take a look at the total - the over has cashed in 17 of these team's last 23 meetings and 11 of the last 12 in New Orleans.

Trend play: Over 225.5

Denver Nuggets at Golden State Warriors (+4.5, 213)

I recommended fading the Nuggets last night against the Hornets, to no avail. I'm going back to the well and staying away from a Denver team that's 1-6 ATS the last seven when playing the second game of a back-to-back, 2-6 ATS following its last eight straight-up wins, and 7-22 straight up after a double-digit victory. Though it's already baked into the spread, the Nuggets might be down Jamal Murray, who suffered an injury against Charlotte on Wednesday.

Trend play: Warriors +4.5

Orlando Magic at Los Angeles Clippers (-11.5, 216)

After shattering Wednesday's total against the Lakers in their win, the Magic get a slightly inflated total against the Clippers for Thursday. Orlando is 6-1 to the under following an outright win, 7-1 after scoring more than 100 points in its previous game, 8-3 against teams with winning records, and 9-3 overall. Meanwhile, the under has cashed in four of the last five meetings and in seven of the last 10 in L.A.

Trend play: Under 216

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.

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