The NBA season has been an exciting one so far, with teams battling it out on the court for a chance at the playoffs. With just under a month left in the regular season, every game counts as teams jockey for position in the standings. On April 3rd, there are three games that stand out as must-watch matchups – Lakers vs Wizards, Thunder vs Celtics, and Suns vs Cavaliers. These games feature top teams and players in the league, making them sure to be action-packed and full of betting opportunities.
As a leading source of sports betting information, Gambling.com is here to break down these three games and provide our expert picks and predictions. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of NBA basketball.
Lakers vs Wizards
LeBron James and Anthony Davis Lead the Way
When the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Washington Wizards on April 3rd, they will be led by two of the biggest names in the league – LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Both are having stellar seasons and have been instrumental in the Lakers’ success so far.
James, a four-time MVP and three-time NBA champion, is averaging 25.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 10.6 assists per game this season. He is also shooting an impressive 51.3% from the field and has been a dominant force on both ends of the court. His leadership and playmaking abilities make him one of the best players in the league and a key component of the Lakers’ success.
Davis, a seven-time All-Star and 2020 NBA champion, is averaging 22.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game this season. He has been a force on defense, often anchoring the Lakers’ backline and shutting down opponents’ top scorers. His versatility on both offense and defense make him a valuable asset to the team and a matchup nightmare for the Wizards.
Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook Looking to Upset
On the other side of the court, the Washington Wizards will be looking to upset the Lakers with their dynamic duo of Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook. Both players have been putting up impressive numbers this season and are sure to give the Lakers a run for their money.
Beal, a two-time All-Star, is averaging an impressive 31.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. He is shooting an efficient 48.7% from the field and has been a consistent scorer for the Wizards all season. His ability to create his own shot and knock down three-pointers makes him a major threat to the Lakers’ defense.
Westbrook, a nine-time All-Star and former MVP, is averaging a triple-double this season with 21.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 10.8 assists per game. He has been a triple-double machine throughout his career and has continued that trend with the Wizards. His energy and playmaking abilities make him a key player for the Wizards and one to watch in this matchup.
Betting and Odds
When it comes to betting on this game, the Lakers are the clear favorites. However, the Wizards should not be underestimated, especially with Beal and Westbrook leading the way. Here are the current odds for the game:
- Lakers: -275
- Wizards: +225
For those unfamiliar with betting odds, a minus sign (-) indicates the favorite, while a plus sign (+) indicates the underdog. In this case, a $275 bet on the Lakers would win you $100, while a $100 bet on the Wizards would win you $225.
Thunder vs Celtics
Young Players to Watch
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics are both relatively young teams, but they have some exciting players to watch. For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Darius Bazley have been standout performers this season. Gilgeous-Alexander, in his third year in the league, is averaging 23.7 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game. He has shown improvement each year and is becoming a top scorer for the Thunder.
Bazley, in his second year, is averaging 13.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. He has also shown flashes of potential on the defensive end, making him a valuable asset to the team. Both of these young players will be key for the Thunder when they take on the Celtics.
On the other side, the Celtics have some young stars of their own. Jayson Tatum, in his fourth year, is averaging 25.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. He has established himself as one of the top scorers in the league and continues to improve each season.
Jaylen Brown, also in his fourth year, is averaging 24.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. He has also become a reliable scoring option for the Celtics and has stepped up in the absence of star player Kemba Walker. These two young players will be looking to lead the Celtics to victory against the Thunder.
Battle on the Boards
When it comes to rebounding, the Thunder and Celtics are evenly matched. The Celtics are currently ranked 17th in total rebounds per game, while the Thunder are just behind at 19th. However, the Celtics may have an advantage on the offensive boards, as they are ranked 5th in offensive rebounds per game.
The Thunder will need to box out and limit the Celtics’ second-chance opportunities if they want to come away with a win. On the other hand, the Celtics will need to crash the boards and create extra scoring opportunities for themselves.
Betting and Odds
The Celtics are the favorites in this matchup, but the Thunder have shown that they can compete with top teams this season. Here are the current odds for the game:
- Celtics: -215
- Thunder: +180
For those looking to bet on this game, the Celtics’ odds may be more favorable but don’t count out the Thunder just yet. Both teams have young talent and anything can happen on game day.
Suns vs Cavaliers
Chris Paul’s Leadership
When the Phoenix Suns take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 3rd, all eyes will be on veteran point guard Chris Paul. In his 16th year in the league, Paul has been instrumental in the Suns’ success this season. He is averaging 16.6 points, 8.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, and has been a leader on and off the court.
Paul’s playmaking abilities and veteran presence have helped elevate the Suns’ young core, led by Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton. He has also been a reliable scorer and distributor, making him a key player to watch in this matchup against the Cavaliers.
Collin Sexton’s Explosive Scoring
On the other side, the Cleveland Cavaliers will be looking to upset the Suns with their explosive scoring from Collin Sexton. In his third year in the league, Sexton is averaging 24.4 points, 4.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He has emerged as one of the top scorers in the league and has been a consistent performer for the Cavaliers.
Sexton’s speed and ability to create his own shot make him a major threat to the Suns’ defense. He will be looking to outscore Paul and the Suns to lead his team to victory.
Depth on Display
Both the Suns and Cavaliers have depth on their rosters, with multiple players who can step up and contribute on any given night. For the Suns, Jae Crowder, Mikal Bridges, and Cam Johnson have all been valuable assets off the bench, providing scoring and defense when needed.
For the Cavaliers, the likes of Jarrett Allen, Larry Nance Jr., and Darius Garland have all stepped up in the absence of key players. This depth will be crucial for both teams in this matchup, as they look to maintain or improve their positions in the standings.
Betting and Odds
The Suns are the favorites in this game, but don’t count out the Cavaliers who have shown that they can compete with top teams this season. Here are the current odds for the game:
- Suns: -200
- Cavaliers: +165
With both teams having depth and star power, this could be a close game and one that bettors should keep an eye on.
Conclusion
April 3rd is sure to be an exciting day for NBA fans, with three must-watch matchups – Lakers vs Wizards, Thunder vs Celtics, and Suns vs Cavaliers. These games feature top teams and players in the league, making them sure to be action-packed and full of betting opportunities.
At Gambling.com, we will continue to provide expert picks and predictions for these and other upcoming NBA games. So stay tuned and get ready for an exciting end to the regular season.
