NBA betting – Pistons vs Celtics odds

NBA betting fans have only two match-ups on Thursday but, as usual, the games will be filled with some of the league’s biggest stars, which means sportsbook action will be heavy. The online betting favorites to lift the Larry O’Brien trophy at season’s end highlight the Thursday schedule.

Pistons vs Celtics odds should favor the home team in this clash between the two clubs that have dominated the Eastern Conference in recent seasons. This will be Kevin Garnett’s first game back after a one-game suspension for hitting Milwaukee center Andrew Bogut in the face, but the Celtics didn’t need him to beat New York 110-101 at home on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Pistons will be coming off a predictably tough game against LeBron James and Cleveland on Wednesday, so they could be worn out by the time they get to Boston, where they have dropped three of their last four visits.

Allen Iverson is slowly getting used to his new Detroit teammates, who are 3-3 with “The Answer” in the lineup, but he shot a poor 4-of-17 in Sunday’s loss at Phoenix. Garnett will be hungrier than ever in his return, which means Boston’s defense will be especially amped to send their bitter conference rivals to defeat.

CRAIG’S PICK: Bet online with the Boston Celtics

Lakers vs Suns odds will favor Los Angeles despite being on the road, as the Lakers look to be on a mission to prove they deserve their status as NBA betting favorites. The Lakers have shot out of the gate with an 8-1 record, and they’re doing it at both ends of the floor, ranking third in points for and against in the NBA.

Kobe Bryant has put up 25.4 points in 41 career meetings with the Suns, and he will be undoubtedly inspired when facing ex-teammate Shaquille O’Neal, who has 25.8 points and 11.6 boards in 11 games against his former club. But the Lakers should be more worried about Amare Stoudamire, who looks ready to improve on his 17.4 average against the Lakers.

The matchup between Los Angeles’ Pau Gasol and  Stoudamire at the power forward should be a treat for regular NBA fans and NBA betting players alike. The Lakers have lost seven of their last 10 trips to the desert, but they’ve won the last two.

CRAIG’S PICK: Bet online with the Los Angeles Lakers

Craig Parsons is an avid sports fan, but his true love has always been basketball. Too short to realize his dream of playing in the NBA, he did the next best thing? Sports betting and covering basketball for a living. Thoughts or questions?