Thursday has 40% of the league in action as the first week of April 2026 marches on. It features 6 contests on a moderate NBA slate with start times ranging from 7:00 PM ET to 10:30 PM ET.
Can the Pistons defeat the Timberwolves by 4 points or more in Detroit? Will the Lakers cover as road underdogs against the Thunder at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City? I’ll make picks for both contests below. Read on for our Thursday NBA Best Bets April 2 article.
NBA Best Bet: Minnesota Timberwolves +3.5 over Detroit Pistons
I like the Timberwolves here. Minnesota is in a good spot to cover the 3.5-point spread as road underdogs against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night. Finding a live underdog can often present tremendous betting value, and Minnesota looks to be exactly that.
The Timberwolves have proven they can handle this specific matchup, holding a solid 6-4 straight-up record in their last 10 games against the Pistons. Minnesota is also riding strong momentum, going an impressive 6-3 ATS in their last 9 games overall. Take the Wolves and the points.
Final score projection: MINNESOTA TIMERWOLVES 111, DETROIT PISTONS 109.
NBA Best Bet: Los Angeles Lakers +9 over Oklahoma City Thunder
I’d take the Lakers in this one. Los Angeles is well-equipped to cover the 9-point spread as road underdogs against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night. Despite facing a tough turnaround, the Lakers have proven to be gutsy, going an impressive 13-6 ATS when playing with a rest disadvantage this year.
L.A. also has some solid situational trends working in their favor, sitting at 26-20 ATS in conference games, 27-20 ATS when playing on 1 day of rest, and 26-23 ATS after a win this season. Expect Los Angeles and their top-10 offense to keep this Western Conference clash highly competitive down the stretch.
Final score projection: OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER 114, LOS ANGELES LAKERS 108.
Thursday NBA Best Bets April 2
- Minnesota Timberwolves +3.5
- Los Angeles Lakers +9
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