NBA Betting Tips: Thunder to continue impressive start

The NBA In-Season Tournament was wrapped up over the weekend, with the Los Angeles Lakers being crowned champions after a 123-109 triumph over the Indiana Pacers. Tonight, the regular season resumes, with 13 games taking place, and we've picked out our best bets for the upcoming matches.

Pacers @ Pistons - Pacers (-6.5) @ 5/6

The Pacers came up short in their quest to win the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament, and they resume their regular season against the Detroit Pistons.

Despite the loss, the Pacers showed that they'll be a factor in the Eastern Conference, and Tyrese Haliburton showcased his talents on a national stage, who's currently averaging 26.9 points per game. In fact, Indiana currently have the best offense in the league, averaging 128.4 points per game.

Meanwhile, the Pistons just want to know what winning feels like again. After a 2-1 start, they have lost 19-straight.

Detroit ranks 28th in the league for scoring average, and surrendered 136 points to the Pacers just a couple of weeks ago, so I'm backing Indiana here.

Bulls @ Bucks - Bulls (+10.5) @ EVS

The Bulls looked to have turned a corner in recent weeks, winning all four outings since their disappointing loss to Boston in the group stages of the In-Season Tournament - a run which includes a victory over the Bucks.

Chicago remain 12th in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 9-14, but they take on a frustrated Milwaukee outfit who are looking to bounce back after being knocked out of the In-Season Tournament semi-finals.

Milwaukee's defense is not as strong as it has been in the past seasons, ranking 18th in defensive efficiency, which give the Bulls encouragement when looking to score the basketball.

I'm not certain that the Bulls can win this game, but I think they can cover the spread here.

Jazz @ Thunder - Thunder (-12.5) @ 10/11

The Oklahoma City Thunder will be looking to continue their fine start to the season, when they welcome the Utah Jazz to the Paycom Center on Monday night.

The Thunder are coming off a 138-136 overtime win over the Golden State Warriors on Friday, whereas Utah have struggled for consistency all campaign, and they bring a two-game losing streak into this one.

OKC are currently sat in second place in the Western Conference, and they've been one of the most efficient teams in the league on both sides of the basketball. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is putting together an MVP-calibre season, averaging 30.5 points per game, which ranks him as the sixth-highest scorer in the NBA.

Utah have struggled all season on the road, and I struggle to see them troubling Oklahoma City here, especially without their leading scorer Laurie Markkanen.

Check out the rest of our NBA Betting Tips here.