NBA Betting Tips: 9/1 treble for Thursday’s matches

As the trade deadline approaches, we've got more NBA action to analyse on Thursday night, and we've picked out our best bets for the upcoming games.

76ers @ Pacers - Pacers (-4.5) @ EVS

The Philadelphia 76ers will take their show on the road when they visit the Indiana Pacers on Thursday.

Philly enter this match off the back of an epic performance from Joel Embiid in their last outing, who erupted for a franchise-record 70 points in the Sixers' 133-123 home victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

Embiid currently leads the league in scoring, averaging 36.1 points per game, and he'll be licking his lips going up against an Indiana team that have lost their last three.

However, the Pacers are 3-2 in their last five home clashes, which includes a win against the Celtics, and they have the best offense in the NBA. I feel like Philly could also have one eye on the Nuggets matchup on Saturday, potentially overlooking this one, which would work in Indiana's favour.

Celtics @ Heat - Celtics (-6.5) @ 10/11

The Celtics travel to Miami to face the Heat in a rematch of last year's Eastern Conference finals matchup.

I've mentioned in previous columns that I believe that the Celtics are the best team in the NBA, and they're on fire at the moment, winning their last two away trips against Houston and Dallas, as well as five of their last six outings overall.

The C's rank first in offensive rating, and second in defensive rating - it's hard to find a more well-rounded team at the moment, and although I'm intrigued to see how Miami look after trading for Terry Rozier, I still think they'll have their hands full trying to deal with Boston's firepower.

Bulls @ Lakers -  Bulls @ 13/8

The Lakers are looking to bounce back against the Bulls here, after suffering a disappointing loss against their LA neighbours on Tuesday.

Los Angeles keep sliding down the Western Conference, and they've dropped 13 of their past 20 games. LeBron James missed the 127-116 defeat against the Clippers due to an ankle problem, and the Lakers will be hoping that their superstar will be back in action for them here.

The Bulls blew a 23-point lead last time out against Phoenix, eventually falling 115-113 after Kevin Durant hit the game-winning shot with 1.6 seconds left for the Suns.

However, there were positive signs for Chicago, who outplayed Phoenix for most of the game, and if the Lakers are without James once again here, then I can certainly see the Bulls taking advantage.

Chicago have won four of the past five meetings between the teams, including a 124-108 home win on December 20, so I'm taking them on the money line here.

Check out the rest of our NBA Betting Tips here.