CJ McCollum of the New Orleans Pelicans. Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images

NBA best bets: Top Tuesday predictions from the ‘Buckets’ podcast for 4/9

Originally posted on Action Network | Last updated 4/9/24

Tuesday's NBA schedule is absolutely loaded with 14 games. With 28 teams in action, our "Buckets" crew came through with three best bets from Tuesday's podcast episode.

Whether you're looking to back one of the best teams in the league or sweat out a first half in the slate's late game, we have you covered.

Read on for all three of our "Buckets" best bets, and find Tuesday's full episode below.

Celtics -1.5 at Bucks

7:30 p.m. ET, TNT

By Matt Moore

I have this projected as Bucks +2.5, and there are no significant players on the injury report — except for Kristaps Porzingis, who's questionable.

The Celtics would actually benefit from playing small ball against a big Bucks lineup.

The Bucks are in a dip right now, and I'm riding the wave of fading them. I have all season questioned the togetherness of Milwaukee, and there are a lot of things that show cracks within this team.

I don't like them in this spot as they try to stop a four-game win streak and get back on track.

The Celtics have nothing to play for, which could benefit them in this spot.

Rockets +3 vs. Magic

8 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass

By Albert Nguyen

Houston's season is pretty much over.

The Rockets had a nice run, winning 12 straight to get into the conversation, but it's lost five straight and only covered one of those games since. Why are they only 1-2-point underdogs against a superior team that's in the thick of playoff seeding in the East? It's odd to me that this line is so short.

I was looking at two teams tonight that were both in buy-low spots, so it was between the Rockets and the Bucks.

This game means nothing for the Rockets, so if they start out well and come out fired up, then this will be a press spot at halftime because I think they can get the win.

Pelicans 1H -7 at Trail Blazers

10 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass

By Andrew O'Connor-Watts

We know how good the Pelicans are. They're 7-3 in the first half on the road in their last 10 games.

I'm also looking at their record against teams with a win percentage below 40%. Against those teams, the Pelicans are 15-6 against the spread in the first half.

Portland is also the worst first-half team in the league and at home. It's 12-25-1 ATS in the first half at home this year.

I'll be fine if Zion Williamson sits because the other Pelicans will step up. The Blazers are so unserious, and I have no concerns about fading them.

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