Every night of the 2025-26 NBA season gives us a fresh set of games and numbers to pick apart. This daily column digs into the best sides and totals on the board, using in-depth basketball analysis, betting trends, and our VSiN NBA betting splits to spot value. We’ll also be tackling these slates relentlessly on our live VSiN programming, which is why basketball fans should really consider a VSiN Pro subscription. Below you’ll find some NBA picks and predictions for April 2.
MORE: Check out the VSiN Pro Picks page for more bets from our talented hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today – Thursday, April 2
Suns +5.5 (-109) vs. Hornets
Suns at Hornets – 7:00 pm ET
The Suns beat the Hornets 111-99 in Phoenix in March, getting 78 combined points out of Devin Booker, Jalen Green, and Collin Gillespie in the victory. Phoenix was without Dillon Brooks, Mark Williams, and Grayson Allen in that game, yet the team was still able to win by double digits. Now, with the two set to meet in Charlotte, the Hornets are 5.5-point favorites. However, with the Suns potentially at full strength for the first time all season, it feels like Phoenix might be getting too many points.
The Suns are 10-5 straight-up and 11-4 against the spread when coming off losses by 6 or fewer points this season, so I trust Jordan Ott to get his team focused and prepared after a close loss to the Magic. Plus, the matchup is quite favorable for Phoenix. This Charlotte team is first in the NBA in three-point makes per game (16.2), but the road team is third in the NBA in three-point makes allowed per game (12.1). The Suns are also a feisty on-ball team defensively, capable of producing a lot of turnovers. In fact, only four teams are getting more turnovers per game out of their opponents than Phoenix (15.5). Well, this Charlotte team can be sloppy with the ball.
It’s also hard not to like the idea of Booker and Green going up against a weak Hornets defensive backcourt. Also, having Brooks to check Brandon Miller will be big on the other end.
Of course, I have praised Charlotte a ton throughout the year, so it might be odd to have more positives to say about Phoenix. However, the Suns would potentially be the darlings of the Eastern Conference if that was where they were.
Clippers +5.5 (-125 – 1.5 units) & Clippers ML (+160 – 0.5 units) vs. Spurs
Spurs at Clippers – 10:30 pm ET
This is a play I posted to the Pro Picks page last night. Los Angeles was +4.5 at the time, but +5.5 was available at MGM at -125. Now, you’ll be getting a much worse number, so this might not be too useful for anyone that didn’t act fast. However, I still have a strong lean to the Clippers at the current number, and I also like the idea of playing an alternate spread — perhaps pairing +7.5 with Thunder or Cavaliers moneyline.
A few things go into my love for Los Angeles tonight. The first is that this is a poor rest spot for San Antonio. The Spurs are playing their third game in four nights, and they also had to play the Warriors last night. Fatigue can get the best of anyone. Young, talented teams aren’t exceptions. Also, the Clippers are just a rock-solid team. With Darius Garland active, they’re 9-4 since dealing for the guard. The lineup of Garland, Kawhi Leonard, Derrick Jones Jr., John Collins, and Brook Lopez has also dominated teams, which is something I talked about on the podcast today.
I just like Los Angeles’ combination of length and shot-making tonight, even with a motivated Victor Wembanyama coming to town.
Added Plays (Late Picks, Parlays, Teasers, Futures)
PARLAY: Thunder ML vs. Lakers & Cavaliers ML vs. Warriors (-175 – 1.5 units)
Check out today’s episode of Hardwood Handicappers!
