Phoenix Suns extending their winning streak to four matches on Thursday, while the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers lost further ground in the Western Conference.
Suns Shining in Western Conference
Devin Booker scored a season-high 45 points to help Phoenix claim a 121-116 victory over Chicago Bulls at Talking Stick Resort Arena.
Thursday’s victory was the fourth in succession for the Suns, who have also beaten Toronto Raptors, Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta Hawks during this run, and they sit second in the Western Conference.
Phoenix, who can be backed at 12/1 to win the Western Conference, have come out on top in seven of their last eight engagements and have their sights set on another win when they host strugglers Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday.
Los Angeles Duo Looking to Bounce Back
Los Angeles Clippers sit third in the Western Conference with cross-city rivals the Lakers one place further back.
Both fell to defeats in their most recent outings with the Clippers’ loss to Eastern Conference strugglers Orlando Magic proving to be a major shock on Wednesday.
The Lakers, who had won back-to-back games, will also have been frustrated after going down 112-97 at home to Milwaukee Bucks.
Despite those losses, the Los Angeles pair still remain top contenders to end the season at the summit of the Conference.
The Lakes are still the 9/5 favourites to be crowned Conference champions for the 20th time, while the Clippers can be backed at 13/5.
The Clippers will have the opportunity to get back on the winning path on Friday when Denver Nuggets come to town and the hosts are 21/20 to get the victory, while the visitors are priced at 5/6.
Meanwhile, the Lakers head north to face Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on Saturday.
In-Form Hornets Eyeing Brooklyn Success
Brooklyn Nets lead the way in the Eastern Conference after enjoying a three-game winning streak, while they have lost just two of their last 13.
They have tasted defeat only twice in 17 outings on home soil and have won each of their last six at Barclays Center.
However, the Nets’ impressive record is set to be tested when an improving Charlotte Hornets side visit on Thursday.
Brooklyn can be backed at 5/7 with the Hornets, who have won three in a row, available at 5/4.
Hornets came out on top when last visiting Brooklyn and have claimed victory in three of the last five editions of this fixture.
76ers Eager to Stop the Rot
Philadelphia 76ers sit second in the Eastern Conference but that spot is coming under threat after losing their last two engagements.
Thursday’s trip to Cleveland Cavaliers could be just the tonic to address their poor form and they are heavy 1/4 favourites to come out on top.
The Cavaliers, who can be backed at 3/1 to come out on top, are riding a three-game losing streak and picked up just four wins from 13 outings in March.
*All odds correct at time of writing
