Tag: NBA betting odds lines picks best bets predictions against the spread over-under

Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks Game 5 betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks tangle in their Eastern Conference Semifinals best-of-seven series Tuesday for Game 5. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET in the Orlando bubble (on TNT). We analyze the Heat-Bucks NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Series: Miami leads 3-1.

Heat vs. Bucks: Key injuries

Heat

  • SF Jae Crowder (ankle) questionable
  • SG Tyler Herro (hip) questionable
  • PF Kelly Olynyk (knee) questionable
  • PF Chris Silva (groin) out

Bucks

  • SF Giannis Antetokounmpo (ankle) questionable

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Heat vs. Bucks: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Heat 108, Bucks 104

Moneyline (ML)

The HEAT (-150) entered Game 4 unbeaten in the postseason, but they finally tasted defeat in Sunday’s 118-115 overtime win by the Bucks (+125).

Milwaukee lost Antetokounmpo to an ankle sprain, and he could be heard screaming in pain while writhing on the floor. That’s not a good sign for his availability for Game 5, and even if he can gut it out and play, it’s uncertain exactly how effective he’ll be.

Take the HEAT (-150) to win Game 5 and the series.

Also see:

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The HEAT -3 (-110) are worth playing lightly, although the moneyline is a little more expensive but with lesser risk. This is going to be a close game, as the Bucks +3 (-110) are on the brink of elimination and won’t just go quietly into the night. If you bet the line, you will be sweating it out all the way until there are zeroes on the clock.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Heat returns a profit of $9.09 if they win by 4 or more points.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 217.5 (-110) has hit in each of the odd-numbered games, with the Over hitting in Games 2 and 4. The Under would have come through in Game 4, too, if Dante DiVincenzo would have hit both of his free throws at the end of regulation with his team down one. Instead he split the pair and the game went to overtime where 19 points were scored, pushing the total over.

If Antetokounmpo is out or limited, that’s even better for the Under, as Milwaukee loses a huge chunk of its offensive production.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Milwaukee Bucks vs. Miami Heat odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Milwaukee Bucks vs. Miami Heat Game 4 betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat continue their Eastern Conference Semifinals best-of-seven series Sunday with Game 4. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m. ET in the Orlando bubble (on TNT). We analyze the Bucks-Heat NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Series: Miami leads 3-0.

Bucks vs. Heat: Key injuries

Heat

  • SG Tyler Herro (hip) probable
  • PF Kelly Olynyk (knee) questionable
  • PF Chris Silva (groin) out

Bucks

  • PF Giannis Antetokuonmpo (ankle) questionable

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Bucks vs. Heat: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 8:35 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Bucks 109, Heat 104

Moneyline (ML)

The Heat have the Bucks on the brink of elimination and are favored to finish them off at -139. The Bucks (+115) are underdogs for only the seventh time all season.

They are 2-4 when they’re not favored. The Heat have been fantastic when favored, going 39-13 in those games, but the Bucks are too talented and have been too good to get swept in a playoff series. They will extend this series Sunday. Take the BUCKS +115.

Also see:

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Heat (-2.5, -110) have also been a great bet against the spread, covering 55.2% of the time this season — only five teams had a higher cover percentage. That record gets even better (30-21-1) when favored.

Milwaukee (+2.5, -110), meanwhile, is 2-4 ATS as an underdog, but again, even with Antetokounmpo not at 100%, the Bucks will come through. Take the underdog BUCKS +2.5 (-110).

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Bucks (+2.5) returns a profit of $9.09 if they lose by no more than 2 points or win outright.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total is set at 219.5 for Game 4. If the Bucks are to get back into this series, their defense will have to be back to the level it was all season. Miami has scored at least 115 points in each game so far.

The No. 1 defense will return and keep the Heat down. Take the UNDER 219.5 (-110).

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks Game 2 betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks continue their Eastern Conference Semifinals best-of-seven series Wednesday for Game 2. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET in the Orlando bubble (on ESPN). We analyze the Heat-Bucks NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Series: Miami leads 1-0.

Heat vs. Bucks: Key injuries

Heat

  • PF Chris Silva (groin) out
  • SG Gabe Vincent (shoulder) questionable

Bucks

  • PG Eric Bledsoe (hamstring) questionable

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Heat vs. Bucks: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Wednesday at 6:27 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Bucks 118, Heat 111

Moneyline (ML)

The Bucks (-223) are rather heavy favorites to rebound in Game 2 after their subpar showing against the Heat (+180) in the series opener. It’s not that the Bucks played poorly, but they didn’t play their best, and the Heat are more than capable of taking them to the limit.

AVOID betting the moneyline, as you just cannot risk more than two times your potential return, especially after the Bucks are fresh off a Game 1 loss. The same thing happened in their series against the Orlando Magic. Milwaukee lost Game 1 but bounced back with four straight wins and a 3-0-1 ATS run. Of course, the Heat are quite a bit better than the Magic.

Also see:

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The BUCKS -5 (-110) were also a 5-point favorite in Game 1 where they were dropped 115-104. It won’t happen again. Milwaukee also won’t shoot a dismal 54 percent (14 of 26) from the free-throw stripe again. Of course, they were 27th in the NBA in the category, so don’t expect a ton of improvement. However, they also were the league’s top scoring offense with 118.7 PPG, and they won’t struggle to barely get into the low 100’s like Game 1.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Bucks returns a profit of $9.09 if they win by 6 or more points.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 220.5 (-110) is the play here. Milwaukee’s scoring will improve from Game 1. Miami allowed 109.1 PPG during the season, good for 10th in the league defensively. The Bucks will be able to eclipse that quite a bit. The two teams combined for 246 points in a 130-116 Milwaukee win in the bubble Aug. 6, easily hitting the Over. The Over is 2-1 in the three previous meetings between the teams this season.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks Game 6 betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Los Angeles Clippers will take on the Dallas Mavericks Sunday in Game 6 of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series at AdventHealth Arena in Reunion, Fla. for a 3:30 p.m. ET tip-off. The Clippers lead this series 3-2 after an impressive 154-111 win in Tuesday’s Game 5. We analyze the Clippers-Mavericks NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Clippers vs. Mavericks: Key injuries

Clippers

  • PG Patrick Beverley (calf) questionable

Mavericks

  • G Luka Doncic (ankle) questionable
  • PF Kristaps Porzingis (knee) out
  • C Dwight Powell (Achilles) out
  • SG Courtney Lee (calf) out
  • PG Trey Burke (ankle) questionable
  • SG Tim Hardaway Jr. (back) out

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Clippers vs. Mavericks: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Clippers 127, Mavericks 112

Moneyline (ML)

The Clippers (-556) head into Game 6 as big moneyline favorites over the Mavericks (+400). After a dominate showing in Game 5, it’s clear Los Angeles has the better roster. If it weren’t for an incredible step-back three by Doncic in Game 4, this series would already be over.

Despite the fact the Clippers should win this game, there isn’t enough value here to take Los Angeles. PASS on this moneyline in favor of the point spread.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The CLIPPERS -10 (-110) are double-digit favorites over the Mavericks in Game 6. While Los Angeles has been up-and-down at times in the NBA bubble, the Clippers are 10-4 against the spread in their last 14 games. For the most part, they’ve taken care of businesses when needed and their 43-point win Tuesday shows the ceiling of this team.

On the other hand, Dallas has covered in just two of its last seven games and with Porzingis out for the remainder of the playoffs, the Mavs just don’t have enough scoring to keep up with the Clippers. Look for Los Angeles to close out this game and cover the double-digit point spread Sunday.

Over/Under (O/U)

The point total for Game 5 is set at 238.5 points, which feels about right considering how high-scoring these games have been in this series. The Clippers have scored at least 130 points in their last three games against the Mavericks and Dallas has scored 110 or more points in every game in this series.

While the defensive intensity might turn up a notch in this pivotal Game 6, look for the OVER to hit.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks Game 5 betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Milwaukee Bucks try to put the finishing touches on their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series against the Orlando Magic Wednesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET in the Orlando bubble. We analyze the Magic-Bucks NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Series: Milwaukee leads 3-1.

Magic vs. Bucks: Key injuries

Magic

  • C Mo Bamba (COVID evaluation) out
  • PG Michael Carter-Williams (foot) out
  • SG Melvin Frazier Jr. (back) questionable
  • PF Aaron Gordon (hamstring) questionable
  • PF Jonathan Isaac (knee) out
  • SF Vic Law (Achilles) questionable

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Magic vs. Bucks: odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Bucks 124, Magic 103

Moneyline (ML)

Bucks (-1429) are overwhelming favorites to win this game outright, and there is very little reason to believe the Magic (+790) will offer any resistance.

Orlando stunned Milwaukee 122-110 in Game 1, catching the Bucks napping. The Magic have been outscored 118.7-103.0 over the previous three outings, all Milwaukee wins and covers. AVOID BETTING THE MONEYLINE, however, as you cannot justify spending over 14 times your potential return just in case Milwaukee slips up like it did against Brooklyn Aug. 4 when they were 18.5-point favorites, or in Game 1 when they were 13.5-point faves.

Also see:

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The BUCKS -14 (-110) got that big wake-up call in Game 1, and they have whipped the Magic +14 (-110) ever since. If Giannis Antetokounmpo and his teammates keep their eyes on the prize and end up in the NBA Finals, they might have to send the Magic a thank-you card for the awakening.

Teams facing elimination in these NBA playoffs are 1-3 straight up and 2-2 ATS so far, with Denver on Tuesday night as the only exception straight up.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Bucks returns a profit of $9.10 if they win by 15 or more points.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 226.5 (-110) is the way to go here, as Giannis and company look to put the final nail in Orlando’s coffin. They have looked the part of a championship contender, hitting 121 on the scoreboard in each of the past two outings. Look for more wide-open offense from the Bucks and little defense from the Magic.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic Game 4 betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Milwaukee Bucks look to take a commanding 3-1 series lead in Game 4 against the Orlando Magic Monday. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. ET in the Orlando bubble. We analyze the Bucks-Magic NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Series: Milwaukee leads 2-1.

Bucks vs. Magic: Key injuries

Magic

  • C Mo Bamba (COVID evaluation) out
  • PG Michael Carter-Williams (foot) out
  • SG Melvin Frazier Jr. (back) questionable
  • PF Aaron Gordon (hamstring) questionable
  • PF Jonathan Isaac (knee) out

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Bucks vs. Magic: odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 12:52 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Bucks 117, Magic 99

Moneyline (ML)

Milwaukee (-1112) blasted Orlando 121-107 in Game 3 for a second straight double-digit victory. The Bucks held a 34-point lead in the game and executed a strategy of forcing the Magic (+675) to make outside shots to beat them.

Orlando shot a better percentage from 3 (48%) than it did inside the arc (42%) but was outscored in the paint 50-26. It’s a defensive gameplan the Bucks have used successfully all season — they’ve allowed the fourth-most 3-point attempts per game in the regular season and have the best defensive rating in the NBA.

The Magic couldn’t do anything to stop Bucks PF Giannis Antetokounmpo, who scored 35 points on 12 of 14 shooting, and whether or not Gordon plays in his first postseason game shouldn’t matter much. Orlando stealing Game 1 was its only win over Milwaukee in their six head-to-head meetings this season.

The risk of betting the Bucks — at -1112 — isn’t worth the measly payout and the Magic are done winning games in this series. PASS ON THE MONEYLINE. 

Also see:

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The reason to take the BUCKS -13.5 (-110) at such a big number goes back to the defensive style and playing the percentages based on it.

They are letting the Magic shoot 3’s because Orlando was ranked 25th in 3-point percentage in the regular season and Milwaukee allows the least points in the paint. Since the Magic will be stuck chucking 3’s and can’t get any easy buckets, the percentages say Orlando gets blown out in most games against Milwaukee. BET THE BUCKS -13.5.

New to sports betting? A $110 bet on the Bucks returns a profit of $100 if they win by 14 or more points.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 225.5 (-110) is the right play on the total because the Bucks should continue to clamp down on the Magic’s offense.

If Milwaukee gets out to a big halftime lead, coach Mike Budenholzer will be sure to tell his team to lock down in the second half since Orlando scored 64 of its 107 Game 3 points after the break. The path to a Magic cover is the same as the Over 225.5: Orlando gets hot shooting desperate 3’s. Not a strong angle to bet.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic Game 3 betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Orlando Magic and Milwaukee Bucks meet for Game 3 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinals series Saturday at 1 p.m. ET in the Orlando bubble. We analyze the Magic-Bucks NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Series: Tied 1-1.

Bucks vs. Magic: Key injuries

Bucks

  • PF Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) probable

Magic

  • C Mo Bamba (COVID evaluation) out
  • PG Michael Carter-Williams (foot) doubtful
  • PF Aaron Gordon (hamstring) questionable
  • PF Jonathan Isaac (knee) out

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Bucks vs. Magic: odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 3:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Bucks 114, Magic 103

Moneyline (ML)

The Bucks (-1000) avenged their Game 1 loss by blowing the doors off the Magic (+640) in the first half of Thursday’s 111-96 win in Game 2. Milwaukee outscored Orlando 64-43, but the Magic did outscore the Bucks in the third and fourth quarters.

While it’s great Orlando stole Game 1, order will be restored and Milwaukee will be in the driver’s seat of this series after Saturday’s game. Orlando is still a below-.500 team and the Bucks were 39-4 in the regular season against losing teams. The Magic are 5-30 against above-.500 teams.

The Bucks have beaten the Magic in eight of their last 10 meetings. No Gordon, or a less than fully healthy Gordon, means Antetokounmpo should put up close to his 29.5-point, 18.5-rebound and 6-assist averages from the first two games. All Milwaukee needs to win is a couple of the role players (looking at you SG Khris Middleton) to knock down a couple of 3’s.

For the record, the implied winning probability for these sides based on their moneylines: Bucks 91% win probability and Magic 14% win probability. I agree with Milwaukee’s probability more than Orlando’s, but the Bucks (–1000) is terrible value. I am PASSING ON THE MONEYLINE.

Also see:

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Along with having an amazing record against losing teams, the Bucks -12 (-110) were great against the spread vs. below-.500 teams in the regular season (23-15 ATS). Same but opposite with the Magic +12 (-110), in that they are bad vs. winning teams ATS (9-18-2).

However, I really like the Magic’s Nikola Vučević vs. the Bucks’ Brook Lopez matchup in favor of Orlando. Vučević is averaging 19.9 points and rebounds per game, while Lopez has 15.9 points and 9.9 rebounds per game when facing each other. The Magic need Vučević to have a good game and a couple of guys hitting 3’s for them to stay in it. 

I don’t “like” Orlando’s chances of pulling off an upset, but I do like it to keep it close or “backdoor cover” this big spread. Take the MAGIC +12.

 New to sports betting? A $110 bet on the Magic +12 (-110) pays out a $100 profit if Orlando wins or loses by 11 or fewer points.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under is 5-1-1 in both the last seven Bucks-Magic meetings and Orlando’s last seven games against teams with winning records. The UNDER 222.5 (-110) cashes because Milwaukee’s offense isn’t overly complicated but has the best defense in the league.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Brooklyn Nets vs. Toronto Raptors odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Brooklyn Nets vs. Toronto Raptors Game 2 betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Toronto Raptors look for the 2-0 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series lead over the Brooklyn Nets Wednesday at HP Field House in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Tip for Game 2 is set for 1:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Nets-Raptors betting odds and lines, with NBA picks and best bets.

Nets vs. Raptors: Key injuries

Nets

  • SG Jamal Crawford (hamstring) out

Raptors

  • SF Oshae Brissett (knee) out
  • SG Patrick McCaw (knee) out

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Nets vs. Raptors: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 6:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Raptors 118, Nets 104

Moneyline (ML)

The Raptors’ moneyline price for the outright win has dropped from -455 in Game 1 to -770 for Game 2 following the 134-110 win Monday. The Nets are now +545 underdogs after being +333 in Monday’s Game 1.

Toronto went 22-for-44 from 3-point range in Game 1, so maybe there’s room for some regression there, especially for G Fred VanVleet who went 8-for-10 from beyond the arc, but it won’t be enough to erase the 24-point gap. There are no reinforcements on the way for a Nets team continuing to play without the expensive free-agent trio of Kyrie Irving, DeAndre Jordan and Kevin Durant.

The Raps’ Game 1 win came with just 16 points from PG Kyle Lowry and 18 from Pascal Siakam. Any dropoff from VanVleet can easily be redistributed.

Still, PASS on the moneyline bet. We saw the Orlando Magic pull the upset over the Milwaukee Bucks Tuesday. While those results aren’t worth chasing, they serve as a reminder to not back the huge favorites when there isn’t enough of a reward offered to make it worthwhile.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Raptors (-770) to win returns a profit of just $1.30. A winning bet on the Nets (+525) would fetch a profit of $52.50.

Also see (from Nets Wire):

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

As noted above, the Raptors won by 24 points in Game 1. Back the RAPTORS -11.5 (-110) to win by 12 or more points once again after they led throughout Monday’s game.

There is the fear of some regression for Toronto’s shooting efficiency, but it can be made up for with more of a focus on Siakam and C Marc Gasol in the paint. It would also be surprising to see the Raps give up another 110 points to the Nets (+11.5, -110).

Over/Under (O/U)

Game 1 was the highest-scoring game the Raptors have played since well before the NBA restart (Feb. 10 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, in fact).

Look for them to get back to their defensive style and take the UNDER 225.5 (-110). Wednesday’s projection is already three points higher than it was for Monday’s series opener.

Esten’s NBA betting record: 15-9

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game 1 betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Portland Trail Blazers (35-39) will take on the Los Angeles Lakers (52-19) Tuesday in Game 1 of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series at AdventHealth Arena for a 9 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Trail Blazers-Lakers NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Trail Blazers vs. Lakers: Key injuries

Trail Blazers

  • PF Zach Collins (ankle) out
  • SF Nassir Little (illness) out
  • SG C.J. McCollum (back) available

Lakers

  • PG Rajon Rondo (thumb) doubtful
  • PF Anthony Davis (knee) probable
  • SF LeBron James (groin) probable

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Trail Blazers vs. Lakers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Trail Blazers 122, Lakers 118

Moneyline (ML)

The Lakers (-278) open Game 1 of this series as slight favorites over the BLAZERS (+220). Portland comes into this game red hot, winning six of its last seven games. The same can’t be said for Los Angeles, as it has lost four of its last five games.

While the Lakers still should win this series, don’t be surprised if Portland steals Game 1 as Los Angeles shakes off some of the rust. Considering the value, PORTLAND (+220) is the smart play here.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Trail Blazers to win the game returns a profit of $22.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

If betting on the Portland moneyline feels like too big of a risk, consider taking the BLAZERS +6.5 (-115) to cover against the Lakers (-6.5, -106).

Los Angeles has failed to cover the spread in five-straight games and it wouldn’t be a surprise at all if this game comes down to the last possession. With the Blazers’ ability to shoot 3’s and their outstanding free-throw ability, look for them to stay in this game all night. This game should be close and Portland should have no problem staying within 6 points.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for this Western Conference playoff game is set at 230.5 points, which feels low considering the offenses on both sides. While the Lakers have struggled to score some in the NBA restart, Portland’s defense is among the league’s worst.

Both sides should easily eclipse 115 points, allowing the OVER 230.5 (-110) to hit in Orlando. Expect a ton of scoring in this fast-paced Game 1 matchup between the Lakers and Blazers.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks Game 1 betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Orlando Magic (33-40, 8th in Eastern Conference) will take on the Milwaukee Bucks (56-17, 1st EC) Tuesday at HP Field House for a 1:30 p.m. ET tip-off in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series. We analyze the Magic-Bucks NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Magic vs. Bucks: Key injuries

Magic

  • PG Michael Carter-Williams (foot) doubtful
  • PF Aaron Gordon (hamstring) questionable
  • PF Jonathan Isaac (knee) out
  • C Mo Bamba (COVID evaluation) out

Bucks

  • PF Ersan Ilyasova (elbow) out

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Magic vs. Bucks odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9:55 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Bucks 125, Magic 109

Moneyline (ML)

The Bucks (-1112) are huge moneyline favorites over the Magic (+675) in Game 1 of this playoff series and it’s not hard to understand why. The Bucks finished the regular season with the NBA’s best record, while Orlando finished the season seven games below .500 and will be without several key players.

While Milwaukee should be able to handle business easily, PASS on the moneyline here as it doesn’t present enough value on either side.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The BUCKS -12.5 (-110) are double-digit favorites over the Magic (+12.5, -110) and yet, that is still the smart play in this contest. Orlando averaged just 107 points per game during the regular season, seventh-worst in the NBA. While their defense can be good at times, they are going to have trouble slowing down the Bucks and their top-ranked offense.

Expect this game to stay close for a while, but for Milwaukee to cover the 12.5-point spread by the end of this contest and win by more than 13 points.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for this Eastern Conference playoff matchup is set at 224.5 points, which feels a tad too low considering just how strong the Bucks offense has been this season.

Milwaukee averaged nearly 119 points per game in the regular season and with the Magic missing a few key defenders, it seems likely the Bucks will surpass that number in Game 1.

Take the OVER 224.5 (-110) as the Bucks should clear 120 points in this game.

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