NBA Playoffs best bets – Syndication Server

Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets Game 1 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets play Game 1 of a best-of-7 series in the Western Conference semifinals at Ball Arena Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Timberwolves vs. Nuggets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Minnesota breezed through the 1st round with a 4-0 sweep of the Phoenix Suns after beating them 122-116 Sunday to cover as a 1-point road underdog. G Anthony Edwards scored a team-high 40 points, while C Karl-Anthony Towns (28 points and 10 rebounds) added a double-double. The Timberwolves shot 46.1% from the field in the win.

Denver also cruised through the 1st round with a 4-1 series win over the Los Angeles Lakers after a 108-106 victory Monday while failing to cover as a 6.5-point home favorite. G Jamal Murray scored a game-high 32 points, while C Nikola Jokic (25 points and 20 rebounds) added a double-double. The Nuggets shot 47.2% from the field in the win.

Timberwolves at Nuggets odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:15 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Timberwolves +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Nuggets -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Timberwolves +4.5 (-110) | Nuggets -4.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 208.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Timberwolves at Nuggets key injuries

Timberwolves

None

Nuggets

G Jamal Murray (calf) questionable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Timberwolves at Nuggets picks and predictions

Prediction

Nuggets 112, Timberwolves 104

Moneyline

PASS.

There is no value on Denver (-190) to win at home.

Against the spread

BET DENVER -4.5 (-110).

The Nuggets hold the advantage over the Timberwolves with Murray and Jokic, even with Murray listed as questionable for Saturday’s game. Denver has covered in 6 of its last 10 games, including 3 of its last 5 at home.

Minnesota faces a difficult challenge on the road after dealing with a disheveled Suns team in the 1st round.

Over/Under

BET OVER 208.5 (-110).

The Timberwolves have hit the Over in 7 of their last 10 games and scored 120 or more in 3 or their last 4. They have scored 105 or more points in 9 straight games.

Denver has scored 108 or more points in each of its last 3 games and in 9 of its last 10 overall.

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LA Clippers at Dallas Mavericks Game 6 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s LA Clippers at Dallas Mavericks odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The LA Clippers and Dallas Mavericks meet in Game 6 of a best-of-7 Western Conference, 1st-round series Friday. The Mavericks lead the series 3-2. Tip-off from American Airlines Center is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Clippers vs. Mavericks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The Clippers were decimated 123-93 by the Mavericks Wednesday while failing to cover as 2.5-point home underdogs. F Paul George and C Ivica Zubac each scored a team-high 15 points, while George added 11 rebounds for a double-double. LA shot 37.9% from the field in the loss.

Dallas took a 3-2 series lead after Wednesday’s win. G Luka Doncic scored a game-high 35 points with 10 assists for a double-double, while 6 total Mavs players scored in double figures. The team shot 54% from the field in the win.

Clippers at Mavericks odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:56 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Clippers +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | Mavericks -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Clippers +7.5 (-105) | Mavericks -7.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 207.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Clippers at Mavericks key injuries

Clippers

F Kawhi Leonard (knee) out
G Terance Mann (leg) questionable

Mavericks

F Tim Hardaway Jr. (ankle) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Clippers at Mavericks picks and predictions

Prediction

Mavericks 111, Clippers 102

Moneyline

PASS.

There is no value on the Mavericks (-350) to win Friday.

Against the spread

LEAN MAVERICKS -7.5 (-115).

LA has lost and failed to cover in 3 of its last 4. It is just 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games and has not played to expectations in this series, even with Leonard sidelined.

Dallas has covered 3 of the last 4 games and 6 of its last 10, including a 5-3 ATS run in its last 8 games as a favorite.

Over/Under

BET OVER 207.5 (-115).

The Over has hit in each of the last 2 games in this series. LA has scored 105 or more points in 7 of its last 10 games and has also allowed 101 or more in 7 of its last 10.

Dallas has scored 101 or more points in 6 of its last 10 games, including each of its last 3. It has also allowed 104 or more in 6 of its last 10.

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Cleveland Cavaliers at Orlando Magic Game 6 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Cleveland Cavaliers at Orlando Magic odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Cleveland Cavaliers battle the Orlando Magic in Game 6 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference 1st-round series on Friday. Tip from Kia Center is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Orioles vs. Reds odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Series: Cavaliers lead 3-2; teams split 4 games in regular season

Cleveland took down Orlando 104-103 on Tuesday while failing to cover as a 4.5-point home favorite. SG Donovan Mitchell scored a team-high 28 points while F Evan Mobley had a double-double (14 points, 13 rebounds). The Cavaliers shot 43.2% from the field as they regained control of the series.

Orlando covered as a 4.5-road underdog, but had a 2-game winning streak snapped on Tuesday. F Paolo Banchero scored a game-high 39 points while just 3 Magic players scored in double figures. The team shot 46.2% from the field in the loss.

Cavaliers at Magic odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:37 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Cavaliers +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Magic -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Cavaliers +3.5 (-105) | Magic -3.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 200.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Cavaliers at Magic key injuries

Cavaliers

C Jarrett Allen (rib) questionable
G Craig Porter Jr. (ankle) out
F Dean Wade (knee) out

Magic

G Gary Harris (hamstring) questionable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Cavaliers at Magic picks and predictions

Prediction

Magic 106, Cavaliers 104

Moneyline

BET MAGIC (-165).

The Magic played their best basketball at home during the regular season with a 31-12 record. They have won each of their last 6 games at home, including both home games in this series.

The Cavaliers were just 22-21 on the road this season and have lost 5 games in a row on the road.

Against the spread

PASS.

There is better opportunity on the moneyline in a series that has proved to be tight. If anything, the Cavs +3.5 (-105) is worth a look.

Over/Under

BET OVER 200.5 (-110).

These teams have combined for more than 200 points in each of the last 3 games. The Cavs have scored 97 or more in 7 of their last 10 while allowing 103 or more in 7 of their last 10. The Magic have scored 103 or more in 7 of their last 10.

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New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers Game 6 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers meet for Game 6 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference, 1st-round series Thursday. With a 3-2 lead, the Knicks hope to finish off the 76ers and avoid a Game 7 Saturday in New York. Thursday’s tip-off from Wells Fargo Center is set for 9 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Knicks vs. 76ers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The Knicks seemingly had Tuesday’s Game 5 locked up, about to advance to the 2nd round, as they led by 6 points with just 25 seconds left. That’s when Philly G Tyrese Maxey decided to take over and the 76ers eventually won 112-106 in overtime as 4-point road underdogs — the Over (204) cashed.

Maxey went all Reggie Miller on the Knicks, dropping in 7 points in the final 25 seconds of regulation to force overtime. Philly then outscored New York 15-9 in the extra session to stave off elimination and force the series back to the City of Brotherly Love for Thursday’s tilt.

Philadelphia C Joel Embiid, playing with a debilitating migraine headache and a nicked-up knee, fought through and ended up with an impressive triple-double, going for 19 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists with 4 blocked shots.

The heroics of Embiid and Maxey buried another solid performance by Knicks G Jalen Brunson, who ended up with 40 points, including 4 triples, while adding 6 assists, 3 rebounds and 3 steals.

Knicks at 76ers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:36 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Knicks +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | 76ers -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Knicks +3.5 (-115) | 76ers -3.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 201.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Knicks at 76ers key injuries

Knicks

F Bojan Bogdanovic (foot, wrist) out
F Julius Randle (shoulder) out
C Mitchell Robinson (ankle) questionable

76ers

C Joel Embiid (knee) questionable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Knicks at 76ers picks and predictions

Prediction

76ers 107, Knicks 101

Moneyline

The 76ers (-150) are worth a look as the moderate favorite for Game 6 if you’re a little more on the conservative side and don’t want to lay the points with the spread.

Philadelphia is brimming with confidence after a giant comeback in Game 5 at MSG. This is a team basically playing with house money as it was all but eliminated until Maxey decided otherwise.

Philly should be loose, relaxed and pumped up by its home crowd, while the Knicks (+125) will either come out on a mission or will be tight and out of sync after fumbling away what would have been the series clincher.

The good news for New York if it loses is, at least, it gets a decisive Game 7 on its home floor.

PASS.

Against the spread

The 76ERS -3.5 (-105) are a strong play laying the little bit of points.

The Knicks would be a much better play if they didn’t just come off an emotional freefall in Game 5. That will be a tough loss to immediately come back from, especially since F Julius Randle is long gone to a shoulder injury, and now F Bojan Bogdanovic is done for the season with foot and wrist injuries.

This New York team is doing it with a 7-man rotation which features G’s Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Hart and Miles McBride, F OG Anunoby and C’s Isaiah Hartenstein and Mitchell Robinson.

I’d rather take the side with Embiid and Maxey.

Over/Under

OVER 201.5 (-110) is the play, even though we saw a total of just 189 points in Game 4, the last time these teams played at Wells Fargo Center.

The Over is 3-2 in this series.

With Embiid and Maxey playing with a lot of confidence after torching the New York defense in Game 5, OVER 201.5 (-110) is the way to go here.

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Milwaukee Bucks at Indiana Pacers Game 6 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Indiana Pacers odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers meet in Game 6 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference, 1st-round series Thursday. The Pacers lead the series 3-2. Tip-off from Gainbridge Fieldhouse is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Bucks vs. Pacers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The Bucks covered as 5.5-point underdogs in a 115-92 win over the Pacers in Game 5 Tuesday with the Under (218) cashing in Milwaukee. F Khris Middleton and F Bobby Portis each had 29 points for the Bucks, who avoided elimination despite injuries to F Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) and G Damian Lillard (Achilles).

G Tyrese Haliburton had a team-high 16 points for Indiana, which had its lowest scoring output of the season.

Milwaukee has covered in 3 of 5 the games in this series, and the Over has gone 3-2.

Bucks at Pacers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:14 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Bucks +275 (bet $100 to win $275) | Pacers -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Bucks +8.5 (-110) | Pacers -8.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 213.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Bucks at Pacers key injuries

Bucks

F Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) doubtful
G Patrick Beverley (oblique) probable
G Damian Lillard (Achilles) doubtful
F Khris Middleton (ankle) probable

Pacers

G Tyrese Haliburton (back) questionable
G Bennedict Mathurin (shoulder) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Bucks at Pacers picks and predictions

Prediction

Pacers 120, Bucks 100

Moneyline

The Pacers (-350) are the healthier team and return home after an embarrassing loss. This is a great spot for Indiana, but it’s hard to beat the NBA betting into -350 moneylines.

PASS. Bet the spread and/or total instead.

Against the spread

While I like the Pacers laying the points, the 1st-half spread is a more pure number. Instead of laying 8.5 full game and potentially getting backdoored in garbage time, let’s lay 4.5 in the 1st half knowing that Indiana will come out fully focused after dropping the ball in Milwaukee.

The Pacers had a chance to eliminate Milwaukee without its 2 star players Tuesday, and instead, they had their worst offensive showing of the season. Indiana’s offense should look much better right out of the gate Thursday, especially in front of its home crowd.

BET PACERS 1ST HALF -4.5 (-115).

Over/Under

While I lean Over, the full-game total is tough because it’s unlikely that Milwaukee will score 105 or more points. However, what we do know is that Indiana’s offense should look much better after its worst scoring output of the season.

While we could play Indiana’s team total full game, the 1st half is safer because we don’t run the risk of starters getting sat in a blowout.

BET PACERS TOTAL POINTS 1ST HALF OVER 57.5 (-110).

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Dallas Mavericks at LA Clippers Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Dallas Mavericks at LA Clippers odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Dallas Mavericks and LA Clippers meet for Game 5 of a best-of-7 Western Conference, 1st-round series Wednesday. The series is tied 2-2. Tip-off from Crypto.com Arena is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Mavericks vs. Clippers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The Mavericks suffered a disappointing 116-111 loss on their home court in Game 4 as 7-point favorites for the first Over (209) result of the series. It was vintage F Paul George in Game 4, as he and G James Harden each racked up 33 points. PG13 was good for seven 3-pointers to go along with 8 assists, 4 steals and a blocked shot.

The Clippers shot 53.8% (43 of 80) from the field while turning it over just 12 times in the win. LA was on fire from behind the arc, too, cashing in at a 62% (18-of-29) clip (pardon the pun).

On the flip side, the Mavs were 49.4% (40 of 81) from the field, 33.3% (11 of 33) from downtown, and they had 16 turnovers. G Kyrie Irving did his part, dropping 40 points with 6 triples, but it wasn’t enough.

Mavericks at Clippers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:10 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Mavericks -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Clippers +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
Against the spread: Mavericks -3.5 (-105) | Clippers +3.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 209.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Mavericks at Clippers key injuries

Mavericks

G Luka Doncic (knee) probable
G Tim Hardaway Jr. (ankle) out

Clippers

F Kawhi Leonard (knee) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Mavericks at Clippers picks and predictions

Prediction

Mavericks 105, Clippers 101

Moneyline

The MAVERICKS (-155) are still worth playing in this pivotal Game 5 in LA, but there is no longer any margin for error. The Clippers (+125) caught fire from behind the arc in Game 4 and made things extremely difficult for the Mavs in the Metroplex.

If Dallas can’t do better on perimeter defense, it could suddenly get pushed to the brink of elimination after seemingly having the series in hand heading into Game 4 on its home court. I am confident the Mavs can get the job done, however. The defense had allowed 101 points in each of the first 3 games of the series.

Against the spread

The MAVERICKS -3.5 (-105) are a cheaper play laying the little bit of points. Obviously don’t play both the moneyline while also laying the number.

The Mavs and Clippers +2.5 (-105) are both 2-2 ATS in this series while going 4-4 ATS in the past 8 meetings since Feb. 8, 2023, so tread lightly.

Over/Under

UNDER 209.5 (-105) is the lean, but again, go with a half-unit play at most.

The total had gone low in the first 3 games of the series before LA caught fire in Game 4 from behind the 3-point line. It’s possible, but unlikely, that the Clippers will shoot lights out from downtown like that again.

The Under was on a 5-0 run between these 2 sides in the 5 games prior to Game 4, and the Under is still 8-2 in the past 10 battles dating back to Jan. 10, 2023. Lean low.

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Miami Heat at Boston Celtics Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Miami Heat at Boston Celtics odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics meet Wednesday for Game 5 of their best-of-7 Eastern Conference 1st-round series, which Boston leads 3-1. Tip-off from TD Garden is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Heat vs. Celtics odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Boston routed Miami 102-88 in Monday’s Game 4 of the series while covering as a 10.5-point road favorite. G Derrick White dropped a game-high 38 points on 15-of-26 shooting in the win. Boston also hit 14 deep balls, while the Heat hit only 9. After hitting 23 from deep in their lone win in the series (Game 2), the Heat have been held to single-digit 3’s in back-to-back outings.

Miami’s offense continues to struggle as it has been held to under 100 points in each of its 3 losses this series — it was held under 90 points in the last 2 games.

Heat at Celtics odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 10:32 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Heat +625 (bet $100 to win $625) | Celtics -1000 (bet $1,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Heat +13.5 (-110) | Celtics -13.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 199.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Heat at Celtics key injuries

Heat

F Jimmy Butler (knee) out
G Jaime Jaquez Jr. (hip) out
F Duncan Robinson (back) available
G Terry Rozier (neck) out

Celtics

C Kristaps Porzingis (calf) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Heat at Celtics picks and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 105, Heat 90

Moneyline

PASS.

The Celtics should pick up the win and end this series, but they are not worth the risk of betting on as -1000 favorites. Back the spread and/or total instead.

Against the spread

LEAN CELTICS -13.5 (-110).

Boston has covered the spread in 3 of the 4 games this series, including each of the last 2 games. The Celtics are also 4-2 ATS in their last 6 matchups vs. Miami.

This is only a lean because Miami is still a very good team and has proven in this series that its offense can come alive. Miami has also given Boston a lot of trouble in recent history, especially in the playoffs.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 199.5 (-110).

The Under has hit in 4 of Miami’s last 5 games, including in 3 of the 4 games this series. The Under is 4-1 in the last 5 Miami-Boston matchups overall, and 7-3 in the last 10 head-to-head meetings dating back to May, 2023.

An Under number this low is always risky in today’s NBA, but Miami’s offense has not looked good all series and both teams are very good defensively, making this play the best bet in the contest.

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Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks meet in Game 5 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference, 1st-round series Tuesday. The Pacers lead the series 3-1. Tip-off from Fiserv Forum is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Pacers vs. Bucks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The Pacers covered as 10.5-point home favorites with a 126-113 win in Game 4 Sunday as the Over (215) hit.

The Bucks went into Game 4 with a brutal injury report, missing G Damian Lillard (Achilles) and F Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf). But on top of that, F Bobby Portis got tangled up with Pacers G Andrew Nembhard and was ejected in the middle of the 1st quarter. That left just 2 Bucks regular-season starters to keep with with this Pacers team.

The Bucks offense was still able to keep things relatively close, shooting 51.1% from the floor, but their defense was a liability. The Pacers shot 51.2% from beyond the arc, which proved to be the difference in the 13-point win.

The Pacers won the regular-season series 4-1.

Pacers at Bucks odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:04 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Pacers -175 (bet $175 to win $100) | Bucks +145 (bet $100 to win $145)
Against the spread (ATS): Pacers -4.5 (-105) | Bucks +4.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 216.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Pacers at Bucks key injuries

Pacers

G Tyrese Haliburton (back) questionable
G Bennedict Mathurin (shoulder) out

Bucks

F Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) doubtful
G Patrick Beverly (oblique) probable
G Damian Lillard (Achilles) doubtful
F Khris Middleton (ankle) probable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Pacers at Bucks picks and predictions

Prediction

Bucks 105, Pacers 99

Moneyline

Yes, Milwaukee is banged up, but you still have to remember that Indiana is the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks are actually 4-1 (80%) as home underdogs, while the Pacers have the 6th-worst win percentage as road favorites at 53.3% (8-7).

I like the value here for the BUCKS (+145), especially with a smaller wager since you can also take the points for a better chance of winning.

Against the spread

As I mentioned above, since I like Milwaukee straight up, I certainly like them at +4.5.

BET BUCKS +4.5 (-115).

Over/Under

Both teams shot over 50% from the floor last game, and the centers shot it from deep. Pacers C Myles Turner made 7 of 9, while Bucks C Brook Lopez made 3 of 5. That kind of efficiency will be an outlier as both teams clamp down on defense.

Indiana will need to show that it can actually keep teams from scoring if it intends to make any kind of playoff run, while Milwaukee needs to keep its season alive.

LEAN UNDER 216.5 (-110).

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Oklahoma City Thunder at New Orleans Pelicans Game 4 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Oklahoma City Thunder at New Orleans Pelicans odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans meet Monday for Game 4 of their best-of-7 Western Conference 1st-round series, which OKC leads 3-0. Tip-off from Smoothie King Center is set for 8:30 p.m. ET (NBA TV). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Thunder vs. Pelicans odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Oklahoma City routed New Orleans 106-85 on Saturday while covering as a 1.5-point road favorite. OKC’s defense continues to shine this series as rookie C Chet Holmgren now has 11 blocks while the Pelicans only have 10 blocks as a team.

The Thunder had 3 starters score 20-plus points in the win. No scorer for the Pelicans reached the 20-point mark and every player who played 10 minutes or more Saturday finished with a negative plus/minus.

Thunder at Pelicans odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:11 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Thunder -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Pelicans +155 (bet $100 to win $155)
Against the spread (ATS): Thunder -4.5 (-115) | Pelicans +4.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 204.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Thunder at Pelicans key injuries

Thunder

None

Pelicans

F Zion Williamson (hamstring) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Thunder at Pelicans picks and predictions

Prediction

Thunder 107, Pelicans 96

Moneyline

PASS.

I expect the Thunder (-190) to pick up the win and complete the sweep here, but they are not worth the risk of betting on as such a heavy favorite. Bet on the spread and/or total instead.

Against the spread

BET THUNDER -4.5 (-115).

The Thunder have covered the spread in back-to-back games and are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games. OKC is also 4-1 ATS in its last 5 matchups with New Orleans overall, leading 2-1 ATS this series.

The Pelicans are also only 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games, making this bet even more safe.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 204.5 (-110).

The Under has hit in 3 of Oklahoma City’s last 4 games and is 5-2 in its last 7. For New Orleans, the Under is 4-1 in its last 5 games and is 6-3-1 in its last 10. The Under has also hit in 2 of the 3 games this series, being 6-3 in the last 9 OKC-New Orleans matchups overall.

This is only a lean because an Under number of 204.5 always comes with a fair amount of risk in today’s high-scoring NBA.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Denver Nuggets welcome the Los Angeles Lakers to Ball Arena for Game 5 of the Western Conference 1st-round series Monday. Tip in the best-of-7 series, which the Nuggets lead 3-1, is set for 10 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Lakers vs. Nuggets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The Nuggets are 2-2 against the spread (ATS) after losing 119-108 on the road in Game 4 Saturday, closing as a 3.5-point road favorite. Denver was 3-0 ATS and straight up against the Lakers during the regular season. C Nikola Jokic has averaged a triple-double throughout the 4 games, notching 29 points, 15.3 rebounds, and 10 assists per game.

The Lakers started their postseason with a 110-106 win over the New Orleans Pelicans in the play-in tournament. The Lakers are 3-2 ATS in their 5 postseason games this season and ended the regular season 38-44 ATS. F Anthony Davis is averaging 30.5 points and 15.8 rebounds per game.

Lakers at Nuggets odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:05 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Lakers +245 (bet $100 to win $245) | Nuggets -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Lakers +7.5 (-114) | Nuggets -7.5 (-106)
Over/Under (O/U): 217 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Lakers at Nuggets key injuries

Nuggets

G Jamal Murray (calf) questionable

Lakers

F Anthony Davis (wrist) probable
F LeBron James (ankle) probable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Lakers at Nuggets picks and predictions

Prediction

Nuggets 110, Lakers 106

Moneyline

PASS.

The Nuggets (-300) are 6-1 against the Lakers (+245) this season and 3-0 against them at home. Expect Denver to come out on top and close out the series, but there’s no value in betting the Nuggets to win.

Against the spread

BET LAKERS +7.5 (-114).

Los Angeles has the talent to keep this close and has impressed when its back is against the wall. In the in-season tournament final against the Indiana Pacers, the Lakers won by 14, closing as a 3.5-point favorite. They also beat the Pelicans to get into the playoffs.

Both of those could’ve been seen as must-win games, much like this one. Los Angeles has had multiple quarters in which it has outscored the Nuggets by double figures. The Nuggets are 2-2 ATS in the series and are 1-2 ATS as a favorite.

Expect the Lakers, given their experience and close-game performances, to keep things close. Back LAKERS +7.5 (-114).

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 217 (-112).

The Under has been hot in this series, going 3-1, and there has yet to be a game in which both teams have scored more than 108 points.

The Nuggets play at one of the slowest paces in the NBA, ranking 26th in the league during the regular season. On the other side, the Lakers sat 29th in offensive rebounding rate.

There aren’t going to be a lot of 2nd-chance opportunities coupled with a slow pace of play. The regular season series was 1-2 O/U as well, making the entire season series 2-5 O/U. Put it all together and back UNDER 217 (-112).

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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