NBA Playoffs best bets – Page 5

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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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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Minnesota Timberwolves at Phoenix Suns Game 4 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Minnesota Timberwolves at Phoenix Suns odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The 3-seed Minnesota Timberwolves meet the 6-seed Phoenix Suns in Game 4 of a best-of-7 Western Conference, 1st-round series Sunday. The Timberwolves lead the series 3-0. Tip-off from Footprint Center is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Timberwolves vs. Suns odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The T-Wolves smacked the Suns 126-109 in Game 3 to put the Phoenix Big 3 on the brink of elimination. G Anthony Edwards had 36 points, and C Rudy Gobert had 19 points and 14 boards. The Wolves opened the game up in the 3rd quarter in each game. The Wolves went 7-for-11 from distance in the quarter to take a 22-point lead into the 4th quarter.

G Bradley Beal showed up with 28 points, which nearly matched his combined output of 29 in the first 2 games. The Suns were outrebounded 50-28 in Game 3. They’re going to have to figure out a way to contend with the Wolves’ size underneath or else they’re going home Sunday.

Timberwolves at Suns odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:37 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Timberwolves -115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Suns -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Timberwolves -1.5 (+100) | Suns +1.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 212.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Timberwolves at Suns key injuries

Timberwolves

F Kyle Anderson (hip) questionable

Suns

G Grayson Allen (ankle) questionable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Timberwolves at Suns picks and predictions

Prediction

Timberwolves 118, Suns 105

Moneyline

It’s not going to look good on F Kevin Durant‘s resume, but the Suns are getting swept. Even the books have aligned with that thought.

It makes more sense to take the miniscule spread at even-money, though.

PASS.

Against the spread

Take the TIMBERWOLVES -1.5 (+100) here. The Suns are overmatched, as Gobert has patrolled the paint like a beast. The Suns almost have to shoot the lights out from 3 in order to win, and that’s where the rebounding disadvantage looms.

Over/Under

We’ve cashed 2 Overs and 1 Under, and the Under hit when Phoenix scored a paltry 93 points. This is a manageable Over, and I’m all about it.

Take the OVER 212.5 (-110).

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Milwaukee Bucks at Indiana Pacers Game 4 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’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 the Indiana Pacers meet in Game 4 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference 1st-round series on Sunday. Tip-off at Gainbridge Fieldhouse is scheduled for 7 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.

Season series: Pacers lead 2-1

The Bucks came up just short in Game 3 on Friday, falling 121-118 in overtime, although Milwaukee covered as 6.5-point underdogs as the Over (223) cashed.

Khris Middleton did his best to will his team to a road win in Game 3, scoring 42 points on 16-of-29 shooting, while Damian Lillard managed 28 points. Both players managed 4 triples in the OT loss. Unfortunately for the Bucks, Lillard suffered an Achilles’ injury, and he is doubtful for Game 4.

The Pacers have averaged 123.0 PPG in the past 2 games after opening with a 109-94 loss in Milwaukee in Game 1. Indiana is 1-2 against the spread (ATS) in 3 playoff games, although it holds a 2-1 series edge, which is much more important.

The Over has cashed in each of the past 2 games for Indiana, and the total has ended up going high in 7 of the past 8 games since April 5.

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 8:16 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Bucks +310 (bet $100 to win $310) | Pacers -400 (bet $400 to win $100)
Against the spread: Bucks +9.5 (-110) | Pacers -9.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 216.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Bucks at Pacers key injuries

Bucks

F Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) out
G Damian Lillard (Achilles) doubtful
F Chris Livingston (illness) out
F Khris Middleton (ankle) probable

Pacers

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 119, Bucks 104

Moneyline

The Pacers (-400) will cost you 4 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for not very much reward.

While Indiana is catching a break with the Bucks (+310) missing Antetokounmpo and Lillard all but likely to join him, it’s still too much risk.

PASS.

Against the spread

The PACERS -9.5 (-110) are laying a big number, but the home side is worth playing since the 2 biggest stars for the Bucks +9.5 (-110) are expected to sit.

Middleton had a giant Game 3, but even he is a little nicked up with an ankle. Plus, he can’t do it all by himself.

Indiana is ready to push Milwaukee to the brink of elimination in a season Bucks fans will be scratching their heads wondering what could have been.

Over/Under

OVER 216.5 (-115) is a good idea in Game 4.

The Bucks have been missing Antetokounmpo for the entire series, and Lillard will likely be joining him in street clothes Sunday, so it’s hard to envision where Milwaukee is going to get its scoring. However, it’s also hard to figure where it will get its defense.

Indiana has averaged 123.0 PPG in the past 2 games, cashing the Over in each outing. The Pacers have cashed the Over in 4 of the past 6 outings since April 10, all against playoff teams.

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

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LA Clippers at Dallas Mavericks Game 4 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’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 4 of a best-of-7 Western Conference, 1st-round series Sunday. The Mavericks lead the series 2-1. Tip-off from American Airlines Center is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Clippers vs. Mavericks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The Mavericks snagged home-court advantage from the Clippers with a 96-93 win in Game 2 at Crypto.com Arena Tuesday. Dallas also picked up a win in Game 3 as the series shifted to the Metroplex, winning 101-90 while covering as a 4.5-point favorite. The Under has hit in all 3 games of this series.

Mavericks superstar F Luka Doncic (knee) carries a questionable tag into Game 4.

The Clippers have scored 109 or fewer points in 7 straight games while cashing the Under in 6 of those outings. The LA offense could take a hit, as SF Kawhi Leonard (knee) carries a questionable tag heading into Sunday’s contest.

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 4:54 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Clippers +185 (bet $100 to win $185) | Mavericks -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
Against the spread: Clippers +5.5 (-105) | Mavericks -5.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 208.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Clippers at Mavericks key injuries

Clippers

F Kawhi Leonard (knee) questionable

Mavericks

G Luka Doncic (knee) questionable
G Tim Hardaway Jr. (ankle) doubtful

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Clippers at Mavericks picks and predictions

Prediction

Mavericks 105, Clippers 100

Moneyline

The Mavericks (-225) will cost you more than 2 times your potential return, and that’s way too risky anytime, but especially with Doncic carrying a questionable tag for Game 4.

The Clippers (+185) are risky business, too, though, as Leonard is also not considered a certainty to play.

PASS.

Against the spread

The CLIPPERS +5.5 (-105) are worth a look, especially if Doncic is unable to go for the Mavericks -5.5 (-115).

It takes a bit of a leap of faith to back LA, as it is just 1-2 ATS in the postseason and 1-5 ATS in the past 6 outings dating back to April 10.

While the Mavs have cashed the past 2 games in the series, they are just 2-3 ATS in the past 5 games since April 12.

Over/Under

UNDER 208.5 (-110) is the way to go in Game 4.

The total has gone low in all 3 games in this series, with Dallas averaging 98.0 points per game (PPG), while LA has been good for 97.3 PPG.

And in this series, the Under has cashed in 5 in a row while going 10-1 in the past 11 battles between these Western Conference rivals.

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

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New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers Game 4 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’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 Sunday for Game 4 of their best-of-7 Eastern Conference, 1st-round series, which New York leads 2-1. Tip-off from Wells Fargo Center is set for 1 p.m. ET (ABC). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Knicks vs. 76ers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Philly avoided going down 3-0 by picking up a 125-114 win in Thursday’s Game 3, covering the spread as a 5.5-point home favorite. C Joel Embiid dropped 50 points on 13-of-19 shooting from the field and 19-of-21 from the free-throw line.

G Jalen Brunson scored a team-high 39 points for the Knicks, who took 14 less free throws than the 76ers. New York finished 13-for-19 from the line, while Philadelphia shot 28-for-33 from the charity stripe.

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 Saturday at 8:04 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Knicks +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | 76ers -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Knicks +4.5 (-110) | 76ers -4.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 209.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Knicks at 76ers key injuries

Knicks

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 120, Knicks 113

Moneyline

PASS.

Philadelphia (-190) will take Game 3 and tie the series, but the juice is too expensive and not worth the risk.

One has to figure Embiid will play even though he is listed as doubtful on the injury report. New York’s Robinson seems more doubtful as he was seen walking out of Game 3 in a walking boot.

Bet on the spread and/or total instead.

Against the spread

LEAN 76ERS -4.5 (-110).

Philadelphia covered the spread in 8 of its last 10 games, including the last 2 games of this series. Along with the Game 3 cover, the 76ers cashed as 4.5-point road underdogs in a 104-101 loss in Game 2.

This is only a lean because Embiid and the 76ers have been notoriously unreliable in the playoffs, so betting on them to cover here does come with some risk.

Over/Under

BET OVER 209.5 (-105).

The Over has hit in 3 of Philly’s last 4 games, including its 1-point home victory (105-104) vs. the Miami Heat in the Play-In Tournament. The Over is 7-3 in the 76ers’ last 10 games.

For New York, the Over is 8-2 in its last 10 games, including 7-1 in the last 8.

The Over is also 2-1 in this series.

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

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Boston Celtics at Miami Heat Game 3 odds, picks and predictions

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

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The top-seeded Boston Celtics battle the 8th-seeded Miami Heat in Game 3 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference, 1st-round series Saturday. The series is tied 1-1. Tip-off from Kaseya Center is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Celtics vs. Heat odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Boston was upset 111-101 against the Heat in Game 2 Wednesday while failing to cover as a 14-point home favorite. G Jaylen Brown scored a game-high 33 points, while only 2 other Celtics players scored in double figures. The Celtics shot 46.3% from the field in the loss.

G Tyler Herro scored a team-high 24 points on 6 of 11 from 3, while all 5 Heat starters scored in double figures. The Heat shot 49.3% from the field in the win.

Celtics at Heat odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:50 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Celtics -450 (bet $450 to win $100) | Heat +333 (bet $100 to win $333)
Against the spread (ATS): Celtics -9.5 (-110) | Heat +9.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 204.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Celtics at Heat key injuries

Celtics

None

Heat

F Jimmy Butler (knee) out
F Haywood Highsmith (arm) available
F Kevin Love (arm) available
F Duncan Robinson (back) available
G Terry Rozier (neck) out
G Delon Wright (personal reasons) questionable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Celtics at Heat picks and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 109, Heat 103

Moneyline

PASS.

There is no value on the top-ranked Celtics (-450), who are 27-14 on the road this season, to take down the Heat, who are 23-19 at home.

Against the spread

LEAN HEAT +9.5 (-110).

Miami is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games, including 2-1 ATS in its last 3 as an underdog, while Boston is just 3-5-2 ATS in its last 10. With the Heat stealing a game on the road, expect them to keep it close in Game 3.

Over/Under

BET OVER 204.5 (-105).

Both the Celtics and Heat have hit the Over in 7 of their last 10 games, including the 1st 2 in this series.

Boston has scored 101 or more points in 9 of its last 10 games, including 114 or more in 6 of its last 10.

Miami has scored 111 or more points in 7 of its last 10 games. With this low of a total, hammer the Over.

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

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Oklahoma City Thunder at New Orleans Pelicans Game 3 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’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 in Game 3 of a best-of-7 Western Conference, 1st-round series Saturday. The Thunder lead the series 2-0. Tip-off from Smoothie King Center is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Thunder vs. Pelicans odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The top-seeded Thunder covered as 7.5-point favorites in a 124-92 win in Game 2 Wednesday with the Over (210) cashing in Oklahoma City.

G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a game-high 33 points for the Thunder, who have covered 5 of their last 6. F Chet Holmgren finished with 26 points and 7 rebounds, and F Jalen Williams added 21 points. New Orleans, which is the 8 seed, had no player score 20+ points.

Oklahoma City has won the past 4 meetings between these teams, going 3-1 against the spread (ATS), while the Under has hit in 5 of the last 8.

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 10:15 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Thunder -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Pelicans +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Thunder -1.5 (-105) | Pelicans +1.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 209.5 (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 104, Pelicans 103

Moneyline

The Pelicans are just 22-20 at home this season, compared to 28-15 on the road, so backing New Orleans at Smoothie King Center without its leading scorer in Williamson doesn’t fill me with confidence over the course of a full game.

However, the 1st half of Game 3 is usually a good spot for home teams that are down 2-0 in a series. We saw the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers both cash their 1st-half moneylines Thursday, and a veteran team like New Orleans should be able to bounce back as well.

BET PELICANS 1ST HALF (-145).

Against the spread

While I prefer laying -145 with the 1st-half ML, which also gives us the ability to push on a tie, the spread is low enough that the Pelicans will likely cover it if they’re leading after the 2nd quarter. If you’re uncomfortable risking $145 to win $100 on the 1st-half ML, then the spread may be your better option.

LEAN PELICANS 1ST HALF -1.5 (-110).

Over/Under

Betting the Under has been profitable in recent meetings between these teams. The Under has also gone 7-4 this season when New Orleans is a home underdog, as the added pressure from being outmatched seems to motivate the Pelicans on the defensive end.

BET UNDER 209.5 (-110).

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

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