NBA Playoffs best bets – Page 6

Minnesota Timberwolves at Phoenix Suns Game 3 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’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 3 of a best-of-7 Western Conference, 1st-round series Friday. The Timberwolves lead the series 2-0. Tip-off from Footprint Center is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Timberwolves vs. Suns odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The Timberwolves have dominated Phoenix, and that was no more evident than Game 2 with a 105-93 win Tuesday. G Anthony Edwards only had 15 points on 3-for-12 shooting, but the Wolves had 6 players hit double figures. F Jaden McDaniels stood out with 25 points and 8 boards, and the team was a +24 when he was on the floor.

G Devin Booker (20 points), F Kevin Durant (18) and G Bradley Beal (14) shot 18-for-45 (40%) from the floor. Making matters worse, they lost G Grayson Allen in the 3rd quarter after aggravating an ankle sprain. There is still enough talent for the Suns to get back into this series, but it has to turn on in Game 3 at home.

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 10 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Timberwolves +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Suns -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Timberwolves +4.5 (-115) | Suns -4.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 207.5 (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

Suns 109, Timberwolves 106

Moneyline

Over the last 10 meetings, the Suns have still won 7, and they won all 4 at home. I think they’ll find a way to get this one, but there’s no chance I’m spending -190 on them after the defensive excellence Minnesota has shown.

Instead, fresh off the playoff game of his career, I’ll take JADEN MCDANIELS OVER 4.5 REBOUNDS (+105). He has 6 and 8 boards in the first 2 games.

Against the spread

I’m siding with the Wolves here. The Suns could absolutely blow them out at home, but the Wolves have stymied them on both sides of the ball. There’s a legit chance Minnesota actually wins out.

Take the TIMBERWOLVES +4.5 (-115).

Over/Under

We have cashed an Over and an Under in this series, and the Wolves have held the Suns under 100 in each game. I don’t see the Suns remaining under 100 in this one.

Take the OVER 207.5 (-110).

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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 3 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 Dallas Mavericks welcome the LA Clippers to American Airlines Center Friday. Tip for Game 3 in the 1st-round best-of-7 Western Conference series is set for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Clippers vs. Mavericks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Playoff series: Tied 1-1

The Mavericks stole a game in Los Angeles, winning the 2nd game 96-93 on Tuesday as a 1-point underdog. G Luka Doncic led the team with 32 points and also chipped in a team-high 3 steals. Dallas was 1-2 straight up and against the spread (ATS) during the regular season against the Clippers and is 1-1 ATS in the 2 playoff games. Dallas ended the regular season 48-34 ATS.

The Clippers beat the Mavericks 109-97 at home in Game 1, covering as a 3-point home underdog. Three players scored 20 or more for the Clippers with G James Harden leading the way with 28 points. The Clippers struggled to close the regular season, losing and failing to cover in 3 straight. They ended the regular season 38-44 ATS and were 20-21 ATS on the road.

Clippers at Mavericks odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:59 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Clippers +162 (bet $100 to win $162) | Mavericks -194 (bet $194 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Clippers +4.5 (-108) | Mavericks -4.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 211.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Clippers at Mavericks key injuries

Clippers

F Kawhi Leonard (knee) questionable

Mavericks

C Daniel Gafford (back) questionable
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 106, Clippers 103

Moneyline

PASS.

The Mavericks are too expensive to play outright as a moneyline favorite. -196 is just too steep to take here. The Clippers (+162) have a bit of value as a moneyline underdog, but the preferred play is them on the spread.

Against the spread

BET CLIPPERS +4.5 (-108).

The Mavericks don’t have an elite defense, ranked 18th in defensive rating during the season. Dallas held G Norman Powell and G Russell Westbrook to 4-for-19 shooting. Expect those players to shoot better, and the Clippers to shoot over the 36.8% that they did in Game 2.

LA is getting too many points as it has a regular-season win in Dallas this season. The Mavericks were the 2nd-best covering team in the NBA at 49-35 ATS but were just 21-20 ATS at home this season. As long as 2-time NBA Champion F Kawhi Leonard plays — keep an eye on his status — the Clippers should be able to keep things close.

For this value, back CLIPPERS +4.5 (-108).

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 211.5 (-110).

This series has been played at an ultra-slow tempo with the Mavericks ending Game 2 with 76 shots (they averaged 89.7 during the regular season. The Clippers sit 20th in pace, so they won’t want to play any faster.

Neither team hits the glass at a high rate to produce second-chance efforts and easy buckets. The Mavs rank 25th in offensive rebounding rate with the Clippers 17th.

Dallas was 36-46 O/U on the season and have gone Under in 5 straight games and in 8 of its last 10. The Clippers were 38-44 O/U on the season and have gone Under in 4 straight games and in 8 of their last 11.

Considering those trends, take UNDER 211.5 (-110).

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Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers Game 3 odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers meet in Game 3 of a best-of-7 Western Conference 1st-round series Thursday. The Nuggets lead the series 2-0. Tip-off from Crypto.com Arena is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Nuggets vs. Lakers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The 7th-seeded Lakers covered as 7-point underdogs in Game 2, but the host Nuggets came away with the 101-99 victory Monday as the Under (223) hit.

G Jamal Murray hit the game-winner over C Anthony Davis as time expired to cap a 20-point comeback for the 2nd-seeded Nuggets, who have won 10 straight meetings with the Lakers. F LeBron James had a chance to put Los Angeles up 3 with 13 seconds remaining, but missed on the open shot from deep.

The Nuggets are 6-1 against the spread (ATS) in the last 7 meetings vs. L.A., and the Under has hit in 5 of the last 6.

Nuggets at Lakers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:29 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Nuggets -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Lakers -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Nuggets +1.5 (-120) | Lakers -1.5 (+100)
Over/Under (O/U): 216.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Nuggets at Lakers key injuries

Nuggets

None

Lakers

C Anthony Davis (back) probable
F LeBron James (ankle) probable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Nuggets at Lakers picks and predictions

Prediction

Lakers 107, Nuggets 104

Moneyline

While I like the Lakers’ full-game ML (-105), the safer bet is to play them in the 1st half. L.A. has outscored Denver 119-101 before halftime in this series, but it struggles to control C Nikola Jokic (27 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists in Game 2) and the Nuggets offense over the course of a full game.

BET LAKERS 1ST HALF (-165).

Against the spread

For those who are uncomfortable laying -165 on the 1st-half ML, the 1st-half spread is low enough that the Lakers will likely cover it if they’re leading after the 2nd quarter. The 1st half of Game 3 is historically a good spot for home teams that are down 0-2 in a series, which is why we’re paying a bit of a tax on the Lakers here.

LEAN LAKERS 1ST HALF -2.5 (-110).

Over/Under

The Under has been very profitable in past meetings between these teams, and we should see a better effort from the Lakers on the defensive end after blowing a 20-point lead. While the total is a little low, it hasn’t dropped enough for me to consider playing the Over in a Nuggets-Lakers game.

BET UNDER 216.5 (-105).

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New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers Game 3 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 face the Philadelphia 76ers Thursday for Game 3 of their 1st-round best-of-7 series. Tip-off from Wells Fargo Center is scheduled for 7:30 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.

Series: Knicks lead 2-0; won regular-season series 3-1

Philadelphia led 101-96 with 47.1 seconds left in Game 2, but a 3 by G Jalen Brunson followed by a botched inbound by the Sixers that led to another 3 and the Knicks won 104-101. They failed to cover the -3.5 spread and their late rally nearly hit the Over of 206.5.

In such a close game New York’s better free throw percentage (82.6% vs 72.7%) and their 3 fewer turnovers made a difference.

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:52 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Knicks +185 (bet $100 to win $185) | 76ers -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Knicks +5.5 (-110) | 76ers -5.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 204.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Knicks at 76ers key injuries

Knicks

F Julius Randle (shoulder) out
C Mitchell Robinson (ankle) questionable

76ers

F Robert Covington (knee) out
C Joel Embiid (knee) questionable
G De’Anthony Melton (back) questionable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Knicks at 76ers picks and predictions

Prediction

76ers 107, Knicks 100

Moneyline

Home teams in the playoffs this year have won in 13 of their 16 games. The 76ers as a home favorite during the season are 24-9 straight up, while the Knicks are 11-13 as road dogs.

But at -225 I will PASS and look to the spread.

Against the spread

If you unpack that 11-13 moneyline record for New York, against the spread they are a surprising 11-12-1. This means they rarely lose and cover.

Combine that with Philly’s 20-16 ATS record after a loss and New York’s 24-26-1 after a win, I like the 76ers to have a strong showing.

BET 76ERS -5.5 (-110).

Over/Under

Playoff defense is here. The current line is incredibly low, in round 1 this year teams have exceeded 201 points in 10 of the 16 games. But the record is 6-2 for the Eastern Conference series, both in the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Orlando Magic.

Both games between these teams were above 201.

I will add that New York on the road hits the Over in 53.7% of their games (22-19) despite being a top 10 Under team this season. And Philly goes Over 57.6% of the time as a home favorite this year.

LEAN OVER 204.5 (-105).

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

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New Orleans Pelicans at Oklahoma City Thunder Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

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

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The New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder meet in Game 2 of a best-of-7 Western Conference, 1st-round series Wednesday. The Thunder lead the series 1-0. Tip-off from Paycom Center is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Pelicans vs. Thunder odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The 8th-seeded Pelicans covered as 8.5-point underdogs in Game 1, but the host Thunder came away with the 94-92 victory Sunday as the Under (216.5) hit.

G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a game-high 28 points for the top-seeded Thunder, who snapped a 4-game against-the-spread (ATS) winning streak. Gilgeous-Alexander scored the go-ahead bucket with 32 seconds remaining, handing New Orleans its 3rd loss in its last 4 games.

Oklahoma City is 3-0 straight up and 2-1 ATS vs. New Orleans in the last 3 head-to-head meetings, and the Under has hit in 6 of the last 9.

Pelicans at Thunder odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:47 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Pelicans +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | Thunder -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
Against the spread: Pelicans +7.5 (-110) | Thunder -7.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 211.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Pelicans at Thunder key injuries

Pelicans

F Zion Williamson (hamstring) out

Thunder

None

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Pelicans at Thunder picks and predictions

Prediction

Thunder 106, Pelicans 103

Moneyline

The Thunder (-350) are 34-8 at Paycom Center this season after Sunday’s win, good for the 3rd-best home record in the NBA. The Pelicans, even if they have a lead, will most likely struggle to close this game out without their leading scorer in Williamson (22.9 points per game).

However, it’s a losing proposition long term to bet -350 favorites in the NBA.

PASS. Bet the spread and/or total instead.

Against the spread

The Thunder are among the weaker No. 1 seeds in recent memory, due to their lack of playoff experience. Typically, the No. 1 seed in the better conference wouldn’t be +1400 at BetMGM Sportsbook to win the NBA Finals. The Thunder avoided the upset in Game 1, but they haven’t been downgraded enough for their performance.

The Pelicans have veterans like G CJ McCollum and C Jonas Valanciunas, who have made postseason runs with the Portland Trail Blazers and Toronto Raptors, respectively. Give me the veterans catching 7.5 points against the youngest No. 1 seed in NBA history — the average age on the Thunder is 23.4 years old.

BET PELICANS +7.5 (-110).

Over/Under

The Under has been cashing regularly in Pelicans-Thunder matchups, and Game 1 was no exception. These teams play each other tight, and without Williamson on the floor, I expect Game 2 to unfold in a similar fashion to Sunday night’s low-scoring affair.

BET UNDER 211.5 (-110).

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

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Miami Heat at Boston Celtics Game 2 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 (0-1) face the Boston Celtics (1-0) Wednesday for Game 2 of their best-of-7, 1st-round series. Tip-off from TD Garden is scheduled for 7 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.

Regular-season series: Celtics won 3-0

Boston took Sunday’s opener 114-94 behind F Jayson Tatum’s 1st career playoff triple-double (23 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists). Tatum only made 1-of-8 3-pointers, but the team finished 22-for-49 (44.9%) behind the arc. G Derrick White added 20 points, while 6 Celtics finished in double-figures for points.

They led by 5 points after the opening quarter, 15 points at the half and 32 points entering the 4th. They easily covered as 14.5-point home favorites.

Miami, on the other hand, allowed 10 offensive rebounds but on the bright side, it outscored Boston in the paint 44-24, which is antiquated in today’s NBA. C Bam Adebayo led the Heat with a team-high 24 points.

The Under (210.5) did hit, barely. Although it appears that teams are either adjusting to the playoff atmosphere or ramping up their defense, either way teams are struggling to score so far.

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:42 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Heat +775 (bet $100 to win $800) | Celtics -1400 (bet $1,400 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Heat +14.5 (-110) | Celtics -14.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 203.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Heat at Celtics key injuries

Heat

F Jimmy Butler (knee) out
F Kevin Love (arm) available
G Josh Richardson (shoulder) out
F Duncan Robinson (back) available
G Terry Rozier (neck) out

Celtics

C Luke Kornet (calf) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Heat at Celtics picks and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 106, Miami 94

Moneyline

Home teams dominated the playoffs out of the gate, going 11-0 straight up through Monday, but 2 visiting teams (Indiana at Milwaukee and Dallas at LA Clippers) picked off wins Tuesday.

However, the Celtics don’t seem at risk of losing this game at home. They are an NBA best 38-4 as home favorites this season. But given the current odds (-1400), there is no value at picking them straight up.

PASS.

Against the spread

In the 1st-round openers, 6 of the 8 matchups ended in double-digit wins. So far, Game 2’s have been closer as teams are adjusting and finding advantages.

I expect the same for this game. As a road underdog during the regular season, Miami had the 2nd-best cover percentage (63.0%).

Entering Wednesday, NBA Playoffs underdogs are 4-2 ATS in Game 2’s.

BET HEAT +14.5 (-110).

Over/Under

Miami and the Denver Nuggets tied for the NBA’s best Under record during the regular season at 47-35, according to Teamrankings.com. The Heat only scored 94 points in their Game 1 loss — they feature a league-best 28-15 Under record as a road team.

Boston’s defense allowed just 109.2 points per game in the regular season and as teams up their effort for the playoffs, I expect another low-scoring game.

Plus, only 2 of the 6 Game 2’s had both teams score over 100 point so far.

LEAN UNDER 203.5 (-110).

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

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Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks Game 2 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 6-seed Indiana Pacers and 3-seed Milwaukee Bucks meet in Game 2 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference, 1st-round series Tuesday. The Bucks lead the series 1-0. Tip-off from Fiserv Forum is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET (NBA TV). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Pacers vs. Bucks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Stephen A. Smith has a saying that the great ones will get you 1. It refers to Allen Iverson carrying the Philadelphia 76ers to 1 win against the mighty Los Angeles Lakers in the 2001 NBA Finals. G Damian Lillard got Milwaukee 1 and reminded everyone that even at 33 years old, it’s still Dame Time. He dropped a franchise-record 35 points in the first half of Game 1 as the Bucks prevailed 109-94 without F Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf).

The Pacers held him scoreless in the 2nd half as he attempted just 5 shots, but the damage was done. The Pacers shot just 8-for-38 (21%) from 3-point range, and G Tyrese Haliburton had just 9 points. F Pascal Siakam had his way with 36 points and 13 boards, but it wasn’t enough. F Bobby Portis Jr. (15 points, 11 boards) and F Khris Middleton (23 points, 10 boards) each had double-doubles for Milwaukee.

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 11:25 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Pacers +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Bucks -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Pacers +1.5 (-115) | Bucks -1.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 223.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Pacers at Bucks key injuries

Pacers

F Bennedict Mathurin (shoulder) out

Bucks

F Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) doubtful

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Pacers at Bucks picks and predictions

Prediction

Pacers 115, Bucks 110

Moneyline

No road team has won a game in the playoffs this year since entering the best-of-7 format. That changes here.

Giannis is listed as doubtful, but he’s not playing. If the Bucks lost Game 1, maybe you could see them risk it, but a calf injury requires time. The books agree, as the Bucks are merely -120 favorites.

The Pacers were 4-2 against the Bucks this season, and they won 2 in this building. Take the PACERS +100.

Against the spread

There’s no point in taking the spread here, as we’re going with the value on the ML.

The Pacers scored a league-high 123.3 PPG in the regular season and were held below 99 points for the 1st time in Game 1. They’ll respond. Take PACERS OVER 110.5 TOTAL POINTS (-140).

Over/Under

The Under 230 cashed in Game 1, and the market has corrected itself down 7 points. The trends and historical data are a moot point. Without Giannis, the numbers are heavily skewed, but what we can count on is the Bucks to approach 110, and I believe the Pacers shoot better than a measly 21% from 3.

Take the OVER 223.5 (-110).

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

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Phoenix Suns at Minnesota Timberwolves Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

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

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The 6-seed Phoenix Suns and 3-seed Minnesota Timberwolves meet in Game 2 of a best-of-7 Western Conference, 1st-round series Tuesday. The Timberwolves lead the series 1-0. Tip-off from Target Center is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Suns vs. Timberwolves odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The Timberwolves howled at the moon as they eclipsed the Suns 120-95 in Game 1 Saturday. The Suns led 28-27 after 1 quarter but were outscored in each of the next 3. F Kevin Durant did his part with 31 points and 7 boards. G Devin Booker had an off night with 18 points on 5-for-16 shooting.

The T-Wolves smothered the Suns defensively, outrebounding them 52 to 28. The Wolves also won the paint battle with 52 points to their 34. C Rudy Gobert was the difference with 14 points and 16 boards. He didn’t block a shot, but he altered several in the paint. G Anthony Edwards had 33 points, on 4-for-8 from distance, 9 boards and 6 dimes. G Nickeil Alexander-Walker was also a menace with 18 points and 4 steals.

It’s hard to fathom a team with KD, Booker and G Bradley Beal could fail to have the depth to compete with the likes of Minnesota, but that is exactly what happened.

Suns at Timberwolves odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:19 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Suns +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Timberwolves -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Suns +3.5 (-115) | Timberwolves -3.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 211.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Suns at Timberwolves key injuries

Suns

G Grayson Allen (ankle) questionable

Timberwolves

F Kyle Anderson (hip) questionable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Suns at Timberwolves picks and predictions

Prediction

Timberwolves 114, Suns 109

Moneyline

We had a crazy stat going into Monday’s action. Between the NHL and NBA best-of-7 playoffs, the home teams were 14-0. A couple of NHL road teams ended that streak Monday night, but the home teams are still undefeated in the NBA.

I could see that trend ending Tuesday — but not in this game. The Suns are going to have to shoot the lights out or get Gobert in foul trouble in order to steal this one. I do see some regression from the Timberwolves, who shot 50% from the floor in Game 1, but they preserve home court.

Instead of taking the -155, let’s SGP the TIMBERWOLVES ML + ANTHONY EDWARDS 20 POINTS (-105). Upon logging into my BetMGM account, I had a 33% boost token for a minimum odds of -300. That made this SGP +126.

Against the spread

I’m foregoing the spread here. Some shops have already gone down to Minnesota laying 3 points instead of the 3.5. If that falls to 2.5, I’d entertain the idea.

PASS.

Over/Under

The Over 213.5 cruised in the 120-95 Game 1 finish. The Over is 7-3 in the last 10 matchups between the teams. Minnesota is 7-3 O/U in its last 10, and Phoenix is 5-5.

I like the OVER 211.5 (-115).

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

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Dallas Mavericks at LA Clippers Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’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 in Game 2 of a best-of-7 Western Conference 1st-round series Tuesday. The Clippers lead the series 1-0. 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.

LA beat the Mavericks 109-97 Sunday while covering as a 3-point home underdog. G James Harden (28 points and 8 assists) and C Ivica Zubac (20 points and 15 rebounds) showed out for the Clippers in the absence of F Kawhi Leonard (knee).

The Mavs allowed the Clippers to shoot 46% from the field and 50% from deep (18 of 36) in Sunday’s loss. Dallas really struggled to get things going offensively, shooting only 38.8% from the field and 30.3% from beyond the arc (10 of 33).

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 Monday at 11:45 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Mavericks -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Clippers +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
Against the spread (ATS): Mavericks -2.5 (-110) | Clippers +2.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 217.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Mavericks at Clippers key injuries

Mavericks

None

Clippers

F Kawhi Leonard (knee) questionable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Mavericks at Clippers picks and predictions

Prediction

Mavericks 107, Clippers 105

Moneyline

BET MAVERICKS (-140).

LA didn’t do anything too special in its Game 1 win, it simply just looked like the Clippers’ shots were falling, while Dallas’ weren’t. I don’t expect that to happen in back-to-back games, and I also do not expect Harden and Zubac to carry the Clippers again.

LA may still be without its best player in Leonard, making the Mavericks automatically the safer bet.

Against the spread

LEAN CLIPPERS +2.5 (-110).

Los Angeles has covered the spread in each of its last 3 matchups vs. Dallas and is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings. The Clippers are also 3-1 ATS in the last 4 meetings in LA.

This is a lean because the Clippers are only 1-3 ATS in their last 4 games.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 217.5 (-110).

The Under has hit in 4 consecutive games for the Mavericks and is 7-3 in their last 10.

For Los Angeles, the Under has hit in 3 straight outings and is 4-1 in its last 5 games.

The Under has also hit in each of the last 3 Dallas-LA matchups and is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.

I expect the Clippers to get a lot less offense from Harden and Zubac in this one, which makes the Under an even safer bet.

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

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Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

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

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The 6-seed Philadelphia 76ers and 3-seed New York Knicks meet Monday in Game 2 of a 1st-round best-of-7 Eastern Conference series. Tip-off from Madison Square Garden is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the 76ers vs. Knicks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Series record: Knicks lead 1-0

The Sixers fell 111-104 in NYC Saturday as 4.5-point dogs. They led 34-25 after the 1st period, but a 12-point 2nd quarter seemed to seal their fate. C Joel Embiid had 29 points, 8 boards and 6 assists, and he was constantly haggled in the paint. He also left after tweaking his surgically repaired left knee. He returned to the game, but that will be something to watch. G Tyrese Maxey had 33 points and hit 3 triples.

G Jalen Brunson had 22 points, but F Josh Hart opened eyes with 22 points, 13 boards and 4 triples. The Knicks also received 21 points and 5 treys from G Miles McBride off the bench. The Knicks reeled in 23 offensive rebounds to Philly’s 9. The Knicks did most of their damage when Embiid was off of the court and McBride was on.

76ers at Knicks odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:53 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): 76ers +190 (bet $100 to win $190) | Knicks -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): 76ers +5.5 (-105) | Knicks -5.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 205.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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76ers at Knicks key injuries

76ers

F Robert Covington (knee) out
C Joel Embiid (knee) questionable
G Tyrese Maxey (illness) questionable
G De’Anthony Melton (back) out

Knicks

F Julius Randle (shoulder) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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76ers at Knicks picks and predictions

Prediction

Knicks 113, 76ers 109

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

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