NBA Playoffs best bets – Page 7

Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets Game 2 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 Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets face off Monday in Game 2 of their best-of-7 Western Conference, 1st-round series. Denver leads the series 1-0. Tip-off from Ball Arena is set for 10 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Lakers vs. Nuggets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Denver picked up the 114-103 home win in Saturday’s opener, covering as a 6.5-point favorite. C Nikola Jokic dropped 32 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the win. Four of Denver’s starting 5 had a +/- of at least +10.

Los Angeles received a 32-point, 14-rebound outing from C Anthony Davis and a 27-point performance from F LeBron James, but the Lakers lost the turnover battle 12-4 and were outrebounded 49-40. G D’Angelo Russell also had a rough shooting game, going only 6-of-20 from the field, including just 1-of-9 from deep.

Lakers 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 2:16 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Lakers +240 (bet $100 to win $240) | Nuggets -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Lakers +7.5 (-110) | Nuggets -7.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 223.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Lakers at Nuggets key injuries

Lakers

F Anthony Davis (back) probable
F Lebron James (ankle) probable
F Cam Reddish (ankle) out

Nuggets

None

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Lakers at Nuggets picks and predictions

Prediction

Nuggets 112, Lakers 103

Moneyline

PASS.

The Nuggets (-300) will win, but they’re not worth the risk of betting on as such heavy favorites. Back the spread and/or total instead.

Against the spread

BET NUGGETS -7.5 (-110).

Denver has covered the spread in back-to-back games and is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games. The Nuggets have also covered in their last 6 games vs. the Lakers and are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 head-to-head meetings.

Meanwhile, L.A. is also only 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games.

Denver was able to win by 11 points Saturday even with G Jamal Murray having a very inefficient 9-of-24 shooting night. So, this bet seems a safe play assuming that Murray will have a better outing in this one.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 223.5 (-115).

The Under has hit in back-to-back games for the Lakers. For Denver, the Under is 3-1 in its last 4 home games vs. a Western Conference opponent. The Under has also hit in 7 of the last 10 Los Angeles-Denver matchups.

This is only a lean because the Over is 6-4 in L.A.’s last 10 games and because the O/U is 5-5 in Denver’s last 10 outings.

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

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Orlando Magic at Cleveland Cavaliers Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers meet Monday in the 2nd game of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference 1st-round series. Tip-off from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is set for 7 p.m. ET (NBA TV). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Magic vs. Cavaliers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The Cavaliers lead the series 1-0 after picking up a 97-83 win over the Magic on Saturday, covering as a 5.5-point home favorite. G Donovan Mitchell dropped 30 points as the Cavs had 4 players score in double figures. The Cavaliers outrebounded the Magic 54-40.

Orlando had trouble scoring and shot only 32.6% from the field and 21.6% (8-for-37) from deep. The Magic also had 4 players combine for 72 minutes and go a combined 0-for-19 from the field.

Magic at Cavaliers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 11:22 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Magic +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Cavaliers -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Magic +5.5 (-110) | Cavaliers -5.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 202.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Magic at Cavaliers key injuries

Magic

None

Cavaliers

G Craig Porter (ankle) out
F Dean Wade (knee) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Magic at Cavaliers picks and predictions

Prediction

Cavaliers 105, Magic 98

Moneyline

PASS.

I expect the Cavs to pick up the win, but they are not worth the risk of betting on as -225 favorites. Bet on the spread and/or total instead.

Against the spread

BET CAVALIERS -5.5 (-110).

Cleveland has covered the spread in 2 of its last 3 games. They are 2-1 ATS in the last 3 matchups with Orlando and 6-3-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings. The Cavs are also 4-1 ATS in the last 5 games against the Magic played in Cleveland.

I trust Cleveland’s offense more than Orlando’s and Cleveland’s size advantage means the Cavs should win the rebounding battle every game, which will help them cover the spread.

Over/Under

LEAN OVER 202.5 (-110).

The Over has hit in 2 of Cleveland’s last 3 home games and 3 of the last 5. For Orlando, the Over is 5-1 in its last 6 road games. The Over has also hit in 2 of the last 3 Orlando-Cleveland matchups overall and is 2-1 in the last 3 meetings in Cleveland.

This is only a lean because both teams are stout defensively, meaning that betting the Over is always a risk. Game 1 had only 180 points.

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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 1 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’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 1 of a best-of-7 Western Conference 1st-round series Sunday. Tip 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.

Season series: Thunder lead 2-1

New Orleans snapped a 2-game losing streak with a 105-98 win over the Sacramento Kings in a Western Conference play-in game Friday while covering as a 1.5-point home favorite. F Brandon Ingram scored a team-high 24 points, while C Jonas Valanciunas (19 points and 12 rebounds) had a double-double. The Pelicans shot 51.8% from the field in the win.

The Thunder ended their regular season on a 5-game winning streak after knocking off the Dallas Mavericks 135-86 Sunday and covering as 19.5-point favorites. G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a team-high 15 points, and 7 Thunder players scored in double figures. Oklahoma City shot 55.7% from the field in the win.

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 8:54 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Pelicans +280 (bet $100 to win $280) | Thunder -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Pelicans +8.5 (-115) | Thunder -8.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 215.5 (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 114, Pelicans 102

Moneyline

PASS.

There is no value on the Thunder (-350), who are 33-8 at home this season.

Against the spread

BET THUNDER -8.5 (-105).

The Pelicans are without Williamson, who leads the team with 22.9 points per game.

They face a Thunder squad that has covered in 4 games in a row, including 3 straight as favorites of 14 or more points. OKC has covered in its last 5 games at home and scored 125 or more in each of its last 3.

Over/Under

BET OVER 215.5 (-110).

The Pelicans are 5-4-1 O/U in their last 10 games. They have scored 106 or more points in 9 of their last 10 games and 110 or more in 4 of their last 7.

The Thunder have hit the Over in 6 of their last 10 games and scored 121 or more points in 4 of their last 5. They have scored 112 or more points in 8 of their last 10 games.

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Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks Game 1 odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Philadelphia 76ers (48-35) and New York Knicks (50-32) meet in Game 1 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference 1st-round series on Saturday. Tip from Madison Square Garden is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the 76ers vs. Knicks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Season series: Knicks lead 3-1.

Philadelphia knocked off Miami 105-104 on Wednesday in a comeback win to earn its playoff spot while failing to cover as a 5.5-point home favorite. C Joel Embiid scored a team-high 23 points with 15 rebounds for a double-double while F Nicolas Batum added 20 points on 6-of-10 from 3 off the bench. The 76ers shot 41.9% from the field in the win.

New York closed out its regular season last Sunday with a 120-119 overtime win against Chicago while failing to cover as a 13.5-point home favorite. G Jalen Brunson scored a game-high 40 points while G Josh Hart (12, 10 rebounds) had a double-double. The Knicks shot 50.5% from the field in the win.

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 10:15 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): 76ers +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Knicks -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): 76ers +3.5 (-110) | Knicks -3.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 208.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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76ers at Knicks key injuries

76ers

F Robert Covington (knee) out
C Joel Embiid (knee) 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 117, 76ers 108

Moneyline

PASS.

There is better value on the spread for the Knicks (-165), who are 27-14 at home this season.

Against the spread

BET KNICKS -3.5 (-110).

New York has won 5 games in a row and has covered in 4 of its last 5 games with a 5-point spread in either direction. It faces a Philadelphia team that needed a major comeback against Miami and is still trying to figure out its chemistry with Embiid back on the court. In front of their home crowd, expect Brunson and company to use the momentum for a big Game 1 win.

Over/Under

BET OVER 208.5 (-115).

Philly has hit the Over in 8 of its last 10 games and has scored 107 or more in 9 of its last 10 games. New York has hit the Over in 9 of its last 10 games including each of its last 5. It has scored 118 or more in 4 of its last 5 and allowed 108 or more in 9 of its last 10.

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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 1 odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets meet in Game 1 of a best-of-7 Western Conference 1st-round series Saturday. Tip-off from Ball Arena is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Lakers vs. Nuggets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Regular-season series: Nuggets won 3-0

The Lakers enter this rematch of last season’s Western Conference Finals on a 3-game winning streak, including back-to-back victories over the New Orleans Pelicans to clinch the 7 seed.

The Nuggets, who are the 2 seed and defending NBA champs, closed out their regular season on a 4-1 straight-up (SU) and against-the-spread (ATS) run.

Denver went 33-8 SU and 21-19-1 ATS at home in the regular season, while L.A. was 20-21 SU and 19-22 ATS on the road.

The Nuggets covered in all 3 meetings against Los Angeles this season, and the Under went 2-1. Their most recent meeting March 2 was a 124-114 Nuggets road win with the Over (231.5) cashing in downtown L.A. F LeBron James hit 40,000 career points, but C Nikola Jokic led Denver to victory with 35 points and 10 rebounds.

Denver swept L.A. 4-0 in the conference finals last season, going 2-2 ATS as the Over/Under (O/U) also went 2-2.

Lakers 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 9:40 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Lakers +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Nuggets -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Lakers +7.5 (-115) | Nuggets -7.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 226.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Lakers at Nuggets key injuries

Lakers

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

Nuggets

None

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Lakers at Nuggets picks and predictions

Prediction

Lakers 111, Nuggets 110

Moneyline

It’s hard to beat a James-led team 9 straight times, and that’s what the Nuggets will be trying to do Saturday.

You could say that the Nuggets have the Lakers’ number; however, L.A. was a 1-point favorite in the March 2 meeting and led by as many as 11 before falling flat once James hit 40,000 points.

Split up your bet and put no more than 1/3 on the Lakers to get the upset win in Game 1 on the road, just like they did at the Memphis Grizzlies in the 1st round last season.

SPRINKLE THE ML with LAKERS (+230).

Against the spread

L.A. is a veteran team that doesn’t get overwhelmed playing in hostile environments. It understands the importance of stealing the 1st road game in a series and went 3-0 ATS in its Game 1s last season, each time as an underdog.

The Lakers opened as 6-point underdogs, and the line has moved away from them; however, the same thing happened in Game 1 of the 1st round last season when they opened as 2-point underdogs and closed catching 5 at the Grizzlies.

Trust L.A. to continue outperforming expectation on the road in Game 1s.

BET LAKERS +7.5 (-115).

Over/Under

Unders went 4-2 in the play-in games (5-1 depending on which line you got), and it seems the referees are allowing a more physical style of play in the postseason.

The only teams that put up more than 112 points were the Sacramento Kings, who were just running up the score against the hopeless Golden State Warriors, and the Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls, the 2 lowest-rated defenses in the NBA Play-In Tournament.

This total jumped up 2 more points Saturday morning, which plays right into our hands.

BET UNDER 226.5 (-115).

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Phoenix Suns at Minnesota Timberwolves Game 1 odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Minnesota Timberwolves welcome the Phoenix Suns to Target Center for Game 1 of their 1st-round best-of-7 series in the NBA Playoffs Saturday. Tip is set for 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Suns vs. Timberwolves odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Regular season series: Suns lead 3-0

The Suns ended the regular season winning 3 straight games and improving their record to 49-33. They finished 35-45-2 against the spread (ATS). Phoenix was 5-3 ATS in its last 8 games and ended the season with a 19-21-1 ATS record on the road. The Suns are led by G Devin Booker, who is averaging 27.1 points per game.

Minnesota and Phoenix wrapped up their regular seasons with a meeting in Minneapolis Sunday, a 125-106 Suns win. The Timberwolves (56-26) failed to cover against Phoenix in all 3 regular-season meetings and was 41-41 ATS overall. It’s led by the impressive play of G Anthony Edwards, who is averaging 25.9 points per game.

Suns at Timberwolves odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:20 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Suns +104 (bet $100 to win $104) | Timberwolves -122 (bet $122 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Suns +1.5 (-108) | Timberwolves -1.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 214.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Suns at Timberwolves key injuries

Suns

None

Timberwolves

None

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Suns at Timberwolves picks and predictions

Prediction

Suns 110, Timberwolves 108

Moneyline

PASS.

While the plus-money option for Phoenix (+104) is enticing, the spread offer the better value here, and it is the preferred play.

Against the spread

BET SUNS +1.5 (-108).

The Suns have had the Wolves’ number this season, beating them by double digits in every game. Phoenix has the talented scorers to make it difficult for Minnesota to keep pace.

The Suns won 6 of their last 8 down the stretch and were 5-3 ATS in those. They weren’t healthy for most of the season but are starting to put it together late and should have a strong opening to this series.

The Wolves lost 3 of their last 6 and were 18-21-2 ATS at home, which isn’t too impressive either. Considering all those trends, back SUNS +1.5 (-108).

Over/Under

LEAN OVER 214.5 (-110).

The Suns and Wolves are 2-1 O/U on the season in their 3 matchups, and in the lone Under, both teams shot under 45% from the field. These teams are too talented to continue shooting that poorly.

The Wolves had gone Over in 6 of their last 8 games, allowing at least 116 points in 4 of their last 5. Considering the high-level scorers the Suns have and the current form Minnesota is in, back OVER 214.5 (-110).

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

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Orlando Magic at Cleveland Cavaliers Game 1 odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers open the 1st round of the NBA Playoffs when they meet in Game 1 of a best-of-7 series at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Magic vs. Cavaliers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Regular season series: Tied 2-2

The Cavaliers struggled down the home stretch of the season and almost failed to earn home-court advantage in the 1st round, losing 4 of their last 6 games. They ended 48-34 straight up and 38-44 against the spread (ATS). Cleveland finished 18-21-1 ATS at home. It is led by G Donovan Mitchell, who averaged 26.6 points per game during the regular season.

The Magic closed the season by beating the Milwaukee Bucks 113-88 at home Sunday, covering as 6-point favorites. They also lost 4 of their last 6 games, covering in just 2 of them. Orlando finished the season 47-35 and 51-31 ATS, the best ATS record in the NBA. It was just 23-18 ATS at home.

Magic at Cavaliers odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Magic +166 (bet $100 to win $166) | Cavaliers -198 (bet $198 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Magic +4.5 (-108) | Cavaliers -4.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 207.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Magic at Cavaliers key injuries

Magic

None

Cavaliers

None

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Magic at Cavaliers picks and predictions

Prediction

Cavaliers 107, Magic 100

Moneyline

PASS.

Orlando was the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference yet just 18-23 on the road. It made its fortress at home, not on the road, making it not worth a play as a plus-money underdog.

On the other side, the Cavs (-198) are too expensive here.

Against the spread

BET CAVALIERS -4.5 (-112).

The Cavs were 1-1 straight up and ATS against the Magic at home this season, but they were missing Mitchell in the lone home game they failed to cover. He will be active Saturday.

Cleveland is the more experienced side, making the playoffs last season as well, while this is the 1st time Orlando has made the playoffs in the last 4 seasons. With many young players, the Magic could struggle. They have also failed to cover in 4 straight road games.

Back CAVALIERS -4.5 (-112).

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 207.5 (-110).

The Magic were 5-7 O/U in their last 12 games and 37-45 O/U on the season. The Cavaliers were 3-3 O/U in their last 6 and 40-41-1 O/U on the season.

Both teams have strong defenses with the Magic ending 3rd in defensive rating and the Cavaliers finishing 7th. Neither team finished in the top half of the league in offensive rating either.

Put it all together, and back UNDER 207.5 (-110).

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