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NBA Playoff Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (4/19)

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We’ve got an insane three-game slate tonight in the NBA Playoffs.

The Los Angeles Lakers will look to go up 2-0 against the Memphis Grizzlies. Meanwhile, the Bucks won’t want to let the Heat leave Milwaukee with a 2-0 lead in their playoff matchup. Lastly, the Nuggets are trying to prove they’re better than everyone else.

Here are a few bets to consider for tonight’s NBA games.

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Today’s Best NBA Bets

All wagers are 1 unit | Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies

The Los Angeles Lakers stunned the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1. Anthony Davis had 22, and LeBron James had 21. Those two weren’t even the leading scorers for the Lakers on Sunday. Instead, it was Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves stealing the show.

It’s clear now. The Lakers do have depth. They have players who can step up, and Davis and James have helped this team develop throughout the season.

Coming into tonight, Ja Morant is questionable. I’d assume he’ll play, but it’s more of a pain tolerance thing. Memphis has shot an effective field goal percentage of 54.4%, the 19th-best in the league. Yet, they’re not getting to the foul line often. On defense, the Grizzlies have allowed 27.4% of offensive rebounds. That’s an area they’ve struggled with all year.

The Lakers earned 11 more rebounds and shot over 53% from the field while hitting 43.2% from deep. Memphis is typically very good defensively, but the Lakers might have too many weapons. If Reaves and Hachimura continue to bury shots, the Lakers are dangerous.

I’ll back the Lakers on the road in Game 2.

Bet: Lakers (-115)

Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks lost Giannis Antetkounmpo in the middle of Game 1. He’s listed as doubtful for Game 2. But Josh Hart was also listed as doubtful a day before and played for the Knicks. So take that with a grain of salt.

They’ll truly need him after the Heat won Game 1.

The Bucks rarely get to the foul line and turn the ball over 14.3% of the time. But they’ve been getting good looks from the floor and are active enough on the offensive glass.

The defensive end is where the Bucks really shine. They’ve held teams to a 52% effective field goal percentage, the best number in the NBA. Opponents struggle to earn second chances and often don’t get to the foul line against the Bucks.

Meanwhile, the Heat lost Tyler Herro for the remainder of the playoffs. The offense was already bad. Now it’ll be worse. They’ve scored 113.3 points per 100 possessions, the 25th-best rate in the NBA. On defense, the Heat also allow teams to shoot a 56.3% effective field goal percentage (25th in the NBA).

Miami’s defense has earned a high rate of turnovers and also limits second chances along with foul shots. With or without Giannis, I don’t think we’ll see another game with one team reaching 130 points. I’m on the Under 219.

Bet: Under 219 (-110)

Check out our other best bets for Wednesday:

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