NBA Playoffs Best Bets, Picks & Predictions: Friday (5/5)
We have two series moving on to the lower seed’s home court. One game saw the home court advantage flip while the other of tonight’s home teams faces a possible 3-0 deficit.
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Today's Best NBA Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Boston Celtics (-2) at Philadelphia 76ers | O/U 214.5 (-110/-110)
The Celtics took a tough loss in Game 1 against the 76ers without Joel Embiid, but they would come up huge in Game 2 against Embiid to tie this series up as it heads to Philadelphia.
Boston showed how they have more than a few guys that can contribute. Jaylen Brown had a game-high 25 points, Derrick White and Marcus Smart had 15, and the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year, Malcolm Brogdon, delivered 23 off the bench. Their star Jayson Tatum was a non-factor as he dealt with foul trouble and had just seven points in 19 minutes.
The Celtics’ defense also showed up in Game 2. They were better at not allowing the Sixers to facilitate the ball, especially inside with Embiid, and as a result, they couldn't get the high-percentage shots and had a season-low 13 assists. Harden fell to earth after his 45-point performance in Game 1 and shot 2-for-14 from the floor.
The Sixers will find a way to get Embiid the ball more, and it will help the entire team get better shooting opportunities. Boston has done well on offense in both games, and I expect that to continue. This is a perfect opportunity to take the over.
Pick: Over 214.5 (-110)
Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns (-4)| O/U 224 (-110/-110)
It was all Nuggets in Denver as they came away winning both games. Nikola Jokic was undoubtedly not happy he didn't win his third-straight MVP because he went off in Game 2 scoring 39 points with 16 rebounds. This was essential because the other starters like Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray, who's been hot during the playoffs, were underwhelming in that game.
Kevin Durant and Devin Booker continue to be the offense for the Suns, but aside from Deandre Ayton, they aren't getting much support from the role players. Now they will have to do it without their point guard Chris Paul who left Game 2 with a groin injury.
The Suns had to make adjustments on the fly with Chris Paul leaving that game, and you saw a lot of sloppy play in the fourth quarter that led to the Nuggets’ comeback win. They will be able to adjust their game plan without Paul, and Durant and Booker will continue to score so that Phoenix will avoid the 3-0 hole.
Pick: Suns -4 (-108)
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