Top NBA Playoffs Odds & Picks: Friday (5/3)
We've got two exciting games on the schedule for Friday May 3. Let's look at the best bets for both of them.
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Friday's Best NBA Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Orlando Magic at Cleveland Cavaliers (-4) | O/U 199 (-108/-112)
The pendulum has shifted in this series a few times, and we had our first closely contested matchup in Game 5. The Cavs will have the chance to close it out tonight, but they may have to do it without one of their more important players. Jarrett Allen missed Game 5 because he is dealing with a rib injury. They still won in Game 5, but it was the closest margin of any game.
The Magic have felt more comfortable playing at home during this series by averaging 116.5 points in Orlando, as opposed to 90.6 on the road. The Magic must take advantage of Allen’s absence and crash the boards. Paolo Banchero took 40.8% of his shots during the regular season from in the paint, more than anywhere else. Of his 24 shots in Game 5, seven came in the paint. If he can't get into the lane, then Franz Wagner needs to be a big part of their presence on the glass on both ends.
We're seeing some books have this up to 203, but some still have it at 199. Get that number low now.
Pick: Over 199 Total Points (-108)
Los Angeles Clippers at Dallas Mavericks (-8) | O/U 206.5 (-110/-110)
It seems to be the same song, different artists for the Clippers in the playoffs. They were unsuccessful during the Lob City era because of injuries, and once again, that's what they are dealing with. Kawhi Leonard will not play in Game 6, but that isn't anything new; of the last 18 playoff games for Los Angeles, Leonard has been active for only four. Game 5 was an awful performance all around, with a shooting percentage of 37.9% and 15 turnovers.
Dallas has had large leads in the series before, and Los Angeles has found a way to creep back, but Dallas didn't let that happen in the last game. Their biggest criticism in the past was their defense, but the trade deadline acquisitions, like P.J. Washington, have significantly improved them defensively. Also, it helps that Luka Doncic is averaging 30.4 points in the series.
It will be tough for the Clippers to overcome without Kawhi, and the Mavericks have played well over the last two games. Still, this game can go in so many directions. One common factor we've seen in recent games is a lot of offense in the fourth quarter, and whether it's the Mavericks trying to end the Clippers' season or the Clippers trying to extend this series, the points will fly.
Pick: Over 51.5 4th Quarter Points (-110)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Friday: