Brooklyn Nets vs Toronto Raptors (-11.5) 1:40 PM
The Raptors are far away the better team here, as displayed in their 134-110 route in Game 1. They’ll win this game again, but the play here is on the Under. Brooklyn scored 110 in game 1, but won’t reach that number here in Game 2. Before Game 1, the Raptors allowed less than 110 in 6 of their 8 games prior. In those 6 games, they allowed 101.3 points per game. The Raptors offense should see some regression as well, as they shot 22 of 44 from 3 point range. They averaged 113 ppg in the bubble and I expect their defense to be the dominating factor in Game 2.
Final Score Prediction: Nets 104 Raptors 114
Bet: Under 225.5
Utah Jazz vs Denver Nuggets (-4.5) 4:10 PM
The Jazz outrebounded the Nuggets 52-41, got 57 from Donovan Mitchell, shot over 47% from the field and still lost! I guess the question here is can they play up to those standards again? I don’t think they can, so I’m leaning the Nuggets here. Maybe a Toronto/Denver moneyline bet is in order here because the -4.5 seems a bit high for two teams that are so evenly matched. Instead my bets here are going to be player props. You could do single bets or a combination of your favorites for a same game parlay.
Final Score Prediction: Jazz 109 Nuggets 113
Bet:
1. Rudy Gobert Over 15.5 Points – He has scored 16 or more points in 4 of his last 5 games, with the one being a 9 point performance where he only played 16 minutes against Dallas. He’s scored 16 or more points in all 4 games against the Nuggets this season, averaging 19 ppg in those matchups.
2. Donovan Mitchell Over 4.5 Rebounds – I always hate taking a rebound prop with a guard, but I think I have to here. He’s gathered 5 or more rebounds in 5 of his 7 games in the bubble, including 9 in Monday’s game with the Nuggets. His last 4 games against the Nuggets, he’s had the aforementioned 9 rebounds, 6, 8 and even 5 rebounds in a game back in January where he only scored 4 points.
3. Nikola Jokic Over 22.5 Points – He put up 29 points in Game 1 despite missing 10 shots. In the previous 4 games against the Jazz, he’s scored 29, 30, 30 and 28. For a guy who will lead the Nuggets in scoring to have a prop this low looks good to me.
4. Jamal Murray Over 20.5 Points – Let’s ride a hot hand here. Dude went off in game 1 for 36 points. He only scored more than 14 points in 2 of the 5 games he played in bubble, but both were against the Jazz. He scored 31 against the Jazz back in February as well. He’s on fire and has a good matchup; 21 points should be good.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics (-4.5) 6:40 PM
This is a fun series since Boston is the better team, but the Sixers have the better matchup. Embiid says he needs to do more, and take more shots, which I completely agree. He only scored 26 points and the offense turned the ball over 18 times, despite only losing by 8. I like Embiid’s props of over 27.5 points and over 43.5 Points, Rebounds, Assists (16 rebounds in game 1). But I also like taking the points in what should be a close game.
Final Score Prediction: 76ers 111 Celtics 107
Bet: 76ers +4.5
Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Clippers (-6) 9:10 PM
Let me start off by saying I will be parlaying the Raptors and Clippers today. As of now, the odds would be -176 so not great, but I think the Clippers just have the Maverick’s number. But I have a better play for you here on the Over. These teams combined for 228 points despite a 34 point 3rd quarter! For real, what were they doing? They combined for 72 points in the first quarter which seems more in line for what this series looks like. Take the Over!
Final Score Prediction: Mavericks 119 Clippers 124
Bet: Over 229.5
Bonus Picks**
Haven’t delved too far into the numbers on these, so I’m just going to run them off here.
-Blue Jackets/Lightning Under 5 Goals
-Canadiens/Flyers Under 5 Goals
-Avalanche/Raptors/Yankees Parlay (+153)
-Any MLB favorite…really (36 of last 42 favorites have won)
Jonny the Macedonian 