The NBA playoffs are in full swing with a pair of conference semifinal matchups Tuesday night.
The second game on the docket is the one that really grabs my attention from a betting standpoint. Fans are flooding into the Paycom Center for the Oklahoma City Thunder , who became the youngest NBA team ever to win a playoff series when they swept the Pelicans in the first round. It's crucial for the Thunder to come out strong in Game 1 against a Dallas Mavericks team that features superstars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving .
Let's take a closer look at two bets I like from that game and another from the Cleveland Cavaliers - Boston Celtics game that kicks off the evening's slate.
Josh Giddey over 11.5 points (-110): Giddey got off to a rocky start to the regular season, but he has really turned things around. He is averaging 11.3 field-goal attempts and 15.0 points per game while shooting 52.1% from the field in the regular season and playoffs since March 15. The Mavericks are vulnerable to the Thunder's spread scheme without Maxi Kleber , and if I were coach Mark Daigneault, this is something I'd exploit. Giddey should have success shooting on the perimeter in Game 1.
Jalen Williams over 25.5 points and assists (-110): Williams cleared this line in three out of four games in the opening round against the Pelicans while playing 34 or more minutes in each game. Now, he's set to take on the Mavericks, a team that has struggled defensively all season. Williams has cleared this line in 21 of the 31 games where he played 34 or more minutes this season. He should shine in this series as a scorer and facilitator.
Jarrett Allen over 26.5 points, rebounds and assists (-105): Allen missed the last three games in the series against the Magic, so It's unlikely the Cavaliers would activate him if they weren't confident in his health. And the matchup presents a prime opportunity for Allen, particularly against a Celtics team missing Kristaps Porzingis . Allen performed exceptionally well against Boston during the regular season, averaging 14.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. The Cavaliers will also need to rely on him as a defensive mainstay in the paint, especially against a team as talented offensively as the Celtics.
Projections and injury reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds by ESPN BET
Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics
East Semifinals - Game 1
7 p.m. TD Garden, Boston
Records (Against the Spread)
Cavaliers: 48-34 (37-44-1)
Celtics: 64-18 (43-35-4)
Line: Celtics (-11.5) Total: 210.5
Money Line: Cavaliers (+470), Celtics (-650)
BPI Projection: Celtics by 6.1, straight up 69%, 212.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Cavaliers: Jarrett Allen , (GTD - Ribs); Craig Porter , (OUT - Ankle); Dean Wade , (OUT - Knee); Ty Jerome , (OUT - Ankle)
Celtics: Kristaps Porzingis , (OUT - Calf)
Dallas Mavericks at Oklahoma City Thunder
West Semifinals - Game 1
9:30 p.m. Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
Records (Against the Spread)
Mavericks: 50-32 (49-33-0)
Thunder: 57-25 (46-35-1)
Line: Thunder (-3.5) Total: 218.5
Money Line: Mavericks (+140), Thunder (-165)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 4, straight up 63%, 215.3 total points.
Injury Report:
Mavericks: Luka Doncic , (GTD - Knee); Olivier-Maxence Prosper , (OUT - Ankle); Maxi Kleber , (OUT - Shoulder); Greg Brown III , (OUT - Personal)
Thunder: Olivier Sarr , (OUT - Achilles)
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