NBA PLAYOFF BEST BETS

The NBA playoffs are in full swing, and I have some best bets from all three games tonight.

This has been a VERY physical series between two of the best defensive teams in the NBA. The Magic are 3–1 but still face a very daunting task heading back to Detroit as 9.5-point favorites.

All signs are pointing to Franz Wagner being out for tonight’s game with a calf strain, but even if he does play, it’s safe to expect him to be limited. It’s known that Franz is one of Orlando’s best offensive options, but it’s been a little less known that he’s played INCREDIBLE defense on Cade Cunningham throughout this series, forcing 24 turnovers in three games, which is an NBA record for any three-game span in the playoffs.

With Wagner either not playing or limited, I look for Cunningham to have his way offensively. Give me his over 28.5 points.

The Raptors evened up this series 2–2 by winning both home games after falling down 0–2 to the Cavs in Cleveland. What’s even more remarkable is that Toronto managed to win Game 4 while shooting 4/30 from the three-point line.

It’s not much of a secret that the Cavaliers are much better at home, and I think it’s safe to say the Raptors will absolutely not be shooting 13% from three again. Both games in Cleveland have gone over, and I expect more of the same here. Give me the over 217.5.

This series has been a tale of two very different old heads. On one side, you’ve got LeBron doing GOAT things—hitting game-tying three-pointers in pivotal road games and tossing lobs to his son. On the other side, you’ve got the snake, Kevin Durant, who has completely given up on his team.

The Rockets finally played with some pride in Game 4, avoiding the sweep and getting max effort from every starter except Jabari Smith, who shot “tax day” (4/15).

I’m expecting more of the same from the Rockets here, who are playing like a team with nothing to lose. All signs point to the Lakers bringing back Austin Reaves, which obviously is a great thing, but I do not expect it to be great tonight. Give me Rockets +4.5.