- The Atlanta Hawks enter game two as a 10-point underdog against the Boston Celtics following their 13-point loss in game one.
- The Cleveland Cavaliers feature various valuable player props for their second game against the New York Knicks.
- The Phoenix Suns remain the odds-on-favorite despite being upset by the Los Angeles Clippers in game one.
BOSTON – The second slate of games for the NBA playoffs is underway beginning today following the exciting first set of games. Despite the Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns, and Boston Celtics being the favorites, the former two lost their first matchup.
As these series go on, we will have more and more data to base the top bets on, leading to value for NBA bettors. Keeping this in mind, several props today between both players and teams could be worth placing on online gambling sites because of their strong histories against the opponent as well as what we saw this past Saturday.
| Matchup: | Money Line: | Spread: | Total: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Hawks @ Boston Celtics | Celtics (-575) vs Hawks (+400) | Celtics -10.0 | 230.5 |
| New York Knicks @ Cleveland Cavaliers | Cavaliers (-230) vs Knicks (+190) | Cavaliers -5.5 | 214.5 |
| L.A. Clippers @ Phoenix Suns | Clippers (+290) vs Suns (-380) | Suns -8.0 | 225.5 |
Atlanta Hawks @ Boston Celtics
With this being the most lopsided game in terms of the odds, there is not a ton of value to be had in betting on the Celtics money line, however the spread of -10.0 does look to be an attractive bet. This is mainly because the Celtics have covered the spread against the Hawks in six straight games, including the most recent matchup in game one where they won by 13 after being 10-point favorites.
While the spread may look to be a large number, there is perhaps no team better suited to stopping the Hawks and dominating them than the Celtics. With former defensive player of the year Marcus Smart Guarding Trae Young in addition to possibly the best duo in the NBA of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, there is not much that the Hawks can do matchup-wise. Even Clint Capela cannot be relied on to dominate the glass, as small-ball lineups will frequently hold him to under his regular allotment of minutes.
- Top pick for this game: Celtics -10.0 (-110)
New York Knicks @ Cleveland Cavaliers
There is a clear top prop for this game, but it comes from the players rather than the team. With the Knicks pulling off a solid upset last game along with the potential return of Josh Hart, it is quite risky betting on the money line or spreads at this point in time.
Luckily, a prop of Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen to log over 10.5 rebounds comes in at phenomenal +105 odds. It is quite a headscratcher why this would be plus odds, as Allen has consistently dominated the glass against the Knicks with four straight games of 12+ rebounds.
His heavy dosage of 43 minutes last game also boosts this further, as we now know the Cavaliers coaches will have no restraint with playing their starters for nearly the entire game, giving Allen plenty of opportunity to clean the glass and continue his season-long trend against the Knicks.
- Top pick for this game: Jarrett Allen over 10.5 rebounds (+105)
Clippers @ Suns
While the Clippers pulled off a great upset in the first game and now ride a three-win streak over the Suns, the best prop in the game is likely for the players. Though, it would be a solid bet to have the Clippers either win outright (+280) or cover the +8.0 spread (-110).
However, a prop that looks especially intriguing would be Kevin Durant’s points and rebounds prop of 35.5 that is -115 for the over. Despite not playing against the Clippers often in his career, Durant has posted more than 36 in five straight playoff games against the Clippers as well as narrowly covering in game one.
With Durant also playing a whopping 45 minutes this past Saturday, it is likely that the star forward will be on the court for the vast majority of game time this series. Despite Kawhi Leonard’s standout defense, he has rarely been able to slow down Durant throughout their matchups, especially through heavy minutes.
This all makes KD’s over 35.5 points and rebounds line a great -115 odds value on NBA sportsbooks. With some very nice plays to cash in on for today’s NBA games.