NBA Playoffs best bets and prop predictions: Nuggets ruling the paint

Thanks largely to Nikola Jokic the Nuggets have outscored the Blazers in the paint during the most recent two games of their NBA playoff series.

Monique Vág - Writer at Covers.com
Monique Vág • Betting Analyst
May 5, 2019 • 03:03 ET

Two games tip off Sunday as the Raptors hope to avenge their Game 3 loss, but will have to do so without a key offensive player in Pascal Siakam who is out for the game with a calf injury. In the West, Denver hopes to use their advantage in the paint to even up their series against Portland. We’re here to bring you the must-read notes from around the Association to help you make the best wagers. **video

TORONTO RAPTORS AT PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

Spread: Philadelphia 76ers -2.5
Over/Under:  214.5 points
Start Time: 3:30 p.m. ET, Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

After winning the opening game in the series comfortably, the Raptors have really struggled to put up points and have been held to 95 or less points in the most recent two games. Defensively the Raptors have surrendered 42 and 52 points in the paint and have been badly outrebounded this series.

If the Raptors want to be successful, they’re going to have to be much more aggressive and Kyle Lowry has to step up not only as a playmaker, but as a scorer as well. Historically he has had success playing versus the 76ers and needs to make an impact today if the Raptors want any chance. Back Over his points, rebounds, assists total of 27.5

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DENVER NUGGETS AT PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

Spread: Portland Trail Blazers -3
Over/Under:  210 points
Start Time: 7:00 pm. ET, Moda Center, Portland, Oregon

The Trail Blazers played well returning home, after stealing a game on the road in Denver. Although the Nuggets were the team with the higher shooting percentage, it was the Portland hitting the shots that mattered, coming away with a 140-137 quadruple overtime victory.

Look for fatigue to play a factor for both sides as all games this series have been closely contested and after the Blazers going seven games versus the Spurs, these games have been played without much rest.

The Nuggets have outscored the Blazers in the paint in the most recent two games this series and average 50 paint points per game this season on the road. Look for Denver to be able to cash in on some of the easier shots early on and take the Nuggets on the first quarter line getting 1-point.

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Monique Vág
Betting Analyst

From NBA props to horse racing and even eSports odds, Monique has been providing the Covers audience with her best bets and analysis since 2013. A race commentator at Woodbine Mohawk Park in Toronto, Monique doesn't just limit herself to the ponies and is always eager to break down her favorite plays for the day's biggest games.

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