The NBA postseason tips off today with four games are on the slate, and after earning home court advantage it’s no surprise to see all home teams as favorites in today’s contest. We’re here to bring you the must-read notes from around the Association to help you make the day’s best wagers. **video
BROOKLYN NETS AT PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Spread: Philadelphia 76ers -5.5
Over/Under: 229 points
Start Time: 2:30 p.m. ET, Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Nets ended their postseason strong with three straight wins versus quality opponents in the Bucks, Pacers, and Heat. The Nets will be without Allen Crabbe for the rest of the season and have Joe Harris and DeMarre Carroll both probable. While the 76ers’ star center Joel Embiid is listed as doubtful to suit up for today’s contest.
In the first two meetings between these two this season, Brooklyn’s D’Angelo Russell shot 10-of-21 for 21 points, and then 16-of-28 for 38 points with eight boards and eight dimes. Look for similar numbers today versus the Sxiers, but instead of taking his points total, take him on a head-to-head bet versus Jimmy Butler at Russell -3 points.
ORLANDO MAGIC AT TORONTO RAPTORS
Spread: Toronto Raptors -8.5
Over/Under: 213 points
Start Time: 5:00 p.m. ET, Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Canada
Both the Magic and Raptors have been two of the Association’s hottest teams down the stretch with Orlando winning eight of their last 10 to secure the seven-seed and the Raptors winning seven of 10. Historically the Magic have struggled versus the Raptors winning only five of the last 25. However, most recently the Magic have won two of the last three.
Defensively the Magic have been strong all season allowing only 105.8 points away from home, the lowest in the Association. Both teams have been incredibly efficient defensively in the first quarter of games ranking second and fifth in first quarter points. Take the first quarter total points Under 55.5.
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS AT GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Spread: Golden State Warriors -13
Over/Under: 231.5 points
Start Time: 8:15 p.m. ET, Oracle Arena, Oakland, California
The Warriors have won 16-of-18 versus the Clippers, and 11-of-12 at home. The average score over their most recent 10 head-to-head matchups has been 124-114 in favor of Golden State.
The Clippers’ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander does not attempt a lot of 3-point shots, averaging only 1.7 a game, however he is hitting just shy of 37 percent on those attempts. In the first meeting. He has yet to hit a shot beyond the arc versus the Warriors through three games, however he has been efficient shooting in two of three meetings shooting 8-of-11 from the floor, and 7 of 17 in their most recent. Back Gilgeous-Alexander Over 0.5 made 3-point shots.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS AT DENVER NUGGETS
Spread: Denver Nuggets -5.5
Over/Under: 211 points
Start Time: 10:30 p.m. ET, Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado
The Nuggets end their playoff drought and return to the postseason for the first time since the 2012-2013 season. They host a Spurs team who have had their struggles on the road. San Antonio have won 17 of the last 22 in the head-to-head, but only one of their last six on the road versus Denver.
San Antonio’s Derrick White has had impactful games for the Spurs this season starting at the point. He has logged 28 games with 10 or more points and five with 20 or more. Although he doesn’t attempt a lot of shots, White is shooting just shy of 48 percent from the field. Look for him to connect on a good percentage of the shots he takes and back Over his points total of 9.5.
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