We’ve got a couple of big matchups on the court tonight as the Warriors and Rockets tip off in Game 7 of their first-round series, while the Pacers and Cavaliers kick off Round 2.
The high-flying Cavs made easy work of the Heat in the opening round, and I’m looking for them to get off to a hot start in my NBA picks for Sunday, May 4.
Today's best NBA Playoff parlay: May 4
Cavaliers first-half moneyline
Pacers/Cavaliers Over 118.5
Rockets first-half moneyline
Pick #1: Cavaliers first-half moneyline
The Cleveland Cavaliers come into the second round on fire after dismantling the Miami Heat in a four-game sweep. First-half dominance was key for the Cavs in that series, and I’m looking for that trend to continue in Game 1 vs. the Indiana Pacers.
Cleveland hit the first-half moneyline in every game against Miami, and it wasn’t even close. The Cavaliers were +21 in the first half — by far the best mark among all teams in the playoffs.
Their opponent tonight, the Pacers, actually rank second in that category at +9.4, but the trends weigh heavily in the Cavaliers’ favor.
The Cavs have hit the first-half moneyline in 37 of their last 43 games at home, while the Pacers have only hit it in 18 of their last 40 contests overall.
Pick #2: Pacers/Cavaliers Over 118.5
The Heat were the seventh-best defensive team during the regular season, but Cleveland cut through their defense like a knife through warm butter in the first round, averaging a league-best 126 ppg.
Cleveland did that while missing Darius Garland for Games 3 and 4, who is still listed as questionable with a toe injury.
If the point guard returns tonight, the Cavs will get a big boost to their offense as they reunite their one-two punch of Garland and Donovan Mitchell, who combined for nearly 48 ppg in the first round and 45 ppg in the regular season.
The Pacers were a middling defensive team this season, allowing 115.1 ppg (17th), so a healthy Cavs squad should be able to run up the score.
Pick #3: Rockets first-half moneyline
If the Houston Rockets could play their first-half game for 48 minutes, this series would have been over long ago. The Rockets have won the first half in five of six games vs. the Golden State Warriors with an average margin of +7.2.
That trend is pretty much in line with how the Warriors have played all season. The Dubs have only hit the first half moneyline in 32 of their last 79 games and only covered the 1H spread in 28 of their last 72 contests.
Golden State generally takes over the second half, where it's hit the moneyline in 16 of its last 22 away games. Barring a surprise, the Rockets should fly to a first-half lead again in Game 7.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
