NBA Playoffs Sides Record: (-9.82 Units) — Betting 1 Unit to Win X

It’s time for the NBA Playoffs! We had a great NBA season winning over seven units but it’s time for the playoffs. We will have plays on the spread for each game as we did last season when we were very successful. This season we are including our props that are also good to use in PrizePicks lineups from our Prop Department. I will be sticking to sides only after a rough Day 1. Let’s go!

• 2:30PM CT: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks -2.5; Total 217.5

The Dallas Mavericks showed what they are capable of in Game 2 in OKC but will they be able to repeat that performance? The Mavericks made 18/37 3PT (48.6%), which was much better than the Thunder’s 10/30 3PT (33%). It was a great three point shooting performance by Dallas but the problem is, whenever a team makes eight more three pointers than their opponent they should win by more than nine points. Not only that but they shot seven more FTs but only made 71% of them while OKC made 16/17 94%. These are terrible indications for Dallas moving forward. Game 2 should have been a blowout based on these numbers, not to mention they also out-rebounded OKC. This is such an interesting series. So far, the team that wins the 3PT and rebounding battle has won the game. It typically goes that way but who will be more consistent. I am a little concerned about the thumb / wrist / hand of Daniel Gafford but he didn’t look too bad in the second half. I still think this number should be closer to -4 for each home team. I am still backing Dallas but they will need to improve on their FTs and defense especially in the interior.

Play: Mavericks -2.5 (-110) [via DraftKings]

Prop: PJ Washington Points OVER 13.5 (-115) [via DraftKings]

Prop: Tim Hardaway Jr. Points OVER 8.5 (+102) [via DraftKings]

• 7:35PM CT: Boston Celtics -8 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers; Total 211

The Cavaliers dominated the Celtics in Game 2. The last time that happened was Game 2 vs. the Miami Heat. In Game 3 the Celtics obliterated the Heat and they were never heard from again. Boston does have a plethora of soft players and when Derrick White does not take the reigns, the Celtics fall flat. This feels like the type of situation where the Celtics dominate and the Cavs win Game 4. So, that is where I am going. After the Heat won, Boston was 10 point favorites in Miami then killed them. Will the Cavs supporting cast show up for the second time this whole playoffs? It’s unlikely but we have to wait and see. This is a prove it game. I am backing the team that has backed it up in a tough spot. The Cavs have not proven that yet.

Play: Celtics -8 (-110) [via DraftKings]