NBA playoffs best bets: Breaking down odds, picks to make for Friday, April 19
In today’s SportsbookWire Best Bets series, we focus on Friday’s NBA playoff action, which is a three-game slate. Full breakdowns on each matchup can be found at SportsbookWire.USATODAY.com.
Toronto Raptors at Orlando Magic
Moneyline: The Raptors are -185 favorites as they take to the road following a convincing win in Game 2. The conference’s second seed will go where Kyle Lowry leads. As long as he’s back on track after a strong outing Tuesday, Toronto‘s a safe play.
Against the spread: Toronto is being spotted 4.5 points as the favorite. Coming off their largest win since March 18 the Raptors are a good pick to cover at -110.
Over/under: Both Games 1 and 2 came in below Friday’s 210 total. The UNDER should be the pick again at -110.
-- Esten McLaren / Access full story at SportsbookWire
Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers
Moneyline: The Celtics are +130 underdogs on the road with their 2-0 series lead. The Pacers led most of the way throughout Game 2 before Boston’s 31-point fourth quarter. Count on the Celtics to squeak out another victory at plus money for the first time in the series.
Against the spread: The outright win pays much better than just the -110 odds for Boston to cover a spread of +3.
Over/under: The total is down to just 203.5 after Games 1 and 2 both played to their UNDERs. Take the lower number again at -110.
-- Esten McLaren / Access full story at SportsbookWire
Portland Trail Blazers at Oklahoma Thunder
Moneyline: Portland is a massive +270 underdog in its first road game of the postseason. It’s the second game in a row the Thunder has been the favorite despite the 20-point loss last time out. The number is far too big to pass up for a team leading the series 2-0.
Against the spread: The Thunder is being spotted -7.5 points in its first home game. If you’re not willing to pick the Trail Blazers for the outright win, at least take them to cover at -110 odds.
Over/under: The total of 221.5 is the highest on Friday’s three-game slate. Choose the OVER (-110) as OKC aims to get back to its sixth-ranked pace of 105.3 possessions from the regular season. -- Esten McLaren / Access full story at SportsbookWire
NBA odds courtesy of Bet365; for a full listing of today’s odds, check out USA TODAY Sports’ odds page.
For more sports betting action, predictions, analysis and sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.USATODAY.com.
