8 Expert Picks
The Nuggets will go for the sweep Saturday.
Another Sweep
Rui Hachimura is averaging just five points per game in the series versus the Nuggets.
Can the Nuggets close out the Lakers on Saturday night? ...
Will the Sixers tie the series vs. the Knicks? ...
Too Much D In Dallas
Points Galore
Sweeps Happen
Past Picks
We're not asking Derrick White to do anything he hasn't already. White has eclipsed this number in both games against Miami. I understand the books adjusting for a road game, but Miami actually plays worse defense at home and allows 2% high 3-point percentage. He's had three recent single digit games which I think is adjusting this line, but before that was on a nine game streak to this over. White historically doesn't have issues on the road and I don't anticipate it beginning tonight.
Jaime Jaquez has had a solid rookie season for the Heat and has stepped up in the absence of Jimmy Butler. That being said, I believe the Heat are going to face an angry Celtics team that is going to first and foremost look to smother Miami similar to their game 1 performance. Either way this is a big combo line for Jaquez who just barely eclipsed this line in game 1 while shooting 50% from the field. Look for another dominant defensive effort from the Celtics who looked vulnerable in Game 2.
Tyler Herro had a huge game 2 and led the Heat to a victory while splitting the series before heading back to Miami. This was a gutsy performance but I believe they caught Boston napping and I believe the Celtics will be motivated in game 3. Boston knows the key to stopping Miami is slowing down Herro and this is simply a big number for the combo guard.
Curiously, Boston continues to have its struggles at home in the playoffs, losing Game 2 at TD Garden vs. the underdog Heat, and now has to go on the road to regain home edge against the no-Jimmy Butler Miami. One wonders, however, if the Celtics' recent inconsistencies (which surfaced late in the regular season) might suggest Boston has simply gone flat, Before going there, however, will note that both previous games in this series cleared 204, and each side has been trending hard to the "over" in recent weeks (Celtics "over" 14-5 last 19; Heat "over" 11-3 last 14). Play Celtics-Heat "Over"
CJ McCollum has had a rough start to the season and if the Pelicans are going to have any chance they will need a lot more production from him. McCollum was one of the Associations hottest players heading into the playoffs and was averaging close to 40 PRA over the final month and a half of the regular season. New Orleans is without their best player and usage monster Zion Williamson, in addition to Brandon Ingram being less than 100%. The Thunder have proven to be a tough team and matchup, but McCollum should be aggressive and will also have the benefit of playing at home.
This is a big number for Jalen Suggs who averaged 19.4 PRA in the regular season. Suggs has performed well in this playoff series, however he hasn't received an increase in playing time, and this series has been paced down and featured minimal possessions. The Cavs were routed by an inspired Magic team in game 3 and I expect a much better effort, particularly on defense, and this would certainly qualify as an inflated combo line for Suggs.
The Magic dismantled the Cavaliers in Game 3 when this series shifted to Orlando. While the Magic were 18-23 on the road during the regular season, they were 29-12 at home. I could see the home team winning all seven games of this series, so I’m on the Magic to even things up Saturday.