As each series progresses and the bad blood builds, the NBA betting line for every first-round playoff series gets tougher to navigate. Thankfully, your sports betting blog is here to help make the tough picks. Here are some trends to watch as you make your wagers for tonight's and tomorrow night's games.
TUESDAY, APRIL 27
Heat vs Celtics (Boston leads series 3-1)
Dwyane Wade's Game-4 performance was magical indeed but it will be tough for Miami to prolong the series past tonight. The Heat are 0-4 against the spread in their last four games as playoff underdogs and the Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last six conference quarter-final matchups.
Bulls vs Cavaliers (Cleveland leads series 3-1)
The most predictable of all the first-round NBA matchups should come to a close tonight – will Chicago really steal one from Cleveland on the road? – but the spread stats strongly suggest the Bulls are your free pick tonight. Chicago is 9-1 ATS over its last 10 following a straight-up loss and the Cavs are 1-6 ATS in their last seven after a straight-up win.
Spurs vs Mavericks (San Antonio leads series 3-1)
Let's hope this series doesn't end tonight; it's just starting to get good now! The Spurs are 1-5 ATS in their last five playoff games as an underdog and the Mavs are 5-1 ATS in their last six as a favorite, so it seems Dallas will stay alive tonight.
Thunder vs Lakers (Series tied 2-2)
How about the pesky Oklahoma City Thunder? Even though a win in L.A. would be a lot to ask, Kevin Durant's crew should be tough on the spread again tonight. The Thunder are 5-1 ATS over the last six meetings.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28
Bucks vs Hawks (Series tied 2-2)
As close as this series is, it gives us some very distinct sportsbook trends to follow. The home team has won all four games ATS in this series; the over is 11-1 over the last 12 meetings; the favorite is 4-1 over the last five meetings.
Jazz vs Nuggets (Jazz lead series 3-1)
Can the Nuggets stay alive? The home team is 3-1-2 in the last six meetings and the Jazz have beaten the spread just once in their last six visits to Denver. Carmelo Anthony has to be a world beater for Denver to pull it off.
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