NBA playoff odds and free picks for Monday, May 3 from ScoresOddsPicks.com
There are two huge NBA match ups on tap this evening. First, LeBron James and the Cavaliers host the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of their series. A few hours later, the San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns will tip off Game 1 of their second-round playoff series. Here are today's free picks:
Boston Celtics at Cleveland Cavaliers (-6.5) – 8:00 p.m. ET
Cleveland's 101-93 victory over Boston in Game 1 improved the Cavs to 5-1 in their past six games, but they've struggled to find success at the sportsbook over the past few weeks; the Cavaliers are just 4-6 in their last 10 games against the spread. Even though Cleveland covered at home on Saturday, the team is still a woeful 3-7 against the spread in its past 10 home games. So much for home-court advantage.
The Cavaliers have won five of their past six games, but their winning ways haven't translated into sportsbook success. Cleveland has covered just four of its last 10 games against the spread. Hosting Game 2 likely won't provide much of an advantage for NBA betting fans, either—the Celtics have covered just three of their last 10 games at Quicken Loans Arena.
Is LeBron James really hurting with that elbow? His 35 points, seven rebounds and seven assists say otherwise. Still, Cleveland looked sluggish and this series could end up becoming a war. Take the gritty Celtics.
Pick: Boston
San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns (-4.5) – 10:30 p.m. ET
Phoenix is coming off a first-round series win over the Trailblazers, which took six games to complete. The wins usually came in blowout fashion, with an average margin of victory of 19 points against Portland. Games like that have helped Phoenix cover seven of its last 10 games against the spread. Hosting Game 1 will also be a huge advantage for the Suns (and sports betting fans), as they are 8-1-1 in their last 10 home games on NBA odds.
San Antonio took care of the second-seeded Mavericks in six games. The Spurs may be winning in real life, but they're failing to get the job done for NBA betting fans. San Antonio is just 5-4-1 against the spread in its last 10 outings. Traveling to Phoenix won't do the team any favors, either, as the Spurs have covered just five of their last 10 games when playing on the road.
Phoenix has won three straight games on NBA odds against San Antonio. They simply have fresher legs than the aging Spurs.
Pick: Phoenix
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