There’s a chance we could see three teams close out their first-round series on Tuesday night, so why not place a bet on each game?
I have a prop, a side and a same-game parlay for the NBA playoff action on April 25.
Let’s dive in:
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- Jamal Murray OVER 32.5 Points, Rebounds and Assists (-125)
- Los Angeles Clippers +12 (-110) vs. Phoenix Suns
- Boston Celtics-Atlanta Hawks SGP (+105)
Jamal Murray OVER 32.5 Points, Rebounds and Assists (-125)
Jamal Murray struggled in Game 4, shooting just 8-for-21 from the field on his way to a 19-point game. Murray finished with 31 points, rebounds and assists, his lowest total of the series.
While he averaged just over 30.0 PRA per game during the regular season, Murray has hit another gear in the playoffs. In four games he’s posted PRA numbers of 40, 48, 33 and 31.
Both the low 30s numbers came on the road with Murray shooting a combined 15-for-36 in those games.
He’s due for some positive regression shooting the ball at home, where he torched the Wolves for 40 points in Game 2.
He’s going to need to score to clear this prop, but I’ve been impressed with Murray’s ability to stuff the stat sheet in this series (6.0 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game). I expect him to bounce back in Game 5.
Los Angeles Clippers +12 (-110) vs. Phoenix Suns
I’m taking a bit of a risk on the Los Angeles Clippers here with their backs against the wall in Game 5.
Los Angeles has kept every game in this series within 14 points, and it has covered the spread twice (Game 1 and Game 3).
Even without Kawhi Leonard, this team has competed at a high level against the far superior team.
I also am not sold on the Suns covering this big of a number considering how little bench production they have received in the series. Phoenix needs Kevin Durant and Devin Booker’s A-game on a nightly basis to win, and I’m worried that a small slip will cost the team’s chances at a cover in Game 5.
Boston Celtics-Atlanta Hawks SGP (+105)
- Derrick White 10+ Points (-650)
- De’Andre Hunter 12+ Points (-425)
- Jayson Tatum 35+ Points, Rebounds and Assists (-700)
- Celtics -3.5 (-450)
I’ve had some success in the playoffs with these same-game parlays, and I don’t want to lay the 13 points with Boston even though I feel like it should roll, so here we are.
Derrick White: Starting with White, who has been magnificent in this series, averaging 19.8 points per game on 58.0 percent shooting from the field and 52.0 percent from beyond the arc, I think 10+ is a surefire spot for him.
Even in the regular season White averaged more points per game than this, and he’s been one of Boston’s best options in this series.
De’Andre Hunter: The Hawks won’t have Dejounte Murray (suspension), which means it’s Hunter’s time to step up on offense. This season, Hunter averaged 16.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 7 games without Murray. He also scored at least 12 points in all but one of those matchups (finished that game with 11).
Jayson Tatum: Tatum has cleared this number in each game in this series, dominating the Hawks scoring the ball with at least 25 points in each matchup. This is one of the safer picks in the parlay.
Celtics -3.5: Like I mentioned, Boston has rolled for most of this series, winning each game at home by double digits and Game 4 by eight points in Atlanta. If Boston wins, it’s going to be in convincing fashion without Murray in the lineup.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.