NBA Picks & Predictions: Sunday (5/3)
Well, we have had some shocking results in the first round with Denver falling to Minnesota, Boston blowing a 3-1 lead to the 76ers and Houston failing to take advantage of a depleted Lakers roster. Will we see more shocking results in today's NBA playoffs Game 7 doubleheader? But what's more shocking, Orlando having a 3-1 lead versus Detroit at one point in this series or the fact that Detroit has tied the series up and has a shot to win? Don't worry, Raptors vs. Cavaliers, I haven't forgotten about you. Check out today’s top NBA picks below.
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Sunday’s Best NBA Picks
(Odds courtesy of BetRivers)
Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons
This has certainly been a puzzling series. Here we have a 60-win Pistons team that had been playing well on both ends of the court, even when Cade Cunningham was sidelined with a collapsed lung. Orlando, while it has some talent, was a play-in team, and play-in teams are like the sacrificial lambs of the postseason.
But then the lambs put up a fight and have had a chance to close this series out with a win twice. It looked promising for them in Game 6, but then an epic collapse in the second half turned a 60-38 lead at the break into a 93-79 defeat.
What on Earth do you do with a series that has played out like this one?
You bet on the one thing that has been fairly consistent in this series, defense. Three of the six games in this series have finished with totals under 200 points. Whether it's solid defense or just sloppy offense, after watching each team struggle for a half in Game 6, I'll be surprised to see the total for this game go over 202 points.
Pick: Under 202 Points (-109)
Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The last three games in this series were decided by two, five and four points, suggesting taking the points could be a good idea for Raptors supporters. Yes, their team could win it outright, but why not take advantage of a generous 8.5-point spread?
At the same time, we know how explosive the Cavaliers’ offense can be. It was a bit surprising to see them go just 11-of-41 from three-point range in Game 6. Could they do it again? Possibly. But despite struggling from the perimeter, the Cavaliers still put up 110 points.
How well each team plays has been hard to track from one game to the next in this series, but one somewhat consistent thing is that both teams are scoring points. They are looking to win on the offensive end while paying just enough defense to get by. That is why five of the six games have gone over 220 points.
Sure, Game 6 needed an overtime period to hit the over, but I don't trust the Cavaliers’ offense to cover the spread. Nor do I trust the Raptors to play well enough with or without an injured Brandon Ingram to stay within the spread. However, neither team appears concerned enough about defense to stop the other from scoring.
Pick: Over 210.5 Points (-112)