NBA Playoffs Game 3 Betting Preview - 20 April 2019 (AEST)
Toronto Raptors at Orlando Magic (ESPN)
The Raptors visit Orlando for game three of the series, currently tied at 1-1. And the Magic will want to capitalise on taking game one in Toronto following DJ Augustin’s game-winning triple right before the buzzer.
After a dominant season capped off with his maiden All-Star berth, Nikola Vucevic has struggled in the postseason. The Swiss big man has been a non-factor, averaging 8.5 points and 7.0 rebounds on 2.86 per cent shooting from the field. Orlando will need more production out of their star centre if they want to make good on their two home games.
After struggling to get their game going in game one, the Raptors reminded the league how much of a force they can be in game two. Winning by nearly 30 points, Kyle Lowry (22 points, 8-of-13 FG, four rebounds, seven assists, two steals) was back to his best and Kawhi Leonard (37 points on 15-of-22 FG, four rebounds, four assists, two steals) played at an MVP level.
Tip: Toronto to win @ 1.54
Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers
The series shifts back to Indiana as the Celtics hold a commanding 2-0 lead.
Despite not playing at their best, Boston will be happy to have grinded out two wins against one of the league’s best defensive teams. After an average shooting performance in game one, Kyrie Irving (37 points on 15-of-16 FG, six triples) was sizzling in game two. Jayson Tatum (26 points) also stood up late in the piece. Gordon Hayward finally looks comfortable with the other starters, finishing off games without needing to dominate.
The Pacers will be disappointed with how they finished game two. After leading for the majority of the game, Nate McMillan’s team crumbled when it counted. Bojan Bogdanovic has taken on the role as this side’s offensive leader in Victor Oladipo’s absence and ran with it.
The Croatian guard was particularly good in game two (23 points, eight rebounds, four steals) and will need to continue his strong play to combat Boston’s offensive firepower. It should be noted that the Pacers have now lost five in a row to the Cs.
Tip: Boston to win @ $2.20
Portland Trail Blazers at OKC Thunder (ESPN)
Portland head to OKC for game three with the Blazers currently leading the series 2-0.
Damian Lillard has been sensational in the first two games, averaging 29.5 points, 4.5 threes, 5.0 assists and 3.0 steals. What else did you expect? The star guard is now in his sixth playoff series and seems to take his game to greater heights in the post-season. Playing against his old team, Enes Kanter has been brilliant in filling the void of Jusus Nurkic and was particularly effective in game one, tallying 20 points, 18 rebounds and two blocks.
The Thunder will be happy to get back to their Chesapeake Arena fortress, where they went 27-14 in the regular season. Russel Westbrook and Paul George will need to shoot the ball better to wrestle back the series. Billy Donovan’s team only goes as far as their star duo takes them and you could expect them to show more fight in game three.
Tip: OKC to win @ $1.30.
