New York Knicks at Atlanta Hawks
The Knicks won their first playoff game since 2013 on Thursday with a huge 101-92 comeback victory. Overall, they outscored the Hawks 57-35 in the second half. That was mainly led by veteran Derrick Rose as he posted 26 points and 4 assists off the bench. But they'll be looking to get more production from Julius Randle after his shooting struggles in back to back games. He's shooting under 30% from the field thus far and averages just 15 ppg.
Meanwhile, the Hawks will be disappointed in their second half display after leading 57-44 at the half. John Collins was basically a non-contributor with 5 fouls and 0 points. However, Trae Young continued his impressive playoff form with another 30 point outing and 7 assists. However, the Hawks offence outside of Young needs to get going on their home court this Saturday morning.
Both playoff games have been low scoring and dominated by poor shooting. However, the Knicks should be confident after their Game 2 victory and they do have a good record in Atlanta. Overall, they've won 5 of the last 6 meetings and have also covered in 9 of their last 11 road games.
Stadium Record
Atlanta is 5-0 in their last 5 home games. The Knicks are 4-1 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
This series is tied 1-1 apiece after 2 close & low scoring games.
Best Bet
Same Game Multi
New York Knicks +5.5 / D. Rose 16+ points / Trae Young 8+ assists / J. Randle 8+ rebounds = $3.20
Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics
The Nets' Big Three hasn't disappointed in back to back wins over the Celtics in this series. Kevin Durant has proven to be a thorn in the Celtics side after 32 and 26 pts. Joe Harris also took advantage of the lack of attention his way as he nailed 7 threes in Game 2. Kyrie Irving had a quiet game for his standards (15 pts), but expect him to put on a show in front of the fierce Boston crowd.
Boston are facing a sweep at this stage after two disappointing results in Brooklyn. Their offence is obviously limited without Jaylen Brown and now Tatum has an eye injury. So they just can't take a trick. But a rowdy Boston crowd could be the energy they need to salvage some pride in this series.
At this stage, the Celtics don't have the offence to match the Nets so they need to bring their best defensive effort in Game 3. With a big crowd expected at TD Garden, we're expecting the Celtics to stand up and keep this Under the total. The Under has saluted in 4 of the last 5 meetings and it's also 5-1 in the Celtics last 6.
Stadium Record
Boston went 21-15 at home this season. Brooklyn has won their last 5 at TD Garden.
Head to Head Record
The Nets have cruised to a 2-0 series lead and have won 8 of the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
Same Game Multi
Under 225.5 Points / K. Durant 20+ points / K. Durant 7+ rebounds / T. Thompson 7+ rebounds = $3.70
Los Angeles Clippers at Dallas Mavericks
The Clippers are in a world of hurt after losing both games at home and now face a 2 game stand in Dallas. Their defence hasn't been up to standard against the likes of Doncic as they've allowed an average of 120 points per game. So they'll need to find a defensive gameplan in Game 3. On offence, Kawhi Leonard exploded for 41 points in Game 2. But outside of Leonard / George, their offence is pretty average.
Dallas are in the boxseat in this series with a 2-0 series lead. Doncic has been impressive with back to back 30+ point games and will look to keep the momentum going at home. Tim Hardaway Jr. has also been a good supporting act as he's coming off 28 pts in Game 2. So the gameplan won't change much in Game 3 as the Clippers try to figure out how to stop Doncic.
The Mavericks as underdogs on their home court and holding a 2-0 series seems a bit strange. We'll continue to back the Mavs until the Clippers defence finds a way of stopping Doncic with the ball in his hands.
Stadium Record
The Mavericks are 8-1 in their last 9 home games. The Clippers hold a solid 6-2 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
Dallas has won both meetings in this series and they're 6-4 in the last 10 overall.
Best Bet
Same Game Multi
