2023 NBA Apr 30 Betting Predictions
The NBA playoffs continue on Tuesday with 3 marquee matchups. The action starts in Miami with the Celtics looking to go up 3-1.
Boston Celtics at Miami Heat (Celtics 2-1)
The Celtics had a rough one in Game 2. So, they knew they had to come back strong and did they ever in Game 3. Brown was on fire, dropping buckets and swiping balls left and right. Tatum? He was killing it too, with a whopping plus-minus of +22. Even Jrue Holiday, with just three points, managed to rack up a +23. Tatum and Brown are the dynamic duo, the glue that holds this team together. After a stumble in Game 2, they came back swinging in Game 3, leading the charge like bosses. Now, they're gearing up for a showdown in Miami, hoping lightning strikes twice. Tatum's been dropping bombs left and right, averaging a solid 24.3 points per game in this series. Brown's right behind him, averaging a cool 24 points.
In Game 3, the Heat's mojo from Game 2 went poof as they struggled to nail their shots and make key stops. They also lost the rebound game, which didn't help matters. On top of that, turnovers were a big issue - Herro coughed up the ball four times, while Jaquez added three more, shifting the game's momentum towards Boston. To turn things around, they gotta play smarter, whether it's passing better, finding those open lanes, or taking the shot when it counts. But it's not just about ball control; they need to shoot better too. And they can't let Tatum and Brown get comfy with their shots. Easier said than done. Plus, they gotta keep tabs on Porzingis and White. And hey, they gotta light a fire under their bench too - when the starters take a breather, the bench has gotta step up big time.
The Under is 7-3 in this matchup and there's no Jimmy Butler. So I think the Celts defence continues to dominate after allowing just 84 pts last game.
Stadium Record
Miami are 5-5 in their last 10 at home. Boston are 5-0 in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Celtics are 8-2.
Best Bet
Oklahoma City Thunder at New Orleans Pelicans (Thunder 3-0)
The Thunder are dominating this series, taking all three games with their rock-solid defence. The Pelicans? Well, they're struggling to crack 92 points in any of these matchups. They're barely scraping by with under 90 points per game. If the Thunder keep up their defensive prowess, this game's as good as theirs. Leading the charge for the Thunder is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, dropping nearly 30 points per game. They'll be counting on him to keep that hot streak going. Fun fact: when he hits the 25-point mark, the Thunder boast an impressive 44-14 record. If he keeps it up, the Thunder might just sweep this series in style.
The Pelicans gotta amp up their scoring game for this one. Scoring less than 100 points ain't gonna cut it if they wanna snatch a win. They're banking on McCollum and Ingram to bring their A-game. McCollum's the real key here - when he's dropping 20 or more, the Pelicans are sitting pretty with a record of 27-7. If he catches fire on the court, the Pelicans might just dodge that broom and avoid getting swept.
I don't think the Pels can do it without Zion and I'm backing the Thunder to complete the sweep.
Stadium Record
New Orleans are 2-8 in their last 10 at home. Oklahoma City are 10-0 ATS in their last 10 games.
Head to Head Record
The Thunder are 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
Oklahoma City Thunder -4.5 = $1.88
Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets (Nuggets 3-1)
When it comes to the Lakers, it's all about the basics: grab those boards and keep those mistakes to a minimum. That's exactly how they clinched Game 4. Whenever they've dominated the boards in Game 1 and Game 2, they've controlled the flow. But slip-ups cost them those games. Sure, LeBron put up big numbers, but he also had some sloppy moments, coughing up the ball six times. If the Lakers wanna snag a win in Denver and keep this series alive, LeBron's gotta tighten up and avoid those risky passes. Davis? The dude was a beast out there, making a real difference with that +11 when he hit the court. Now, Russell had a rough time in Game 3, not scoring a single point. But he bounced back in Game 4, showing why the Lakers brought him back. Reaves chipped in too, though he could work on his three-point game after going 1 for 6. Props to Davis for owning the boards and LeBron for snagging those steals.
The Nuggets hit a rough patch after a solid start to the series. Their shooting game just wasn't on point in Game 4 and they struggled to convert their opportunities. Jokic did his thing for the most part, but those three turnovers hurt. Expect him to bounce back and tighten up his defence around the rim. Murray's gotta step up too and start sinking those shots more efficiently. He's also questionable with an injury for Game 5 so that's something to watch. He couldn't clinch the game-winner this time and his shooting struggles have been a recurring issue. As for Gordon, his seven points on 3 of 7 shooting ain't gonna cut it - he's gotta find better looks in Game 5.
LA should be energised after the Game 3 victory and I think the likes of LeBron and AD will be playing hard to keep the series alive. Jamal Murray is also under an injury cloud.
Stadium Record
Denver hold a 4-1 record in their last 5 home games. The Lakers are 0-7 in their last 7.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the Nuggets hold a 9-1 record.
Best Bet
