2023 NBA Apr 23 Betting Predictions
The NBA playoffs continue with a trio of Game 2 matchups. The action starts in Cleveland with the Magic looking to square the series at 1-1 on the road.
Orlando Magic at Cleveland Cavaliers (Cavs 1-0)
The Magic didn't have the best start, losing game 1 with a low score of just 83 points. Paolo Banchero managed to rack up 24 points, but the team struggled with a dismal 32% field goal percentage. They've been in a bit of a slump lately, averaging only 102.8 points in their last 5 games, which isn't great. Plus, they've had a rough time against the spread, going 1-4 in their last 5 games, and they haven't been faring well on the road either, with a 0-5 ATS record in their last 5 away games.
Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs to victory in game 1 with an impressive 30 points, securing a 14-point win. Cleveland has been pretty solid at home lately, winning 5 out of their last 6 games on their home court. They also have a strong record against Orlando when playing at home, winning 6 out of their last 7 matchups. Their defence hasn't been too shabby either, allowing an average of 108.2 points against their opponents in the last 5 games. Now, they're eyeing a 2-0 series lead, especially since their away game record hasn't been stellar, with just 2 wins out of their last 10 road games.
In the Cavs recent playoff history, the total match points line has gone UNDER in each of their last eight games, and in 13 of their last 20 matchups against Orlando, the total has also trended UNDER.
Stadium Record
Cleveland hold a 3-2 record in their last 5 home games. In their last 7 games, the Magic are 1-6.
Head to Head Record
The Cavs have won 7 of the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks (Knicks 1-0)
In Game 1 against the Knicks, the 76ers had a promising 13-point lead but ended up losing by 7 points, with a final score of 111-104. Despite the loss, there were some bright spots for Philly, particularly Tyrese Maxey, who put up an impressive 33 points, and Joel Embiid, who contributed 29 points. However, the 76ers haven't had the best luck against New York recently, going 1-4 against the spread in their last 5 matchups. On the bright side, they've been performing well on the road, boasting a 5-1 record against the spread in their last 6 away games.
On the other side, the Knicks are riding high with a 6-game winning streak. In their victory over the 76ers in Game 1, Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart both scored 22 points, while McBride came off the bench strong with 21 points and 5 three-pointers. They had a solid 45% success rate from beyond the arc in Game 1. With Julius Randle out for the season, the Knicks still managed to kick off the series on a positive note. Now, they're looking like the favourites heading into Game 2 on Tuesday, with their recent form giving them a warm edge.
The 76ers have covered the line in each of their last six games following a loss, so I think they can bounce back. They also have a 10-2 record against the spread in their last 12 games, with a particularly strong performance on the road, going 5-1 ATS in their last 6 away games.
Stadium Record
New York are 7-3 in their last 10 at home. Philadelphia are 11-4 in their last 15 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Knicks are 6-4.
Best Bet
Philadelphia 76ers +6.5 = $1.74
Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets (Nuggets 1-0)
The Lakers had a tough start to the series in Game 1, just like everyone expected, with a tough loss by 11 points on Sunday. Anthony Davis put up a solid 32 points and grabbed 14 boards, while LeBron James contributed 27 points, including 3 three-pointers, and dished out 8 assists. But their shooting from beyond the arc let them down, hitting only 27% of their shots. Plus, they had a rough third quarter, scoring just 18 points, which didn't help their cause. To add to their woes, they've now dropped to 0-6 against the spread when playing against Denver and have lost their last 9 meetings with them.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets kicked off the playoffs with a solid 114-103 victory. Despite a slow start where they trailed the Lakers 33-25 in the first quarter, they rallied back strong. Nikola Jokic led the charge with a double-double, putting up 32 points and snagging 12 boards, along with 7 assists. Jamal Murray also came up big with 22 points, including 4 three-pointers and dished out 10 assists. The Nuggets are now on a hot streak, going 5-1 against the spread in their last 6 games. They've been dominant at home, boasting a perfect 5-0 record, and have yet to lose to the Lakers when hosting them, with a 6-0 record in those matchups.
In the Nuggets' last four playoff games, the total match points have gone UNDER. Also, in 4 of their last 5 games against the LA Lakers, the total has gone UNDER.
Stadium Record
Denver are 7-3 in their last 10 at home. The Lakers are 0-6 in their last 6 games.
Head to Head Record
The Nuggets have dominated the Lakers with a 9-1 record since 2022.
Best Bet
