2023 NBA May 2 Betting Predictions
Thursday's NBA playoffs action features the #1 seed Celtics looking to seal the series against the Heat at the TD Garden. Meanwhile, the Clippers and Mavs will battle for a crucial 3-2 series lead.
Miami Heat at Boston Celtics (Celtics 3-1)
The Heat have been rock solid on defence this season, but their offense has been struggling all year and things haven't improved much in the postseason. They've been holding it down on the defensive end, ranking third in the NBA for scoring defence, giving up just 108.4 points per game. They're also doing alright in field goal percentage defence, sitting at tenth and fifth in three-point percentage defence. However, in the playoffs, they're allowing a tad more points per game, with opponents shooting a bit better from both the field and behind the arc. On the offensive side, it's been a bit rough, especially without Jimmy Butler. They were near the bottom in scoring offense during the regular season and it hasn't gotten much better in the playoffs. Bam Adebayo's been leading the charge in scoring and rebounding, but they're definitely feeling the absence of Butler and his firepower.
The Celtics are just one win away from the next round and will be eager to avenge their shock Game 2 loss at their fortress. In the playoffs against the Heat, they've got four players scoring over double digits, with Jayson Tatum leading the charge in points and rebounds. Plus, he's been dishing out some sweet assists, leading the series in that department. But their defence ain't no joke either. They were fifth in scoring defence during the regular season, holding teams to just 109.2 points per game. That trend has continued into the playoffs as they've allowed under 90 pts in their last 2 wins in Miami.
While the Celtics should close out the series, I like the chances of a low scoring Game 5. The Under is now 7-1 in the last 8 playoff games involving the Celts and the last 2 games of the series finished well below 200 pts.
Stadium Record
Boston are 7-3 in their last 10 at home. Miami holds a 6-2 ATS record at the TD Garden.
Head to Head Record
The Celtics have won 8 of the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
Dallas Mavericks at LA Clippers (Series tied 2-2)
The Mavericks have been lighting it up on offense this season. They've been scoring buckets left, right and centre, ranking 7th in scoring offence with 117.9 points per game. But in the playoffs, their scoring has taken a bit of a nosedive. They're averaging just 101.3 points per game and their shooting percentages have dropped too. But, Luka Doncic is still leading the charge, putting up some serious numbers in points, rebounds and assists, trying to carry the team to victory. Now, when it comes to defence, well, it's been a bit shaky for the Mavs. They've been giving up a fair few points, ranking 20th in scoring defence during the regular season. Their opponents have been shooting pretty well against them too, both from the field and behind the arc. In the playoffs, things haven't improved much. They're still letting in over 100 points per game and their opponents are knocking down threes. They've got some guys snagging steals and blocks, but overall, their defence needs to step up if they wanna make it to the next round.
The Clippers have been holding it down on both ends of the court this season. They've been a bit stronger on the defensive side, ranking 10th in scoring defence during the regular season, giving up around 112.3 points per game. Their opponents haven't had it easy shooting against them either, with the Clippers sitting 12th in field goal percentage defence and 14th in three-point percentage defence. And even in this series, they're keeping the pressure on, holding their opponents to around 101.3 points per game and making it tough for 'em to hit shots from the field and behind the arc. Now, when it comes to scoring, the Clippers ain't too shabby either. They were 12th in scoring offence during the regular season, putting up around 115.6 points per game. Their shooting percentages were pretty solid too, ranking 6th in both total field goal percentage and three-point shooting. And even in this series, they're putting up some decent numbers, scoring around 102 points per game and shooting pretty well from the field and behind the arc. They've got a bunch of guys lighting up the scoreboard, with James Harden leading the charge in points and assists. But they will be missing Kawhi Leonard for Game 5.
This should be another low scoring clash, especially since the Under is 10-0 at this venue with the Mavs involved.
Stadium Record
Los Angeles hold a 1-4 record in their last 5 home games. Dallas are 2-2 in their last 4.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Clippers are 6-4.
Best Bet
