Home Teams Dominate in NBA Playoff Series Openers
Home teams have dominated the first two days of the NBA Playoffs, going 8-0 straight up (SU) and 7-1 against the (ATS). Take that a step further and add in the NBA Play-In Tournament games, and home teams are now 13-1 SU and 11-3 ATS.
Will that Trend Continue in Game 2?
Will that trend continue into Game 2 action on Monday? Let’s take a look at three matchups and make a best bet for each.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Orlando Magic
The Cavaliers took care of Orlando in Saturday’s series opener, 97-83, to cover as 5.5-point favorites. The Magic never got their offense going, shooting 33% from the floor in Game 1, while hitting only 8-of-37 attempts from 3-point range. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 30 points, while Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley combined to pull down 29 rebounds in the win.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks
Philadelphia jumped out to a 34-25 advantage in Game 1, but the Knicks rebounded in the second quarter, limiting the 76ers to 12 points in the period and pulling away in the fourth quarter for a 111-104 victory. New York’s leading scorer, Jalen Brunson, was held to 8-of-26 shooting in Game 1, but managed 22 points. Tyrese Maxey, who put up a game-high 33 points, is listed as questionable for Monday’s game with an illness.
Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers jumped out to a 12-point lead in Saturday’s Game 1 before falling, 114-103, giving the Nuggets nine consecutive victories against their Western Conference foe since January 2023. It was also Denver’s sixth straight cover over L.A. The Lakers received a combined 59 points from LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but the rest of the team put up just 44.
Best Bets
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Cavaliers to cover the spread against the Magic
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Knicks to win outright against the 76ers
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