Best bets for Cavs-Magic, Knicks-76ers and Nuggets-Lakers
Where the public is betting and quotes from oddsmakers on Thursday's three NBA playoff games
The Boston Celtics losing outright to the Miami Heat as 14.5-point favorites was the shocking result of Wednesday night’s two NBA Playoff games. The No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder (-7.5) cruised to a 124-92 win over the short-handed New Orleans Pelicans. Both games went Over their respective totals, but Unders are still 11-5 in the playoffs so far and home teams are 13-3 straight up (10-6 against the spread).
It’s a busy day in the betting world with the NFL Draft going on as well. If you’re looking for a report on the Top 10 picks, I wrote about that yesterday:
Here are some insights from oddsmakers on Thursday’s three NBA Playoff games, along with public betting splits from several sportsbooks and a few best bets from handicappers. I’ll update this throughout the day as I get more information.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Orlando Magic (-2.5, 201)
DraftKings: 45% of bets, 72% of $$ on Magic -2.5
BetMGM: 50% of bets, 35% of $$ on Magic -2.5
BetRivers: 41% of bets, 46% of $$ on Magic -2.5
Most bet (tickets) Cavs-Magic player props at BetMGM
Jarrett Allen over 12.5 rebounds (+100)
Max Strus over 11.5 points/rebounds (-115)
Jalen Suggs under 1.5 three-pointers (-185)
Franz Wagner over 3.5 assists (+100)
Darius Garland over 21.5 points/assists (-110)
Most bet (tickets) Cavs-Magic player props at BetRivers
Paolo Banchero over 19.5 points (-335)
Donovan Mitchell over 21.5 points (-360)
Jarrett Allen over 11.5 rebounds (-165)
“The Cavs dominated the first two games of the series and even as we move to Orlando, the bettors are loving Cleveland. 76% of moneyline bets and handle are on the Cavs as the Magic have hovered around 2-point favorites throughout. This series has also seen some of our lowest totals of the year, as both teams pride themselves on strong defense and a slower pace. When that’s combined with playoff intensity we’ve seen the game total fall as low as 198.5 and it’s currently sitting at 201. 77% of handle has been on the under.” — FanDuel trader
“Slightly more money on Cavs ML, but money on Magic spread than Cavs. Public likes the Under, but sharp money on the over caused reverse line movement.” — Halvor Egeland, BetMGM NBA trader