Game 5 best bets: Cavs-Celtics, Mavs-Thunder

Where the public is betting and quotes from oddsmakers on Wednesday's two NBA playoff games

I would say I’m disappointed about the Minnesota Timberwolves now being down 3-2 in the series against the Denver Nuggets, but they’re simply running into an all-time great player at the peak of his powers. I’ve also never seen a team shoot like Denver did in Game 4; there isn’t a team in the league that would’ve beaten them that night. But alas, the series isn’t over yet and hopefully Mike Conley returns.

Rant over.

On Wednesday night, the NBA playoffs shift back to the other two series — one more exciting than the other. Cleveland heads to Boston (-16) as a big underdog in a game it looks like Donovan Mitchell will be out and the Oklahoma City Thunder (-4) host the Dallas Mavericks in a pivotal Game 5.

Here are some insights from oddsmakers on Wednesday’s two NBA Playoff games, along with public betting splits from three sportsbooks and a few best bets from handicappers. I’ll update this file throughout the day as I get more information.

Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics (-16, 204.5)

DraftKings: 57% of bets, 45% of $$ on Cavs +16

BetMGM: 85% of bets, 85% of $$ on Cavs +16

BetRivers: 55% of bets, 54% of $$ on Cavs +16

Most bet (tickets) Cavs-Celtics player props at BetMGM

1. Evan Mobley under 1.5 blocks (-150)

2. Jrue Holiday under 13.5 points (-120)

3. Jrue Holiday under 24.5 points/rebounds/assists (-110)

4. Jayson Tatum under 29.5 points (-110)

5. Max Strus over 20.5 points/rebounds/assists (-120)

“We’re currently Celtics -16. We’ve been going back and forth between 16 and 15.5. At 16, we seem to be getting some Cavs money, but between these games this is the lighter bet of the two. Nobody really wants to invest in the ML in either of these teams. Unless you’re looking at the total, it’s going to be a lower-bet playoff game.” — Thomas Gable, sportsbook director at The Borgata in Atlantic City

Best bets

Sam Hauser Over 3.5 points vs. Cavaliers (+120) — Jon Metler, Covers

Darius Garland Over 5.5 assists (+110) — Metler