All of yesterday’s playoff picks and player props were correct, so let’s try to help you again tonight.
On the schedule this evening, the Hawks are set for Game 2 against the Heat after a blowout defeat in Game 1. Likewise, the Pelicans were handed an 11-point “welcome to the playoffs” loss by the Suns after CP3 absolutely erupted in the second half. Let’s dive in and take a look at some of tonight’s best bets.
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Best Bets of The Night
Game: Atlanta Hawks at Miami Heat -7.5 (MIA leads 1-0)
Miami dominated Atlanta in Game 1 and held Trae Young to a staggeringly low eight points (1-12 FG). If the Hawks hope to win, they have absolutely no chance with Trae scoring less than 20 points in any given game. For him to score less than 10 points on less than 10% shooting from the field is concerning. Granted, Young is one of the players who can run really hot or really cold. He carried the Hawks past the play-in games but nonetheless had some bad shooting stretches in the play-in games before the first round. John Collins returned and played efficiently, producing 10 points (4-6 FG) and four rebounds in 21 minutes. The bad news for the Hawks is that Clint Capela's right knee will keep him out for Game 2. He was crucial to the Hawks' success in the play-in games.
Not one Hawk came close to producing 20 points in Game 1. The team converted just 38.7% of their shots from the field. In sharp contrast, the Miami Heat shot 52.4% from the field and an impressive 47.4% from downtown in Game 1. Duncan Robinson had a huge and incredibly efficient game, scoring 27 points (9-10 FG), drilling eight of nine of his three-point attempts. The Miami Heat looked like the first seed in the East on Easter Sunday with a statement 115-91 win over the visiting Hawks.
The Pick: Miami Heat -7.5
Game: Minnesota Timberwolves at Memphis Grizzlies -7 (MIN leads 1-0)
A seemingly unstoppable Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves stunned Ja Morant and the Grizzlies in Game 1 on the road. Edwards produce 36 points (12-23 FG), six assists, one steal, and one block in the opening game of their first-round series.
Nonetheless, the Grizzlies remain one of the best teams in the NBA and perhaps the only threat to Golden State along with the Phoenix Suns. I see it as highly unlikely that the T-Wolves win back-to-back games on the road against a healthy Memphis squad. They had a great game on Saturday with 130 points.
The Pick: Memphis Grizzlies -7
Game: New Orleans Pelicans at Phoenix Suns -10.5 (PHX leads 1-0)
Especially after seeing the Suns' dominant performance in Game 1, it's highly likely that the Suns wins Game 2 at home. Nonetheless, the spread is currently set at 10.5 points, meaning that the Suns would have to win by 11 points, just like they did in Game 1 with a final score of 99-110. New Orleans stuck around throughout the game giving the Suns multiple scares. Part of the reason New Orleans only scored 99 points was terrible first-half shooting performances from C.J. McCollum and Brandon Ingram. Ultimately, Ingram finished with 18 points (6-17 FG) and McCollum tallied 25 (9-25 FG), despite better overall shooting in the second half. Even Jonas Valunciunas had a rough night shooting (7-of-21 from the field) and failed to block a single shot. Still, he produced another double-double with 18 points and 20+ boards. I think the Pelicans will shoot the ball better tonight than they did in Game 1, and will ultimately cover the spread.
The Pick: New Orleans +10.5
NBA Player Props of the Night
Game: Minnesota Timberwolves at Memphis Grizzlies -7 (MIN leads 1-0)
Prop: Ja Morant, Over 29.5 Points
Ja Morant scored 32 points (8-18 FG) in Game 1, and that wasn’t enough for the Grizzlies to win. If Morant needs to out-do himself after playing so well, he certainly can and he’s done it before. Morant has a good chance of hitting 35+ points tonight after a stinger of a defeat in Game 1 thanks to Anthony Edwards’ heroics. Ja will show Edwards what one more year of NBA experience looks like tonight.
Prop: Steven Adams, Under 9.5 Rebounds
The Grizzlies' big man played just 24 minutes and only hauled-in three boards in Game 1. Adams lost the defensive matchup badly to Karl-Anthony Towns. KAT grabbed 13 rebounds, one block, and led his team to victory in Game 1. It seems very unlikely that Adams records 10+ rebounds in Game 2.
