Three games will continue the NBA playoffs Friday. Here are the three best bets as the playoffs continue. Odds are provided by Oddsshark.com. Postseason record so far: 2-1.
Houston at Dallas (Even)
The confidence level isn’t high with this one considering the first two games, and the odds are not in Dallas’ favor.
According to Oddshark.com, this line opened at 2.5 points in favor of the Mavs. Now, it’s down to a pick ’em game. It appears Vegas is getting plenty of action for Houston, and I don’t blame them after games 1 and 2. The Mavs have looked lifeless in the series.
But it’s at Dallas, and before this series began, many prognosticators had the Mavs as being a top contender for pulling the upset. I’m not counting out the Mavs just yet…at least in this contest.
The Rockets aren’t likely to play much defense, and I’m banking on Rajon Rondo’s exit to be a positive catalyst for the Mavs. This is a shot in the dark, so possibly wait until later to see if the line moves even more in favor of Dallas. Pick – Dallas
Toronto at Washington (-4)
Something tells me that Toronto won’t lay down in game 3. Not many expected the Wizards to grab the first two games, especially considering the awful late stretch of the season on the road.
I don’t believe Toronto will win this series, but this seems like one of those games where everyone will pick the Wizards, and the Raptors will keep it close. Kyle Lowry has been in foul trouble during the first two games, giving the Raptors hope that if he steers clear of foul trouble, he may get going.
And something tells me the Wizards won’t come out with as much urgency as Toronto. If the Raptors lose, the series is over. That added sense of urgency for Toronto is giving me more confidence in this pick than the Mavs. Pick – Toronto
LA Clippers at San Antonio (-4)
I don’t like the Spurs without a healthy Tony Parker.
This series is the most interesting of any of the playoff matchups, and with Parker nursing an injury, this series got even more interesting.
The playoffs haven’t always been the Clippers’ best friend, but if any year is their time, this would be it. The situation is working in their favor, but if they plan on proceeding, they’ll need to steal a game in San Antonio.
Don’t expect this to be the one, though. The Spurs will use their home court to the their advantage, and will enter game 4 with a 2-1 series lead. And they’ll happen to cover the four points. Pick – San Antonio
