We’ve reached the best time of the year. NBA teams are desperately trying to get wins to avoid getting sent back home, while others know that they need to take care of business right away to get more rest for the upcoming rounds.
Most series are 2-0 already, and that means those looking to avoid getting into a 0-3 hole will leave it everything on the court to get the win.
With that in mind, we’ll share our top picks for the NBA slate.
Orlando Magic vs Cleveland Cavaliers
The Orlando Magic have struggled mightily from the perimeter, and Jarrett Allen has manhandled their big men in the restricted area. Perhaps, they just need some home cooking to get back on track.
The talent gap between these two teams isn’t as wide as it’s seemed thus far, and we expect some positive regression to happen at some point.
That’s why the Magic should at least get one at home.
Pick: Orlando -1.5
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Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks
The Philadelphia 76ers let a five-point lead slip right through their fingers with 30 seconds left to play, and while the referees didn’t do them any favors, they should’ve still taken that game on the road.
Now, the series heads back to Wells Fargo Center, and Joel Embiid doesn’t want to get eliminated in the first round.
We expect the reigning MVP and the Sixers to be more focused and close them out this time.
Pick: 76ers -4
Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets
If something isn’t broken, don’t fix it. Even if some believe the Los Angeles Lakers could and should win at least one game against the Denver Nuggets, the reigning NBA champions have beaten them ten straight times, so why change our pick at this point?
Darvin Ham isn’t a great playoff coach, and he’s been exposed over and over by Mike Malone.
The Lakers don’t have an answer for Nikola Jokic, and Anthony Davis continues to disappear in fourth quarters.
Pick: Nuggets -1
Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks
The Indiana Pacers managed to bounce back and even things up against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Once again, Doc Rivers failed to make adjustments, and that’s going to go back to haunt them more often than not.
Now, with the series heading to Indiana, we expect the home team to control the pace of the game and push the tempo up, just like they like.
That makes up for a high-scoring matchup with little-to-no defense.
Pick: Over 222
