After a 4-0 day on Monday, our NBA Playoff record moved to 10-6-1 with the first round drawing to a close. Cleveland wrapped up their series against Indiana in four games and a couple of other teams are just one win away from advancing. See our preview and tips for Tuesday, the 25th’s games here.
Milwaukee Bucks at Toronto Raptors (9am AEST)
The Raptors were victorious in a low scoring game four in Milwaukee on Sunday to level the series at two games apiece and regain the home court advantage. Milwaukee will need to win at least one more game away from home now if they are to advance to the second round. The Raptors made some adjustments in game four by bringing Norman Powell into the starting line-up at the expense of big man Jonas Valanciunas.
The smaller line-up matched up better against the quickness of Milwaukee, whose tallest starters are Thon Maker and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who are both capable of playing at the small forward position. Extremely tough game to pick here, although one thing that has been prevelant is the extremely low scores throughout the series. The total points line has crept in every game and we think it’s at breaking point here, especially with the new look undersized Raptors.
TIP: Total Points OVER 191.5 - $1.91 at Sportsbet
Washington Wizards at Atlanta Hawks (10am AEST)
Atlanta impressed in game three at home with a 116-98 win to come within one game of tying the series. The home side has won all three games in the series so far and the point guards of both teams have been the telling factor in each win. Dennis Schroder exploded for 27 points and 9 assists in game three while his counterpart John Wall has arguably been the player of the first round.
Nearly every team still in the playoffs seems to be opting for a small ball strategy and it’s no different with the Wizards whose tallest player playing regular minutes is currently undersized centre Markieff Morris. Morris got into a scuffle with Atlanta forward Paul Millsap which will make for some interesting viewing going into game four. Another tough game to pick but in a matchup this tight you have to go with the home team again here.
TIP: Atlanta Hawks to win - $1.70 at Ladbrokes
Golden State Warriors at Portland Trailblazers (12.30pm)
The Warriors have cruised to a 3-0 lead against the Blazers, all while resting arguably their best player in Kevin Durant. Portland star guard duo CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard have been gallant in the losses but ultimately it almost doesn’t matter who the Warriors throw out there, they are just too good.
Portland will be absolutely demoralised here, and it’s hard to make a case for them even at home. The surprise packet of the series has been JaVale McGee, who has turned in two impressive performances in games two and three and could be a vital piece in the Warriors title run. Durant could return here in limited minutes to get a tune up but he’ll likely miss again, however, our tip is still with Golden State.
TIP: Golden State Warriors -7 - $1.95 at Sportsbet
