*These NBA computer picks are done the morning of game day, adjust picks should spreads and lineups change.
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER for the best NBA computer picks and extra betting trends.
CLEVELAND @ BOSTON
EASTERN CONFERENCE 2ND ROUND – GAME 1
BOSTON LEAD 1-0
ATS Prediction: Boston Celtics -13.0
The Celtics show strong trends in covering the spread, particularly in the first half, where they have covered the spread in 63 of their last 91 games, resulting in a robust 29% ROI.
Conversely, the Cleveland Cavaliers have struggled as underdogs, losing their last 10 games in such scenarios, resulting in a -22% ROI for their moneyline bets.
The Celtics have performed well in playoff matchups against the Cavaliers, covering the spread in 7 of their last 8 playoff encounters. Combining these trends with the Celtics’ solid home record, they are likely to cover the spread in this game.
Total Points Prediction: Over 212.0 Total Points
Both teams have tendencies towards high-scoring games, particularly in the first half and fourth quarter.
The Celtics have shown consistency in hitting the over in their home games, with 7 of their last 8 home games surpassing the total points line. Furthermore, the Cavaliers have a propensity for allowing high-scoring games on the road, as evidenced by their recent trends.
Considering these ROI-positive trends and offensive capabilities, the over 212.0 total points appears to be a favorable prediction for this matchup.
BEST PICK – BOSTON -13.5
DALLAS @ OKLAHOMA CITY
WESTERN CONFERENCE 2ND ROUND – GAME 1
OKLAHOMA CITY LEAD 1-0
ATS Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder -5.0
Oklahoma City have been dominant at home, winning 35 of their last 40 home games and covering the spread in 28 of their last 41 home games, resulting in a strong 30% ROI.
Furthermore, OKC have covered the spread in 4 straight Western Semifinals games, indicating their ability to perform under pressure in playoff matchups.
The trend of the home team winning the first half in 7 of the last 8 Mavericks vs Thunder games favors Oklahoma City.
Total Points Prediction: Under 218.5 Total Points
The Mavericks have shown a trend for low-scoring games, hitting the game total under in 42 of their last 64 games, resulting in a solid 25% ROI. Their last 6 games as underdogs have all gone under the total points line.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have struggled to hit the over in their recent games, with only 26 of their last 63 games going over the first-quarter total points line.
Additionally, with the importance of playoff matchups and the trend of the home team winning the first half in their recent encounters, a lower-scoring game is anticipated. Therefore, under 218.5 total points seems like a favorable prediction for this matchup.
BEST PICK – OKLAHOMA CITY -5.0
