*These NBA computer picks are done the morning of game day, adjust picks should spreads and lineups change.
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CLEVELAND @ BOSTON
EASTERN CONFERENCE 2ND ROUND – GAME 1
ATS Prediction: Boston Celtics -11.5
The Cavaliers have struggled on the road against teams with winning records, losing their last 9 road games against teams above .500. They have failed to cover their last 8 playoff games as underdogs.
On the other hand, the Celtics have shown strength in covering the first-half spread, covering 62 of their last 90 games.
Hstorical trends suggest that the last 4 playoff games at TD Garden between the Cavaliers and Celtics went unders. This along with the Celtics’ strong performance in recent matchups, selecting the Boston Celtics -11.5 appears to be a good bet.
Total Points Prediction: Under 208.0
Both teams have tendencies toward lower-scoring games, with Cleveland hitting the game total under in 24 of their last 36 away games and the Boston Celtics hitting the 4Q game total under in 53 of their last 80 games.
The last 4 playoff games at TD Garden between the Cavaliers and Celtics went unders, further supporting the likelihood of a lower-scoring matchup. These trends, along with the strength of both defenses, the under 208.0 total points seems like a reasonable pick.
BEST PICK – BOSTON -11.5
DALLAS @ OKLAHOMA CITY
WESTERN CONFERENCE 2ND ROUND – GAME 1
ATS Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder -3.5
Oklahoma City have been in some great form, winning their last 9 games and covering the spread in 7 of their last 8 games.
OKC have a strong track record of success at home, hitting the moneyline in 34 of their last 39 home games and covering 27 of their last 40 home games.
On the other hand, the Mavericks have struggled covering the spread on the road and hitting the moneyline early in games.
The Thunder’s recent form and home advantage, they appear to be in a favorable position to cover the spread in this matchup.
Total Points Prediction: Over 218.0 Total Points
Both the Thunder and the Mavericks have leaned toward higher-scoring games.
The Thunder have hit the team total over in 27 of their last 40 home games, indicating their ability to put up points, especially at home. Meanwhile, seven of the last eight matchups between the Mavericks and Thunder have gone over the total points line.
These trends and the offense of both teams, the over 218.0 total points seems like a nice prediction for this game.
BEST PICK – OKLAHOMA CITY -3.5
