*These NBA Playoff picks are done the morning of game day, adjust picks should spreads and lineups change.
CLEVELAND @ ORLANDO
EASTERN CONFERENCE 1ST ROUND – GAME 3
CLEVELAND LEADS 2-0
TEAM TRENDS
- The Cavs’ last 9 playoff games went Unders.
- The home team covered the Magic’s last 8 games.
- The home team won the last 7 Cavs vs. Magic playoff games.
- The Magic lost the first quarter in 17 of their last 18 playoff games.
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| CLE | 48 | 34 | 26-15 | 22-19 |
| ORL | 47 | 35 | 29-12 | 18-23 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| CLE | 112.6 | 110.2 | +2.4 | 222.8 |
| ORL | 110.5 | 108.4 | +2.1 | 218.9 |
SEASON MATCHUPS
SERIES TIED 2-2
| GAME 2 | CLE | ORL | 96:86 |
| GAME 1 | CLE | ORL | 97:83 |
| 23.02.24 | CLE | ORL | 109:116 |
| 23.01.24 | ORL | CLE | 99:126 |
| 12.12.23 | ORL | CLE | 104:94 |
| 07.12.23 | CLE | ORL | 121:111 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| CLE | UNDER | |
| +2.5 | 202.0 |
THE RUB
Cleveland aim to take a commanding 3-0 series lead against the Orlando Magic in Game 3 of their East first-round matchup on Thursday night. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers to consecutive wins in Cleveland, scoring 30 points in the series opener and 23 in Game 2. Jarrett Allen’s dominant rebounding has been crucial, recording his second double-double of the series with 16 points and a playoff-high 20 rebounds in Game 2.
Orlando returns home seeking a boost from their home crowd after falling behind 0-2. Coach Jamahl Mosley emphasizes the importance of a strong start, as the Magic have struggled early in recent games.
Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner have been consistent contributors for Orlando, but Banchero must improve ball security after committing 15 turnovers in the series. Despite nursing a knee injury, Jalen Suggs expects to play in Game 3, adding defensive strength to the Magic lineup.
PLAYER TRENDS
- Caris LeVert scored 11+ points in his last 7 games against the Magic at Kia Center.
- Max Strus scored the first basket in 3 of the last 4 Cavs vs. Magic games.
- Jarrett Allen had a double-double in his last 4 games against the Magic.
- Jarrett Allen scored 17+ points in 5 of the Cavs’ last 6 road games.
- Jalen Suggs scored 15+ points in 4 of the Magic’s last 5 home games.
- Evan Mobley scored 20+ points in 4 of the Cavs’ last 5 road games.
- Paolo Banchero grabbed 8+ rebounds in 4 of the Magic’s last 5 home games against winning teams.
- Donovan Mitchell had 5+ assists in 13 of his last 16 playoff games.
- Moritz Wagner grabbed 5+ rebounds in the Magic’s last 3 games against the Cavs.
- Darius Garland had 7+ assists in 9 of his last 12 appearances.
- Jarrett Allen grabbed 18+ rebounds in the Cavs’ last 2 games.
PICK – CLEVELAND +2.5
NEW YORK @ PHILADELPHIA
EASTERN CONFERENCE 1ST ROUND – GAME 3
NEW YORK LEADS 2-0
TEAM TRENDS
- The Knicks have won their last 7 games.
- The Knicks covered the spread in 7 of their last 8 road games against Atlantic teams.
- 8 of the Knicks’ last 9 road games went Overs.
- The Knicks won the first quarter in 6 of their last 7 road games against the 76ers.
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| PHI | 47 | 35 | 25-16 | 22-19 |
| NY | 50 | 32 | 27-14 | 23-18 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| PHI | 114.6 | 111.5 | +3.1 | 226.1 |
| NY | 112.8 | 108.2 | +4.6 | 221.0 |
SEASON MATCHUPS
NEW YORK 3-1
| GAME 2 | NY | PHI | 104:101 |
| GAME 1 | NY | PHI | 111:104 |
| 13.03.24 | NY | PHI | 106:79 |
| 11.03.24 | NY | PHI | 73:79 |
| 23.02.24 | PHI | NY | 96:110 |
| 06.01.24 | PHI | NY | 92:128 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| NY | OVER | |
| +5.5 | 201.5 |
THE RUB
In the first two games of the series, the New York Knicks snatched two close wins, shifting the momentum in their favor.
Game 3 heads to Philly after the Knicks sealed Game 2 with an 8-point rally in the final seconds. Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo’s clutch shots sealed the deal amid controversy over missed calls. Five Knicks players hit double figures, led by Brunson’s 24 points. Despite Joel Embiid’s 34-point performance, the hobbled 76ers couldn’t match the Knicks’ hustle. Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein’s crucial offensive rebound set up DiVincenzo’s game-winner.
Despite Embiid’s determination to bounce back, the 76ers face a pivotal moment, needing to regroup at home. Tyrese Maxey’s stellar performance provided a silver lining, but the 76ers must address rebounding issues to turn the series around. Despite illness, Maxey’s agility impressed, offering hope for the 76ers’ comeback aspirations.
PLAYER TRENDS
- Kyle Lowry scored 10+ points in his last 9 home games against the Knicks.
- Tobias Harris scored 16+ points in his last 8 home playoff games.
- Jalen Brunson scored 35+ points in his last 4 road games.
- Isaiah Hartenstein scored 10+ points in his last 4 road games.
- Donte DiVincenzo made 4+ three-pointers in his last 4 road games against the 76ers.
- Josh Hart scored 16+ points in 5 of his last 6 games.
- Joel Embiid grabbed 11+ rebounds in 12 of his last 14 home playoff games.
- Josh Hart gave 5+ assists in 6 of his last 7 road games.
- Jalen Brunson gave 7+ assists in 9 of his last 11 games.
- Joel Embiid gave 6+ assists in 4 of his last 5 games.
- Miles McBride scored 9+ points in his last 3 games against the 76ers.
- Josh Hart grabbed 13+ rebounds in his last 3 games against the 76ers.
- Tyrese Maxey scored 33+ points in his last 2 games.
PICK – OVER 201.5 TOTAL PTS
DENVER @ LA LAKERS
WESTERN CONFERENCE 1ST ROUND – GAME 3
DENVER LEADS 2-0
TEAM TRENDS
- The Nuggets have won their last 10 games against the Lakers.
- 7 of the Nuggets’ last 8 playoff games went Unders.
- The Nuggets have covered their last 5 playoff road games.
- The Lakers won the first quarter in 8 of their last 9 Western Conference First Round home games against the Nuggets.
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| LAL | 47 | 35 | 28-14 | 19-21 |
| DEN | 57 | 25 | 33-8 | 24-17 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| DEN | 114.9 | 109.6 | +5.3 | 224.5 |
| LAL | 118.0 | 117.4 | +0.6 | 235.4 |
SEASON MATCHUPS
DENVER 3-0
| GAME 2 | DEN | LAL | 101:99 |
| GAME 1 | DEN | LAL | 114:103 |
| 03.03.24 | LAL | DEN | 114:124 |
| 09.02.24 | LAL | DEN | 106:114 |
| 25.10.23 | DEN | LAL | 119:107 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| DEN | OVER | |
| +1.0 | 217.0 |
THE RUB
The Lakers face an uphill battle as they return home to face the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series.
Despite a strong effort from LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers fell short in Game 2, surrendering a late lead to Jamal Murray’s game-winning shot. The Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic’s triple-double, demonstrated their resilience and championship pedigree.
Murray’s heroics overshadowed a rough shooting night, highlighting Denver’s depth and determination. The Lakers, plagued by inconsistencies, must regroup to protect home court and shift the momentum.
With the series deficit and recent history against them, James emphasizes the importance of Game 3 in setting a different tone. As the Lakers seek redemption, their focus turns to rectifying defensive lapses and finding offensive balance to challenge the Nuggets’ dominance.
PLAYER TRENDS
- Michael Porter Jr. grabbed 8+ rebounds in his last 7 games against the Lakers.
- Aaron Gordon grabbed 7+ rebounds in his last 6 playoff games.
- Rui Hachimura scored 14+ points in 8 of his last 9 home games against Western teams.
- Austin Reaves scored 15+ points in his last 5 home games against the Nuggets.
- LeBron James scored 29+ points in his last 4 home games against Western teams.
- Michael Porter Jr. scored 19+ points in his last 4 games against the Lakers.
- Anthony Davis grabbed 14+ rebounds in his last 4 playoff games at Crypto.com Arena.
- D’Angelo Russell gave 6+ assists in his last 4 home games against Western teams.
- Anthony Davis scored 30+ points in 4 of his last 5 games.
- Nikola Jokic scored 30+ points in 5 of his last 6 playoff road games against Western teams.
- Jamal Murray gave 8+ assists in 6 of his last 7 playoff games.
- Jamal Murray scored 32+ points in his last 3 Game 3s.
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 13+ points in his last 3 playoff games at Crypto.com Arena.
PICK – DENVER +1.0
