*These NBA Playoff picks are done the morning of game day, adjust picks should spreads and lineups change.
MILWAUKEE @ INDIANA
EASTERN CONFERENCE 1ST ROUND – GAME 3
SERIES TIED 1-1
TEAM TRENDS
- The Pacers have lost their last 10 playoff games after a win.
- The Pacers have failed to cover 9 of their last 10 playoff games.
- 7 of the Pacers’ last 8 home games against the Bucks went Overs.
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| IND | 47 | 35 | 26-15 | 21-20 |
| MIL | 49 | 33 | 31-11 | 18-22 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| IND | 123.3 | 120.2 | +3.1 | 243.5 |
| MIL | 119.0 | 116.4 | +2.6 | 235.4 |
SEASON MATCHUPS
INDIANA 4-0
| GAME 2 | MIL | IND | 108:125 |
| GAME 1 | MIL | IND | 109:94 |
| 04.01.24 | IND | MIL | 142:130 |
| 02.01.24 | MIL | IND | 113:122 |
| 14.12.23 | MIL | IND | 140:126 |
| 08.12.23 – IST | MIL | IND | 119:128 |
| 10.11.23 | IND | MIL | 126:124 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| IND | OVER | IND |
| -5.5 | 221.0 | 121-118 (1 OT) |
THE RUB
Pascal Siakam’s dominant playoff performances have propelled the Indiana Pacers to a series tie with the Milwaukee Bucks as they head into Game 3. Siakam’s back-to-back 35-point, 10-rebound games mark a historic playoff start not seen since Wilt Chamberlain in 1967. His experience and composure have been crucial for the Pacers, according to coach Rick Carlisle.
Meanwhile, Myles Turner’s strong all-around game has contributed to Indiana’s success, especially as they return home to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Game 3. Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard has been impressive with strong first-half performances, but the Bucks are facing challenges with injuries. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s doubtful status and Khris Middleton’s questionable availability could further hinder the Bucks’ efforts.
After Game 2, Milwaukee’s Bobby Portis stirred the pot by labeling the Pacers as “frontrunners,” adding intrigue to the series. However, Indiana’s dominance in the paint and efficient shooting pose significant threats to Milwaukee’s aspirations. As the series unfolds, both teams will aim to seize momentum in what promises to be a competitive Game 3 showdown.
PLAYER TRENDS
- Myles Turner scored the first basket in the Pacers’ last 4 Friday games against the Bucks.
- Tyrese Haliburton recorded a double-double in his last 3 home games against the Bucks.
- Pascal Siakam recorded a double-double in 3 of his last 4 playoff games.
- Pascal Siakam scored 36+ points in the Pacers’ last 2 games.
- Myles Turner grabbed 12+ rebounds in his last 2 home games.
PICK – OVER 221.0 TOTAL PTS
LA CLIPPERS @ DALLAS
WESTERN CONFERENCE 1ST ROUND – GAME 3
SERIES TIED 1-1
TEAM TRENDS
- The Mavericks have won their last 8 home games against Western teams.
- 9 of the last 10 Clippers vs. Mavericks games went Unders.
- The Mavericks have covered their last 4 home games against winning teams.
- The Mavericks have lost the first quarter in their last 6 home games.
- WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| LAC | 51 | 31 | 25-16 | 26-15 |
| DAL | 50 | 32 | 25-16 | 25-16 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| LAC | 115.6 | 112.3 | +3.3 | 227.9 |
| DAL | 117.9 | 115.6 | +2.3 | 233.5 |
SEASON MATCHUPS
LA CLIPPERS 2-1
| GAME 2 | LAC | DAL | 93:96 |
| GAME 1 | LAC | DAL | 109:97 |
| 21.12.23 | DAL | LAC | 111:120 |
| 26.11.23 | LAC | DAL | 107:88 |
| 11.11.23 | DAL | LAC | 144:126 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| DAL | OVER | DAL |
| -4.5 | 210.5 | 101-90 |
THE RUB
In a crucial Game 3 matchup, the Clippers and Mavericks seek consistency, particularly from beyond the 3-point line.
The Mavericks’ supporting cast stepped up in their series-tying win, with P.J. Washington and Derrick Jones Jr. contributing significantly, especially from distance. Dallas improved its 3-point shooting from 30.3% to 42.4% between Games 1 and 2. However, the Clippers, led by returning star Kawhi Leonard, struggled from beyond the arc, dropping from 50.0% to 26.7%. Leonard, back after a nine-game absence, admitted to some rust, missing all five of his 3-point attempts in Game 2.
Despite consistent scoring from James Harden and Paul George, the Clippers need more contributions from their supporting cast to regain control of the series. With the teams evenly matched and having split their regular-season matchups, Game 3 in Dallas promises to be pivotal.
PLAYER TRENDS
- Russell Westbrook grabbed 5+ rebounds in 26 of his last 27 games against the Mavericks.
- James Harden scored 22+ points in his last 8 playoff games against the Mavericks.
- Kawhi Leonard scored 26+ points in his last 6 road games against the Mavericks.
- Ivica Zubac grabbed 11+ rebounds in his last 6 games against winning teams.
- Luka Doncic scored 35+ points in 5 of his last 6 home games as favorites against the Clippers.
- Kyrie Irving scored 27+ points in 4 of his last 5 home games against the Clippers.
- Derrick Jones Jr. scored 9+ points in 5 of his last 6 home games.
- P.J. Washington grabbed 7+ rebounds in 4 of his last 5 home games against winning teams.
- Paul George grabbed 7+ rebounds in his last 3 playoff games at American Airlines Center.
- Kyrie Irving made 5+ three-pointers in 3 of his last 4 home games against the Clippers.
PICK – OVER 210.5 TOATL PTS
MINNESOTA @ PHOENIX
WESTERN CONFERENCE 1ST ROUND – GAME 3
MINNESOTA LEADS 2-0
TEAM TRENDS
- The Timberwolves have lost 13 of their last 14 playoff road games.
- 12 of the Suns’ last 13 home games went Unders.
- The Suns have covered their last 6 home games against the Timberwolves.
- The Suns have lost the first quarter in 7 of their last 8 playoff home games.
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| PHX | 49 | 33 | 25-16 | 24-17 |
| MIN | 56 | 26 | 30-11 | 26-15 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| PHX | 116.2 | 113.2 | +3.0 | 229.4 |
| MIN | 113.0 | 106.5 | +6.5 | 219.5 |
SEASON MATCHUPS
PHOENIX 3-0
| GAME 2 | MIN | PHX | 105:93 |
| GAME 1 | MIN | PHX | 120:95 |
| 15.04.24 | MIN | PHX | 106:126 |
| 06.04.24 | PHX | MIN | 97:87 |
| 16.11.23 | PHX | MIN | 133:115 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| MIN | OVER | MIN |
| +5.5 | 208.5 | 126-109 |
THE RUB
With their backs against the wall, the Suns face a pivotal Game 3 at home against the Timberwolves, who have dominated the series so far.
The Suns, trailing 0-2, must address their turnovers and improve defensively to mount a comeback. Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal need to elevate their performance after struggling in Game 2, combining for 52 points on 18-of-45 shooting.
The Timberwolves’ defensive prowess, led by Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels, has stifled the Suns’ offense, limiting them to just one quarter of scoring over 30 points in the series. McDaniels has been exceptional on both ends, contributing a game-best 25 points in Game 2. Minnesota’s balanced effort, highlighted by Anthony Edwards’ 33-point performance in Game 1, has propelled them to a commanding lead.
As Phoenix seeks to turn the tide, their ability to contain Minnesota’s offense and execute efficiently will be crucial. Grayson Allen’s availability remains uncertain due to a reinjured ankle, adding to the Suns’ challenges in Game 3.
PLAYER TRENDS
- Kevin Durant has had 4+ assists in his last 11 playoff home games.
- Karl-Anthony Towns scored 23+ points in his last 9 games at Footprint Center.
- Bradley Beal scored 19+ points in 8 of his last 9 home games against the Timberwolves.
- Naz Reid grabbed 5+ rebounds in 9 of the Timberwolves’ last 10 road games.
- Anthony Edwards scored 29+ points in his last 4 playoff games as underdogs.
- Kevin Durant scored 28+ points in 5 of the Suns’ last 6 playoff games as favorites.
- Jusuf Nurkic grabbed 14+ rebounds in 4 of his last 5 home games against the Timberwolves.
- Anthony Edwards had 6+ assists in his last 3 playoff games.
- Anthony Edwards made 3+ three-pointers in 10 of the Timberwolves’ last 13 playoff games.
- Rudy Gobert grabbed 15+ rebounds in 5 of the Timberwolves’ last 7 games.
PICK – MINNESOTA +5.5
