Jump ahead: Game of the night | Picks and props | Analytics edge
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What you need to know about Saturday’s post-season games
Crouching nets, Betting Dragon It would be easy to blindly support their stars, and let the chips fall where the chips may, with the Nets in such a crucial spot. If usage is any indication, it’s possible to find some value in one of their reserves. Goran Dragic. The veteran (nearly 1,600 playoff minutes on his NBA résumé) has taken 25 shots while committing just one turnover in his 46 minutes through two games, clearly benefiting from the attention his all-world teammates demand. While the ceiling may not be so high here, Brooklyn only has one basketball, Boston’s aggressiveness and willingness to sell out to Brooklyn make him a worthy prospect in the prop market.
Money On Anunoby: Scottie Barnes’ status remains in doubt, leaving the door wide open. OG AnunobyContinue to cash your prop tickets. This series, he’s averaged 24 points per game (26 in each of the games Barnes missed), and Wednesday night’s heartbreaker saw him display his versatility with nine 3-point attempts as well as nine free throws. This kind of scoring profile was only five times in the regular season. With the season at stake, it is obvious that Anunoby will play a significant role. Anunoby’s scoring prop is below 20 points and he has shot 47.2% from three in eight games since his return from injury. This makes him a great option for anyone looking to invest in the Raptors’ attempt to extend their season.
Luka’s Status: There is some momentum Luka DoncicUtah for his 2022 postseason debut. Jason Kidd used “optimistic” to describe Donic’s potential to play. However, it is unlikely that we will find out his status until Saturday afternoon. Not only will the point spread tighten if Doncic is available, but it’s also noteworthy Spencer DinwiddieHis usage rate drops by 6.4% when the Slovenian superstar is on the floor. This is the largest dip on the roster. Center Dwight PowellMeanwhile, meanwhile, his offensive efficiency has risen in such situations.
Donovan: Dallas’ defense has been outstanding this season, as well as in the playoffs, in terms of limiting 3-point volume. Utah’s defense is still a challenge despite this plan. Donovan MitchellThe Jazz’s last two games have seen him take 18 shots beyond the line, proving that his 3-point wager of 2.5 on DraftKings is a fascinating way to place a bet on this vital contest.
Block Party Memphis is keen to be featured. Jaren Jackson Jr. As the team’s primary protector of the rim, leaning on smaller lineup looks with Minnesota in the series with them, especially as center Steven AdamsThe rotation has been mostly phased out. JJJ led the league in blocks this season, and he is now largely out of the rotation. Jackson can be limited by foul trouble, but he has blocked an incredible 14% of Minnesota’s 2-point attempts from the floor during the series.
— Jim McCormick & Kyle Soppe
Game of the evening
Boston Celticsat Brooklyn Nets
7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, Barclays Center, Brooklyn
Line: Nets (-5)
Moneyline: Nets (-170), Celtics (1145)
Total: 211.5 points
BPI Projected Total: 221.2 points
BPI Win% Celtics (50.8%)
Eliminated key players Ben Simmons
Notable:When they are considered underdogs, the Celtics have failed four of five playoff games.
Nets -3.0 are your best bet. During the Kevin DurantBarclays Center is 6-1 for the Nets in the current era. Brooklyn is just too strong to lose, and the first two rounds of this series have been very close. The Nets have won seven out of 10 home games. Brooklyn will not let the Celtics dominate Brooklyn during the playoffs, despite being embarrassed in Boston’s regular season. — Eric Moody
The best bet is: Jaylen BrownOver 34.5 points + assists + rebound. It is vital for the Nets to avoid a hole of 3-0. In seven-game series, no team has ever won a series after coming back from a deficit of 3-0. Brown is acutely aware of this and will attempt to win the game. Jayson Tatum. Brown’s series averages have been 22.5 PPG (4.5 AGP) and 4.5 RPG (4.5 RPG). Brown has a good shot of exceeding these per-game averages for Game 3. — Moody
Removing the remainder of the slate
Memphis Grizzliesat Minnesota Timberwolves
10 p.m. ET on ESPN, Target Center, Minneapolis
LineGrizzlies (-3.0).
Moneyline: Grizzlies (-150), Timberwolves (+1130)
Total: 232.5 Points
BPI Projected Total: 225.4 points
BPI Win% Grizzlies (50.7%)
Eliminated key players None
Notable:The Grizzlies covered Thursday night and have been a solid team to double down. The total and ATS results for their seven playoff games have been tied: In the two games that the Grizzlies covered the total, it was under and in the five games that they didn’t cover, it was over.
The best bet is to keep your budget below 232.5 These two teams are offensive-minded and play at a fast pace. However, this game is not going to be played in a vacuum. Game 4 will feature both teams being familiar with their opponents’ offensive sets and strategies. As the stakes and pressure increase, possessions become more measured. 56 made free throws contributed to Game 1’s 247 point total. Memphis has since improved its defense and the team did not even come close to scoring the over in the subsequent two games. This trend is expected to continue. — Doug Kezirian
Best bet is Grizzlies -3.0.This is the first in a series. Ja Morant, Desmond BaneThe Grizzlies have had the support of other players and role models, including some who are now retired. The Grizzlies have a record of 30-18 against spreads when they are within 2.5 points of the spread this season. The Grizzlies will win Game 4 against the Timberwolves after a comeback that was unlike any other. — Moody
Philadelphia 76ersat Toronto Raptors
2 p.m., Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
Line: 76ers (-3.0)
Moneyline: Raptors (+130), 76ers (-150).
Total: 213.5 points
BPI Projected Total: 216.9 points
BPI Win% 76ers (54.3%)
Eliminated key players Matisse Thybulle
Notable:Six of the 76ers’ seven previous playoff games were played under Vegas’ projected total.
The best bet is: James HardenOver 29.5 points + assist. Harden averaged 18.3 points per game and 10 assists per game during this series while shooting 41% from behind the arc. So far, Harden has been fairly quiet. Joel EmbiidHe might be inactive because of pain and discomfort in the right thumb. To give Embiid rest, the 76ers might rely on Harden more as they try to sweep the Raptors out of Game 4. — Moody
Dallas MavericksAt Utah Jazz
Vivint Smart Arena, Salt Lake City, 4:30 p.m. ET
Line: Jazz (-5)
Moneyline: Jazz (-210), Mavericks (+175)
Total: 211.5 points
BPI Projected Total: 216.9 points
BPI Win% Jazz (66.5%)
Eliminated key players None
Questionable: Luka Doncic (calf)
Notable:The Jazz are currently 1-6 ATS in their playoff games. Four of their last five games have exceeded the total.
Best bet: Dallas money line +175. The inability of the team to put together a complete match has frustrated Jazz fans. It’s not surprising that Utah, which was ranked ninth in the number of points allowed per 100 possessions during its regular season, is having trouble controlling the Mavericks offense. Because of the positive momentum Dallas is enjoying right now, Dallas is my money line pick for Game 4. — Moody
The best bet is: Donovan MitchellOver 30.5 points Mitchell is the Jazz’s offensive star. Mitchell averaged 26.7 FGA and 32.7 PPG while shooting 41.3% from field. He also shot 40.4 MPG. Mitchell should be able to handle all the minutes as the Jazz try to tie this series. — Moody
Analytics edge
BPI projected highest totals
1. Memphis Grizzlies (112.8 points)
2. Minnesota Timberwolves (112.6 points)
3. Utah Jazz (111.4 points)
BPI projections of lowest levels
1. Dallas Mavericks (106.7 points)
2. Toronto Raptors (110.3 points)
3. Brooklyn Nets (110.3 points)
BPI top win probability (straight up).
1. Utah Jazz (66.5%)
2. Philadelphia 76ers (54.3%)
3. Boston Celtics (50.8%)