Daily Sports Tips – Tuesday, May 8

Daily Sports Tips – Tuesday, May 8

Best Bets 
Cleveland Cavs v Toronto Raptors
Cavs to cover the line (-5.5 points)

The Cavs are on the verge of doing the unthinkable and for the Raptors, it must feel like a case of déjà vu. This time 12 months ago the Cavs swept the Raptors in the playoffs and Cleveland are on the verge of repeating the effort. After finishing the season on top of the Eastern Conference a loss now for the Raptors would bring serious changes to their roster. DeMar DeRozan has struggled for Toronto, while on the other side of the coin LeBron James has been brilliant for the Cavs. After being pushed to the brink of elimination by the Pacers, James has dragged Cleveland to the verge of their fourth Conference Final in as many seasons. LeBron has amassed 348 points over the 10 games he has played in the postseason at an average of 34.8 (PPG). LeBron has exploded in the postseason and I’m backing him to sweep the Raptors and lead the Cavs to the promised land.

Best Outsiders 
Oakland Athletics v Houston Astros
Oakland to win ($2.25)

The Astros have lost five of their last six starts and were beaten easily in their last game by the Diamondbacks, after they couldn’t get the better of Arizona pitcher Matt Koch. The defending champs are in a state of flux as they come up against an Oakland side that has won four of their last six games. Oakland lost their series with the Astros the last time that these two sides met in late April, but the A’s have form and momentum on their side and they will sneak by Houston in a close game and open their series with a win.

Swansea v Southampton
Swansea to win ($3.10)

The stakes couldn’t be higher for these two sides as Swansea clashing with the Saints at Liberty Stadium. Swansea have struggled for consistency at home, while Southampton were unlucky to concede a late equaliser to Everton in their draw on the weekend. Southampton have shown some good form at Liberty Stadium and Swansea have been struggling for a win for some time. Swansea have a favourable run to the finish line and a game at home could be enough to see their players lift and keep the team in the top flight for another season. The Welsh side will bounce back from the poor result last week and I’m backing them to grind out the victory at home.

Boston Celtics v Philadelphia 76ers
Celtics to win ($3.50)

I hate to say it, but this could be a tough lesson in “the process” for Brett Brown’s 76ers. The 76ers find themselves in a difficult spot thanks to a tough 3-point loss in game three of the series. While many were quick to point the blame at Aussie Ben Simmons, you simply have to tip your hat to the Celtics. Boston coach was able to put the brakes on Simmons by limiting the Aussie to outside shots and closing down his passing options in the lane and the ploy has paid off. The Celtics are playing some smart basketball and while I would love Philly to win this series in seven games, I think the signs point to the Celtics sweeping the series.