Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks had an absolutely atrocious start to the series, getting dominated at home in game 1. Giannis just couldn’t get anything consistent going offensively, finishing just 7/21 from the field. His teammates didn’t really help him out either, with the rest of the starters going a combined 8/29. Nikola Mirotic did open things up with 13 bench points and will likely see more minutes in game 2.

Boston Celtics

As predicted, the Celtics proved to be a huge step up in competition for Milwaukee, comfortably taking game 1 on the road. Kyrie Irving was again the offensive leader for this team, dropping a well-rounded stat line of 26 points, 11 assists, and 7 boards. Al Horford was dominant on both ends, dropping 20 and 10 on offence and shutting down Giannis on defence. A combined 32 points from Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward was more than enough as Boston shot 54% from the field.

Prediction: Celtics +7.5

The Celtics have been very strong as a road underdog this season and are now 11-6 ATS after their game 1 upset. The only thing that gives me pause about backing them here is just how dominant they were in game 1. I think Milwaukee comes out incredibly hard here with their season likely on the line. That said, I still think this ends up as a close one that could go either way, meaning Boston are solid value through the key number of 7.

Golden State Warriors

Despite being on minimal rest, the Warriors enjoyed a gritty and determined win in game 1. Kevin Durant was unsurprisingly the star of the show, leading the way with 35 points and 5 boards. Draymond Green was also very strong on both ends, ending just 1 assist and 1 rebound shy of a triple-double. Andre Iguodala rounded out the Hamptons 5 by making some key shots, going 6/7 from the field en route to 14 points.

Houston Rockets

It was a missed opportunity for the Rockets in game 1, who ultimately fought hard in defeat. James Harden did put up a solid 35 points and 6 assists, however he was an incredibly inefficient 9/28 from the field. Eric Gordon also had a mammoth night offensively, going 10/19 from the field en route to 27 huge points. Chris Paul added 17 points before his ejection but no other Rocket could score in double figures.

Prediction: Warriors -5.5

I don’t think the Warriors played particularly well in game 1 yet they still got the job done and largely led throughout. James Harden’s foul-drawing theatrics were definitely a bit ridiculous and Golden State looks to have him rattled yet again. While they were both questionable with injuries in game 1, both Steph Curry and Klay Thompson have definite room for improvement in game 2. Combine this with another strong day from KD and I expect Golden State to really seize control of this series with a home win and cover.

Toronto Raptors

The Raptors halted their game 1 curse with a dominant win to open this series. Kawhi Leonard was absolutely phenomenal in this one, dropping 45 points and 11 boards on 16/23 shooting. Pascal Siakam was an excellent second option, going for 29 points and 7 boards of his own on 12/15 shooting. Toronto will need more well-rounded contributions in game 2, with no-one else reaching double figures.

Philadelphia 76ers

It was a disastrous game 1 for Philly, who looked thoroughly outclassed in this matchup. Ben Simmons was the only Sixer who could score somewhat efficiently, dropping 14 points and 9 boards on 7/8 from the field. Tobias Harris also put up some solid counting stats, going for 14 points, 15 boards, and 6 assists. Philly will need a better effort from Joel Embiid, who was stonewalled by Marc Gasol to the tune of 5-18 from the field.

Prediction: Under 221

While I would lean towards the Raptors here, the Sixers have been very strong after a loss this season. Aside from Leonard and Siakam, pretty much everyone had difficulties scoring last time out. I could see another relatively low-scoring and nervy affair here, particularly if Embiid is still limited by injury. With a total set at 221, I ultimately feel as though there is still strong value on the under.

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets did what they needed to do in game 7, pulling off a gritty win to defeat the Spurs. Nikola Jokic continues to be the star man, dropping 21 points, 15 boards, and 10 assists in the win. Jamal Murray also had a solid game, pouring in 23 points and making some key buckets down the stretch. Denver will still need better contributions from the rest of their lineup, with no-one else scoring in double figures.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers enjoyed a nice week off after what was an epic series win over OKC last time out. Damian Lillard was definitely the key man, dropping an outstanding 50 points, including an epic game-winner to seal the series. Mo Harkless also stepped up big time, adding 17 points and 7 boards of his own. Center Enes Kanter had an impressive double-double, however he remains an injury doubt for this one.

Prediction: Nuggets -4

This is a relatively tough game to call but I’ll lean with Denver based on their strong home form. Both of these sides have been fantastic as a home favourite this season and have struggled somewhat on the road. I think Denver is in the better rhythm of the two sides and could get out to a fast start here. Jokic has a huge matchup advantage over Enes Kanter and should be able to dominate this series.

Houston Rockets

Despite two relatively poor road performances, the Rockets return home with a very solid 3-1 lead. James Harden looked somewhat better this time around, nailing 6 3’s en route to 30 points and 4 assists. Chris Paul also enjoyed a very well-rounded statline, going for 23 points, 8 boards, and 7 assists. Houston will need better from Clint Capela in game 5, with the big man having just 4 points on 1 made field goal.

Utah Jazz

It would’ve been harsh to see a Jazz side that had another very strong season get swept in the first round. They played easily their best game of the series in game 4, beating Houston by 16 points. Donovan Mitchell was again the offensive leader, pouring in 31 points and 7 rebounds. 23 points from Jae Crowders was also very valuable, as was double-doubles from Ricky Rubio, Derrick Favors, and Royce O’Neale.

Prediction: Rockets -8

Ultimately, I think Houston have proved that they are comfortably the better side in this matchup. Utah struggles to score reliably on them and I don’t see that changing here on the road. If Harden can get back to his best, the Houston offence shouldn’t have much trouble with Utah here. Laying 8 points, I expect Houston to be very motivated to close this one out.

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors had another solid win in Los Angeles in game 4, also giving them full control up 3-1. Kevin Durant led the way offensively in this one, going for 33 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. Klay Thompson also had a hot shooting night, dropping 32 points and 6 made 3’s of his own. Steph Curry also put up a double-double but he’ll be looking for a few more points in this one.

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers again fought valiantly in game 4, but it just hasn’t been enough to overcome the huge talent gap. Rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was particularly solid, dropping an efficient 25 points to lead all Clippers. Lou Williams was an inefficient 2-10 from the field and he’ll definitely need to be back to his best if the Clips are to force an upset.

Prediction: Warriors 1^st Half -7.5

The Warriors are desperate to close this one out here and rest up for the conference semis. They’ve got a huge matchup advantage over this Clippers side, particularly in their starting lineup. I expect them to get off to a fast start in this one and maintain their lead throughout. While they might be vulnerable to a late backdoor cover, they look pretty solid odds to cover the first half line.

Toronto Raptors

The Raptors dominated in game 4, a 22-point road win that gave them a 3-1 lead in the series. Kawhi Leonard was the man in this one, dropping 34 points and 6 boards in an efficient offensive night. Serge Ibaka and Norm Powell continue to provide quality bench minutes, combining for 29 points in this one.

Orlando Magic

The Magic have fought valiantly at times this series but they are ultimately completely outmatched. Aaron Gordon had his best game of the series last time out, going off for 25 points, 7 boards, and 5 assists. Evan ‘Don’t Google Me’ Fournier also chipped in, adding a solid 19 of his own.

Prediction: Raptors 1^st Half -6

The Raptors definitely don’t want a game 6 here and I expect them to come out very motivated. They’ve got the clear talent edge in this one, particularly in the starting lineup. While the Magic could get a backdoor cover late, I’m confident Toronto has a big lead at the half.

Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers regained control in their Series with Brooklyn with a gritty road win. Joel Embiid was outstanding, going for 31 points, 16 boards, 7 assists, and 6 blocks. Tobias Harris has also played much better of late, pouring in 24 points, 8 boards, and 6 assists.

Brooklyn Nets

Despite some solid offensive production from their starters, the series was effectively ended in game 4. Caris LeVert looked solid after being inserted into the starting lineup, going for 25 points, 6 assists, and 5 boards. Jarrett Allen also had a nice day on the interior, adding an efficient 21 points, 8 boards, and 4 assists.

Prediction: 76ers -8.5

Much like the Raptors, Philly will be desperate to close this one out here. Joel Embiid has been battling health issues, so he’ll definitely want the rest with an early closeout. Philly are the more talented side here and I’m confident of a comfortable win if they play their best.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers gained control in this series with a huge road win in game 4. It was CJ McCollum who led the way, dropping 27 points and 4 rebounds. Dame Lillard also chimed in with 24 points and 8 assists, while Mo Harkless added an impressive double-double of his own.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Things couldn’t have gone much worse for OKC in game 4, losing control of the series with a crushing loss. This was despite another solid night from Paul George, who dropped 32 points, 10 boards, and 6 assists. None of the other starters could get it going, with Westbrook going just 5-21 from the field.

Prediction: Blazers -3.5

This is another scenario where I expect the home side to be incredibly motivated in a closeout game. With all Portland’s playoff troubles in recent seasons, they have a golden opportunity right now. They’ve been a strong home favourite all year long and I expect that to continue in this one.