Philadelphia 76ers

Game 1 of the 2019 NBA playoffs couldn’t have gone much worse for the heavily favoured Sixers as they lost home court. This was despite a fantastic display from Jimmy Butler, who dropped 36 points and 9 rebounds. Joel Embiid looked solid despite his injury concerns, adding 22 points, 15 boards, and 5 blocks of his own. Aussie Ben Simmons simply has to play better, going for just 9 points and 3 assists.

Brooklyn Nets

The Nets stole game 1 on the road with a very controlled 111-102 win. D’Angelo Russell was the star man, leading the way with 26 points and 4 assists. Ed Davis had a crucial double-double off the bench, patrolling the interior with 12 points and 16 boards. Even Caris LeVert looked fully back from his injury, dropping a quick-fire 23 of his own.

Prediction: 76ers -8

While the Embiid injury concerns do worry me, the situation is very favourable for the Sixers here. Home favourites that lose game 1 tend to perform significantly better in game 2. The Sixers have a ton of room for improvement too, with Simmons, Harris, and Redick all underperforming. Laying just 8 points, I think a fully healthy Sixers side gets the home win and cover here.

Golden State Warriors

It was business as usual for Golden State in game 1 as they cruised to a 17-point win. Steph Curry was at his scintillating best, going for 38 points, 15 boards, and 7 assists. Kevin Durant was also impressive before his late ejection, adding 23 points, 4 boards, and 3 assists of his own. Reserve big man Kevon Looney highlighted how important he could be to this playoff run, going +30 in his 17 minutes of action.

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers fought valiantly in game 1, but they’re ultimately heavily outmatched in this series. Lou Williams again led the way off the bench, this time dropping an impressive 25 points and 9 assists. Running mate Montrezl Harrell was also impressive, pouring in a team-high 26 points and 5 boards. They’ll need much better going forward from a starting lineup where no player hit 50% from the field.

Prediction: Under 230.5

The Warriors have trended towards the under at home this season, going 25-16 for under backers. This trend continued in game 1, with yet another under ticket cashing. A large part of this is the excellent defence of their starting lineup, which the Clippers offence just can’t match. Especially in a slowed down playoff environment, I expect this one to sail under.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers managed to take the 3^rd seed with a stellar 53-29 record after 5 wins in their last 6. Anfernee Simons was the hero last time out, dropping 37 points, 9 assists, and 6 boards to secure the win. Damian Lillard has had another stellar season averaging 25.8 points and 6.8 assists and will be expected to lead Portland’s charge here.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Wins in each of their final 5 games were enough to take OKC to 49-33 and the #6 seed. Paul George had arguably the best season of his career, averaging 28 points, 8 boards, and 4 assists. Russell Westbrook also averaged a triple-double for the third straight season, going for 23 points a night in the process.

Prediction: Thunder +3

I think the Thunder can definitely win this series and it starts here in game 1. Paul George is a huge matchup advantage for OKC and I expect a big game from him here. After sweeping Portland in the regular season, I’ll take the value with OKC +3.

Milwaukee Bucks

Even after resting their starters late on, the Bucks secured the best record in the NBA at 60-22. Giannis looks set for a maiden MVP birth after averaging 27.7 points, 12.5 boards, and 5.9 assists. Khris Middleton has also been a capable second option, averaging 18.3 points, 6 boards, and 4.3 assists of his own.

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons limped into the playoffs, winning just 2 of their last 6 to claim the #8 seed on the season’s final day. Blake Griffin has led the way for Detroit all year, averaging 24.5 points, 7.5 boards, and 5.5 assists. Andre Drummond has teamed up with Blake for an excellent frontcourt, averaging 17.3 points and 15.6 boards of his own.

Prediction: Bucks -12.5

With Blake Griffin an injury doubt for this one, I expect Detroit to really struggle. The Bucks stars are well rested here and I expect them to come out firing. 12.5 points just isn’t enough for the best team in the NBA this season.

Houston Rockets

After a loss in OKC in the last game of the season, Houston fell to the #4 seed with a 53-29 record. James Harden has again been the main man all year, averaging 36 points, 7.5 assists, and 6.6 boards per game. Clint Capela has also emerged as a strong second option, averaging 16.6 points and 12.7 boards of his own.

Utah Jazz

Utah had yet another stellar regular season, hitting 50 wins and earning the #5 seed. Rudy Gobert looms as a definite DPOY candidate, averaging 16 points, 13 boards, and 2.3 blocks per game. Donovan Mitchell also came on towards the end of the year, averaging 23.8 points to go along with 4 boards and assists.

Prediction: Jazz +6.5

The Jazz continue to be one of the NBA’s more underrated teams and I think they’ve got a shot at the upset in this series. As long as their offence can get reliable buckets here, I definitely think they keep it close. Getting 6.5 points, I have to take the underdog in this spot.

Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets enter this one on an impressive 4 game winning streak, yet still find themselves 1 game behind Detroit for the 8^th seed. Kemba Walker continues to lead the way, dropping 23 points and 7 assists against Cleveland last time out. Jeremy Lamb has also been a revelation in a bench role, also adding 23 of his own.

Orlando Magic

The Magic locked up their first playoff appearance in 6 seasons last time out and deserve immense credit for doing so. Nikola Vucevic was again outstanding in the win, dropping 25 points to go with 12 boards. Evan ‘Don’t Google Me’ Fournier added an impressive 24 points and 5 boards, whilst Terrence Ross had a quick 26 off the bench.

Prediction: Hornets at the Line

A win here coupled with a Pistons loss is Charlotte’s only road into the playoffs. With Orlando not having much to play for, I wouldn’t be surprised if they rest some starters here. Expect a comfortable home win in potentially Kemba Walker’s last game.

New York Knicks

Despite locking up the worst record in basketball, the Knicks actually enter this one off consecutive wins. Mitchell Robinson continues to look like a solid prospect, going for 17 boards and 3 blocks yesterday. Dennis Smith is also playing some of his best basketball of the season, going for 25 points and 5 assists last time out.

Detroit Pistons

With their season on the line, the Pistons finally came up big with a comeback win over Memphis yesterday. Andre Drummond was incredible in this one, dropping 20 points, 17 boards, 5 steals, and 3 blocks. Ish Smith was also huge off the bench, adding a quick-fire 22 points and 4 assists of his own.

Prediction: Pistons at the Line

The equation is very simple for Detroit here, win and they’re in the playoffs. Despite Blake Griffin dealing with injuries, I expect them to come out very motivated here. Andre Drummond is the best player on the floor and should dominate on the interior en route to victory.

Denver Nuggets

Despite consecutive losses, the 53-28 Nuggets have outperformed all expectations this season. Nikola Jokic has emerged as a legitimate star, averaging over 20 points, 10 boards, and 7 assists per game. Jamal Murray is also looking like a very solid PG, averaging 18 points and 5 assists of his own.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The 36-45 Timberwolves appear to have mailed it in, comfortably losing at home to Toronto yesterday. Karl-Anthony Towns didn’t even play, leaving them without a legitimate #1 scorer. Tyus Jones was the only notable contributor, registering a double-double in his audition as the starting Point Guard.

Prediction: Nuggets at the Line

A home win for the Nuggets here would secure the very valuable #2 seed. The last thing Minnesota wants to do is play this road game and I expect a poor effort from them here. Denver are the more talented and motivated side in this one and should cruise to victory.

Toronto Raptors

The Raptors appear to be locked into the East’s #2 seed after a narrow loss in Charlotte last time out. Kawhi Leonard appears to be in good nick, dropping 29 points and 6 boards in that loss. Serge Ibaka also appears to be relishing his new bench role, adding a quick-fire 20 points and 12 boards of his own.

Miami Heat

The Heat enter this one at 38-41, with 3 straight losses leaving them on the outside of the East playoff race. This is despite some recent admirable performances from Dwyane Wade, who dropped 24 points and 3 assists last time out. Dion Waiters is also back to his gunning best, racking up 22 points and 0 assists against Minnesota.

Prediction: Heat +7.5

Toronto don’t really have anything to play for here and could very well rest their starters in this one. Miami, on the other hand, are fighting for their playoff lives and will be very motivated here. The Heat have been fantastic as underdogs this season and I expect them to cover this 7.5 number.

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons have lost 3 straight to sit 39-40, in real danger of missing the playoffs altogether. Blake Griffin is still putting this team on his back, dropping an impressive 45 points and 7 boards against OKC last time out. Detroit definitely needs more from big man Andre Drummond, who had just 4 points in that loss.

Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets kept their faint playoff hopes alive with a narrow win over Toronto last time out. Kemba Walker had another controlled display in this one, dropping 29 points to go with 8 assists and 6 boards. The Charlotte bench was also very impressive, with both Frank Kaminsky and Jeremy Lamb pouring in 22 points.

Prediction: Hornets +6.5

Both sides have a lot to play for here but the Hornets season is essentially on the line. Detroit have been in horrendous form of late and really shouldn’t be laying 6.5 points in this situation. Expect Charlotte to keep this close, if not win outright.

Sacramento Kings

The Kings enter this one at 39-41 after a relatively poor defeat on the road in Utah last time out. It has still been a promising season for Sacramento, with young PG De’Aaron Fox averaging over 17 points and 7 assists. Marvin Bagley has also flashed his immense potential, dropping another double-double last time out.

New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans season is all but over as they enter this one at 32-48 after a road loss in Phoenix last time out. Julius Randle has still been putting up big numbers on the interior, dropping 31 points and 14 boards. Former NBA Champion Ian Clark has also stepped up of late, pouring in 24 points, 4 boards, and 4 assists of his own.

Prediction: Kings -8.5

The Kings have been very solid as home favourites this season and I expect them to finish their home slate with a win. New Orleans has been atrocious on the road of late and just doesn’t have the depth to get it done here. Expect Sacramento to get to 40 wins here with a comfortable home win and cover.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks clinched the best record in the NBA this season with an impressive road win in Philadelphia last time out. Giannis took over as per usual, dropping an astounding stat line of 45 points, 13 boards, 6 assists, and 5 blocks. Khris Middleton continued his strong supporting role, adding a further 22 points of his own. Even George Hill got into the act off the bench, pouring in a well-rounded 20 points, 5 boards, and 5 assists.

Brooklyn Nets

The Nets enter this one at 39-40 and in real danger of actually missing the playoffs this season. This is despite the strong recent displays of D’Angelo Russell, who dropped 27 points, 7 boards, and 6 assists against Toronto last time out. Jarrett Allen continues to feast on the interior, going 6-6 from the field and adding 9 boards. Spencer Dinwiddie has also been electric as a 6^th man, adding 14 points and 5 assists of his own last time out.

Prediction: Nets at the Line

While no line is officially out for this game yet, I’m confident it will be in double digits. At that kind of number, I’ve got to take a Nets side that is still fighting for their playoff lives. Milwaukee could very well be off their game here or even rest some starters, meaning the upset potential is high in this one. I recommend a go on Brooklyn both ATS and on the moneyline.

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls enter this one at 22-57 after a rare road win in Washington last time out. Walter Lemon Jnr completely balled out, showing his quality at this level with 24 points and 8 assists. Jakarr Sampson is also making the most of his NBA revival attempt, adding 18 points and 9 boards of his own. Even Ryan Arcidiacono is making a claim for the Bulls PG spot, dropping 11 points, 5 boards, and 4 assists.

Philadelphia 76ers

Despite a talented roster, the Sixers have been in atrocious form of late, losing 3 straight games. Joel Embiid put up a monstrous triple-double in his return from injury last time out, however he did shoot an inefficient 12-31 from the field. JJ Redick helped pick up the slack in Jimmy Butler’s absence, dropping an efficient 29 points and 3 assists. The Sixers will need more from Ben Simmons going forward, with the Aussie having just 6 points and 4 boards last time out.

Prediction: 76ers at the Line

After 3 straight disappointing losses, I expect Philly to be healthy and motivated in this one. They still need 2 wins to clinch the #3 seed and it’d be a disaster for them to fall into the 4-5 matchup. They’re obviously a far more talented side than Chicago and should be looking for revenge after a loss to the Bulls last time out. Especially against the porous Bulls defence, expect Simmons and Embiid to go wild in a Sixers rout.