We’re into the second round of the playoffs, with Boston and Philadelphia opening their Eastern Conference semi-final and Denver hosting the Phoenix Suns.
The BetDeluxe experts have looked at both games and delivered their best bets.
Celtics vs. 76ers
2nd May 9:30am
The second round of the playoffs commences for the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers as the two Eastern Conference powerhouses meet at TD Garden.
Despite taking six games to put Atlanta away, the Celtics will enter the match as short-priced $1.19 favourites, with Jayson Tatum averaging 27.2 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.3 assists over the post-season. Jaylen Brown stepped up with 26 ppg, while Derrick White and Marcus Smart continued their strong form.
The 76ers were clinical in their series against the Nets, sweeping them in four by an average of 11 points. MVP candidate Joel Embiid played just three of the four games before injuring his knee but put up 20 points, 11.3 board and 2.3 blocks across the series. It is doubtful he’ll get up for Game 1, with a timeline for his return not set.
The Celtics had the 76ers’ number throughout the regular season with three wins from their four games, and we expect they’ll kick-start this one in a similar fashion at home.
Suggested Bet: Same Game Multi
- Leg 1: Celtics to win
- Leg 2: J. Tatum over 28.5 points
- Leg 3: J. Harden over 7.5 assists
- Leg 4: D. White 15+ points
- Total: $7
Nuggets vs. Suns
2nd May 12:00PM
The Denver Nuggets will attempt to go 2-0 against the Suns after their dominant 18-point win on Sunday.
Fresh off a 4-1 series victory over the Timberwolves, the Nuggets continued their hot form and put the game to bed with a 37-19 second quarter. Jamal Murray was outstanding with 34 points and nine assists, while Nikola Jokic added 24 points and 19 rebounds.
Kevin Durant stood up for the Suns with 29 points and 14 boards alongside Devin Booker’s 27, but there were too few contributors on the scoring end, with no player scoring more than seven off the bench.
Booker has been shooting the lights out during the post-season with 35.5ppg, and he will need to get close to that mark in Game 2 if the Suns are to snatch a victory in Denver.
Suggested Bet: Nuggets to win @ $1.51
