Thursday NBA Playoff Betting – Bulls, Mavs, Lakers look to take control
Thursday’s basketball betting action features a pair of series tied at one game apiece, with Chicago and San Antonio aiming to pull ahead after splitting in Boston and Dallas, respectively.
In the late game, the Lakers can take a 3-0 stranglehold if they can escape with a win in Utah. Sportsbook odds will go with the home teams, but all three visiting squads are dangerous away from home.
NBA playoff odds: Thursday night games
- Chicago brimming with confidence now
- Tony Parker too much for Mavs to handle
- Utah fighting for its life at home
Celtics vs Bulls odds – Thursday, Game 3 at 8:00 p.m. ET at United Center
Line: Bulls -2
Ray Allen’s 3-pointer with two seconds remaining was the difference in a 118-115 win over the Bulls in Game 2, and Allen rebounded from a poor Game 1 with 30 points. Rajon Rondo put up a triple-double for the Celtics, who outrebounded the Bulls 50-36. Chicago got a game-high 42 points from Ben Gordon.
The Celtics have lost seven of their last 10 trips to Chicago, and the news that Leon Powe is now out for the season with a torn ACL isn’t a tough break for a group already missing Kevin Garnett. The Bulls were 28-13 at home this year and, being such a young team, playing in front of their fans will give them more confidence than they already have from playing the Celtics tough in Boston. Bet on Chicago to take a 2-1 lead.
Spurs vs Mavericks odds – Thursday, Game 3 at 8:30 p.m. ET at American Airlines Center
Line: Mavericks -4
Many wondered how the Mavericks would handle lightning-quick guard Tony Parker in Game 2. They couldn’t, as Parker dropped 38 points and eight assists in a 105-84 rout. Most of Parker’s points came on layups as he shot 16-of-22 from the field, prompting Dallas’ Erick Dampier to say he’ll foul Parker hard in the next game. Dirk Nowitzki had a nightmare game, scoring 14 points on 3-of-14 shooting.
The Mavericks was 32-9 at home this year, but the Spurs split their two trips to Dallas during the regular season. The Spurs have to hit the boards like they did at home, when they outrebounded Dallas 44-28 in Game 2. Nowitzki should have a better game since he performs much better at American Airlines Center than on the road. However, the Mavericks have to find a way to keep Parker out of the lane, which they haven’t proven capable of. Bet on the Spurs in a basketball betting upset.
Lakers vs Jazz odds – Thursday, Game 3 at 10:30 p.m. ET at EnergySolutions Arena
Line: Lakers -2.5
The Lakers shot an outlandish 60 percent from the floor in Game 2, a 119-109 win that saw six Lakers score in double figures (Kobe Bryant led with 26 points). Deron Williams had 35 points and nine assists for the Jazz, who shot a respectable 49.4 percent, but they can’t keep up with Los Angeles in a shootout. The Jazz forced 21 turnovers but had 18 of their own.
Mehmet Okur, Utah’s sharp-shooting big man, missed the first two games of the series with a hamstring injury that bothered him down the stretch in the regular season. Okur will be a game-time decision, but the Jazz need all their weapons to beat the Lakers, who had an NBA-best 29 wins on the road this year. Los Angeles has lost six of its last 10 trips to Utah; the Jazz, with a brilliant 33-8 home record, are playing for their lives. Bet on Utah to grab a lifeline with a basketball betting win on Thursday.
For more sports betting tips as we march towards the NBA Finals, swing by the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com.
Craig Parsons is an avid sports fan, but his true love has always been basketball. Too short to realize his dream of playing in the NBA, he did the next best thing: sports betting and covering basketball for a living. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
