Weekend basketball betting – tons of NBA playoff action
With four games each on Saturday and Sunday, basketball betting fans have no shortage of action to get in on. There have been some very close clashes so far, plus a few teams that are on the brink of losing control and facing elimination.
To get you started, here’s your NBA playoff picks for the weekend. Check out our sports betting lines to bet on any game.
SATURDAY
Nuggets vs Hornets odds – 1:00 PM ET (Hornets -4.5)
The Hornets face the prospect of going down 3-0 after losing the first two games by an average margin of 22 points. The Nuggets split their two games in New Orleans this year and Chauncey Billups has been on fire so far in the postseason. The Hornets will be better at home, but they seem to have given up on Coach Byron Scott. Bet on Denver.
Spurs vs Mavericks odds – 4:00 PM ET
The Mavericks pounded the Spurs in Game 3 to take a 2-1 lead and they finally slowed down Tony Parker. Tim Duncan looked old, while Dirk Nowitzki broke out of his shooting slump. Game 4 will be closer, but the Mavericks are rolling right now. Bet on Dallas.
Hawks vs Heat odds – 6:30 PM ET (Heat -4)
The Heat tied the series 1-1 with a 33-point performance by Dwayne Wade and, while the Hawks had balanced scoring, they didn’t have the energy of Game 1, especially on defense.Atlanta has lost eight of their last trips to Miami. Bet on Miami.
Lakers vs Jazz odds – 9:00 PM ET
The Jazz used a 55-40 edge on the boards and a Deron Williams jumper with 2.2 ticks left to beat the Lakers by a bucket in Game 3, but you can bet that Kobe Bryant won’t have another 5-of-24 night. See last year’s 34-point showing in a Game 6 win in Utah in the West semis. Bet on Los Angeles.
SUNDAY
Celtics vs Bulls odds – 1:00 PM ET
The Celtics jumped on the Bulls early and never let up in a 107-86 rout in Game 3, as Paul Pierce snapped out of his slump. Chicago came out extremely tight, especially Derrick Rose, who had seven of Chicago’s 22 turnovers. If the Bulls can cut this number in half, they’ll put it away. Bet on Chicago.
Cavaliers vs Pistons odds – 3:30 PM ET
The Cavaliers played their worst quarter of the series in the final 12 minutes of Game 2’s 94-82 win at home, as they were outscored 35-17. Game 3 goes on Friday night, so this could be the Pistons’ last stand. It won’t be enough—bet on Cleveland.
Magic vs 76ers odds – 6:30 PM ET
These two will also meet on Friday night in Game 3 and, heading into that contest, the Magic had won seven of their last 10 trips to Philly. A steady diet of Dwight Howard should be on the menu for the Magic. Bet on Orlando.
Trailblazers vs Rockets odds – 9:00 PM ET
Finally, another pair that will meet once on Friday night and again on Sunday. Game 2 was one for the books, but the Rockets won’t let Brandon Roy drop 42 again. The onus is on LaMarcus Aldridge to play like the guy who put up 27 and 12 in Game 2. But the Rockets are great at home, so bet on Houston.
For a full list of NBA playoff betting lines, swing by the BetOnline.com sportsbook this weekend.
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.
