Sports

The Scout: NBA Best Bets

Boston Celtics vs Toronto Raptors

Toronto were abysmal from beyond the arc in Game 1, connecting on just 10 of their 40 attempts from deep. Fred VanVleet (who has been terrific in the bubble) was a key culprit from all parts of the floor, going 3 of 16 from the field.

Toronto should be able to match Boston’s depth and have far more playoff experience. No Raptor player scored more than 17 points in Game 1, a stat line we likely won’t see again for the rest of this series.

VanVleet has been lights-out in the bubble and I’m backing him to bounce back from this poor showing in Game 1. He shapes as tricky cover for the Celtics, which has me leaning the Raptors way here.

Suggested Bet: Toronto 1-10 (Margin) $2.70*


Utah Jazz vs Denver Nuggets

Easily the most entertaining series so far, we’re set for a 7th game of Donovan Mitchell and Jamal Murray trading blows.

Murray has taken his game to a whole new stratosphere, averaging 47 points in his last three games. He has been unstoppable, showing his full array of weapons – floaters, pull up jumpers, step-back three’s – the list goes on.

Denver have won back to back games and have all the momentum in this series. Murray’s dominance has opened the door for Jokic to play a more suitable role as a second option, and he has done a great job of drawing Rudy Gobert out of the paint (opening up the lane for Murray).

The Jazz look to be done. Even with Mitchell going for 50 points in a close out game, they haven’t been able to finish off these Nuggets. I can’t see them doing any better at their third attempt.

Suggested Bet: Denver (Head to Head) @ $1.85*

*Odds correct as at 12pm, 1st September 2020.

Market Market