The Scout: Saturday NBA Best Bets

Posted on May 28, 2021May 28, 2021 | Posted by The Scout

New York Knicks @ Atlanta Hawks

The series is tied at 1-1 and the Knicks will feel like they have been handed a lifeline, coming back from 13 points down off the back of a 26 point performance from Derrick Rose.

This season’s Most Improved Player, Julius Randle, has struggled in his first two career playoff games. There have been signs of life however, including his third quarter in Game 2 where he rattled off 11 of his 15 points. Randle is the key for the Knicks, as he has been all season. His ability to shoot the three ball coupled with his crafty post moves make him a very hard matchup for anyone on the Hawks roster.

New York have lost both opening quarters in this series but I’m expecting them to be settled from the outset away from the raucous Madison Square crowd. If Randle can regain his form (I think he can) the Knicks look a good bet to go ahead here in Game 3.

 Suggested Bet: New York (Head to Head) @ $2.55*

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Brooklyn Nets @ Boston Celtics

There is no denying that the experiment in Brooklyn is working with the chemistry between Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden seemingly building by the quarter. Boston have simply had no answer, losing the opening two games by a combined 33 points.

Steve Nash has done a great job with the Brooklyn rotations, making the most of the playmaking offered by Irving and Harden in particular. The pair combined for 13 assists (in limited minutes) in Game 2 and the big reason for how efficient this offense has become.

This series looks done. Without Jaylen Brown the Celtics are relying on Kemba Walker and Jayson Tatum to trade blows with the Nets’ Big 3, and they simply aren’t up to it. I expect little resistance from the men in green.

Suggested Bet: Brooklyn 11+ (Margin) @ $2.40*

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LA Clippers @ Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks have rocked the Clippers, leaving LA with what could be an insurmountable 2-0 series lead. The pressure on the Clippers is now immense, and all eyes will be on them to see how they respond.

Luka Doncic has been the man in this series with back-to-back games of over 30+ points. It is hard to look past Doncic, but his supporting cast has been incredible as well, in particular Tim Hardaway Jr who has scored 20+ in both games.

With role players like Tim Hardaway Jr and Kristaps Porzingis, Doncic has plenty of options for when he drives to the basket and looks to kick the ball out. The Clippers will no doubt put more of a focus on slowing Luka, but this often just means more assists. He’s already recorded a triple-double this series and looks a great bet to do so in front of the Dallas faithful.

Suggested Bet: Luka Doncic Triple Double @ $4.50*

*Odds correct as at 1pm, 28th May 2021.

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