The Golden State Warriors were stunned by the Houston Rockets yesterday. The Rockets had a first half lead and an impressive fourth quarter to put the veteran team away. By doing so, they gained home court advantage and pushed the series into a pivotal game seven. Golden State never gained control in the second half, as the Rockets almost had a wire to wire victory.

Jimmy Butler came through and perhaps the double-unit wager should have been on him covering his point proposition. He went well over 22.5 points with 27 last night and almost had a triple double with nine rebounds and eight assists. Him and Stephen Curry played exceptionally, but it was not enough to overcome the Rockets.

Curry played impressively including snagging seven rebounds. Which was well above the line of 4.5 and ruined the under best bet. Proving that doubting the effort of an all-time player is rarely a wise move.

 

 

NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 5/3

There is only one matchup today, but it is guaranteed to be satisfying. The Denver Nuggets host the Los Angeles Clippers and all three NBA best bets today come from their match.

Clippers vs Nuggets Prediction: Total Over 205.5 (-112 on FanDuel) *BET OF THE NIGHT 

Denver and Los Angeles have been battling throughout the series, and that is exactly why this is game seven between them. The Clippers are identified by their tough defense, and the Nuggets are defined by their high powered offense. However both teams have been capable of putting up high offensive numbers. 

The total has dipped down to 205.5 points, but is that an accurate prediction? Denver scored 120.8 points per game in the regular season, and have put up over 100 points in five of the six games in this match. The total has gone over 206 points in four of the six games in this series, which is more data to back this best bet. With Denver playing at home, the expectation is for them to score from the spots they feel the most familiar.

With both teams led by clutch offensive scorers, and both backcourts taking defensive plays off, the total will go well over 205.5 points. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray could combine for over 70 points by themselves and force this game to be an offensive battle. Put a unit on this best bet at FanDuel and for new customers, take advantage of Fantasy Alarm’s promotional offer.

 

Clippers vs Nuggets Prediction: Winning Margin 6 - 10  (+550 on Bet365)

Part of the reason that the over was suggested on the total is the expectation of Denver to take control of this game. More specifically the expectation is for them to do it in the second half. The Nuggets come out hot in the third quarter, and have sent several visiting teams home with the loss. The Clippers are well aware of it, and know the mountain of a challenge they are up against.

Opposing teams come out tired and unable to recuperate as quickly as they do at other arenas, due to the high elevation. That paired with halftime adjustments, as was displayed in game six, make Denver one of the better second half teams in the Association. They have been utilizing their bench more during this playoff run and if DeAndre Jordan, Russell Westbrook, and Peyton Watson provide meaningful minutes, the starters should take care of the rest.

The spread is -1 to -2 in favor of Denver depending on the sportsbook. Instead of taking a straight spread, tease it up and give a winning margin. This is found under “Main Props”, then under the sub tab of “Winning Margin 12-Way”. From there the selection of 6 - 10 under Denver is suggested, and with odds of +550 it has potential to be a big winning day. Risk it for the brisket, my fellow bettors because Denver has the better roster.

Put a unit on this NBA best bet at Bet365 and make sure to take advantage of the promotional offer at the end of this article for an additional $150 in bonus bets.

 

 

Best NBA Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 5/3

The last NBA best bet today is a player proposition on a familiar face. One that must step up in a crucial moment in order for their team to advance to the next round.

Clippers vs Nuggets Prediction: Aaron Gordon Over 15.5 Points (-105 on BETMGM) 

Aaron Gordon was mentioned as a best bet for game six of this series, and the data backed up logic He attempted his most three point field goals of the series, six, but was only able to make one of them. This time the prediction is for him to have over 15.5 points, and there is plenty of logic to back it up.

The Clippers are going to do everything they can to prevent Nikola Jokic from having an effective offensive night. He only attempted two free throws in game six, and he will likely attempt several field goals to start the game, then look to pass as the double team approaches. This will benefit Gordon who has scored over 15.5 points in both of the last games and three of the six matches in this series. 

Gordon and Jokic have telepathic powers, and seem to always know where each other are on the court. Gordon has been on the receiving end of some of the best passes of Jokic’s career. If he is left open throughout the night in the dunker spot it could be a 25+ point game for Gordon.

Of course he is more than capable of creating his own opportunities. Gordon is a mismatch for all but the most elite defensive centers. He possesses agility, strength, quickness, great jumping ability, dribbling skills, and his flaws have improved to be better than league average. He is a true three level scorer who excels at the mid range and dunking game, and punishes those that foul him. His free throw percentage is currently the best it has been in his career, and he has been Denver’s most reliable free throw scorer this series.

Put a unit on Gordon to be the “X-factor of this match, and for those new to BETMGM make sure to take advantage of the promotional offer from Fantasy Alarm. There is also a boost from BETMGM that moves this from -105 to +114 make sure to take advantage of their odds boost for at least one of the mentioned best bets.

 

 

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Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy

*All NBA odds accurate at time of writing and NBA best bets today to be placed at 1 unit unless specified otherwise