NBA picks and parlays for Aug 22

NBA picks and parlays for Aug 22: How to handicap losers

The NBA playoffs have started and several teams do not look like they want to be here. The Brooklyn Nets are just outmatched, the  Indiana Pacers are powerless to stop the Miami  Heat and the Oklahoma City Thunder have yet to show up for a game. In a “normal” NBA playoff season the handicapper can point to home court as a difference-maker, but in the bubble, you have to know how to handicap a loser. That is exactly what we will breakdown today when we make our NBA picks and parlays for Aug 22. If you prefer to focus on other games like the Sixers vs Celtics and the closeout games, we have those too.

The pulse of the public

The public is not giving up. The public is now pounding the Milwaukee Bucks (75%) after a big game two win and of course, they love Houston. After two dominating wins Oklahoma City and Chris Paul, over 79% of the bets are on the Rockets which will make them the most popular bet of the day.

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Daily NBA Picks

Let’s get to our best bets for today in the NBA.  All point-spreads are taken from our top sportsbooks.

Thunder (+3) [BET NOW]

At one point, many NBA fans believed that the Thunder could match up against the Rockets. Not anymore. The Rockets have dominated the series and Chris Paul has disappeared.  This led Paul to say this

“I gotta do more. Straight up.”

That means something. That means in this game he is going to go all out. He will play better defense and more importantly he will inspire his team. When you bet on sports, you do not get rich betting on quotes and what players say, but there is no doubt in my mind that the Thunder is the play tonight. We have hit this game in parlays, so we know what we are talking about so bet the Thunder now before the point spread moves.

Pacers +5 [BET NOW]

The Pacers are in trouble. They are down 0-2 to the Miami Heat but this is not the type of team that is going to get swept in the playoffs. Not only are they too talented but they are well-coached. Sure we have lost on the Pacers in the past, but not tonight. The Heat are getting public money and the NBA line has moved from (-4.5) to (-5) and if we are lucky we are going to get (+6) by tip-off. The Heat made history in the last outing as Duncan Robinson was a 3-point monster. In Game 2, he nailed 3-all night long finishing with 24 points on 7 of 8 from downtown. That won’t happen again, but it won’t stop him from shooting.  The Pacers play better defense and they are  6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight-up loss. Take the points.

Daily NBA Parlay

If there is one thing that we are doing well, it is this. We are hitting parlays!  We are at it again with another parlay to hit.  

Two team parlay:

Magic vs Bucks Over 226

The Bucks won in blowout fashion, but they still did not play well. They had too many turnovers. The Magic were without some of their best scorers and so game two was not even a challenge for Milwaukee. That will change in game 3. The Magic like to run and score and that is why the over is 20-5-1 in the last 26 games overall for the Magic. This is going to be a high scoring game and the over is the only play at this point.

Trail Blazers vs Lakers Over 225

The Lakers finally showed up for game two, but there has not been a game yet where both of these offenses have met the potential that they offer on a nightly basis. The fact that the Blazers only posted 88 points in the last outing changed this betting total and lowered it five points from the last game. That offer opportunity to those who like to bet on NBA totals. Dame will not go 1-7 from 3 point land (even with a bum finger) and Carmelo Anthony will improve after a 4-of-17 performance. More points from the Blazers will give us a closer game and more points.  The over is 13-6 in Trail Blazers last 19 games as an underdog and there will be more points tonight.

Magic vs Bucks Over 226

Trail Blazers vs Lakers Over 225

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NBA picks and parlays for Aug 21

NBA picks and parlays for Aug 21: End of the road for the Sixers?

The NBA playoffs continue to amaze although they are playing in a bubble without fans. There are several teams who are rising to the occasion, while many others are failing to meet expectations. The most notable disappointment is the Philadelphia 76ers. The fans are giving up on this team and so is the betting public. Looking at who the public is betting on is crucial when making the NBA picks and parlays for Aug 21. 

The pulse of the public

After watching the Sixers get dominated in two games by the Boston Celtics, no one wants to bet on this team. The Celtics are the most popular bet of the night grabbing over 80% of the betting action in game three to cover the number. Despite losing game two, the Nuggets are still a popular bet in game three. They have 72% of the bets as small favorites in game 3 against the Jazz.

Daily NBA Picks

Let’s get to our best bets.  All point-spreads are taken from our top ten sportsbooks.

Jazz (+2) [BET NOW]

If defense wins ballgames the Denver Nuggets are in big trouble. Donovan Mitchell is scorching this defense and in the last outing the Jazz poured in 20 3-points to blow out the Nuggets. The Nuggets attempted to adjust the way that they played defense against Mitchell and it backfired leaving other players open for easy shots.

The Jazz shot 45% from outside the arc and this is what the Nuggets have been allowing since the NBA restart. The Nuggets have allowed this high percentage of 3’s in the last eight games and are the worst in the bubble on perimeter defense.  The Nuggets are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 Conference Quarterfinals games and the Jazz is 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games as an underdog. The public will lose betting on a team that does not play defense. Jazz win again.

Sixers +5.5 [BET NOW]

Everyone is giving up on the Sixers and maybe for good reason. The Sixers don’t have Ben Simmons, look overmatched and they are quitting once they give up a run against Boston. The Celtics and their bench played well with the absence of the injured Gordon Hayward. Now is when the Celtics will put it in cruise control. This is the only chance for the Sixers to respond and try and steal a game or at least keep it close. I believed in Philly before the series started. Although that is hard to do now, this line is going to be inflated at tip-off and I will take a shot on Philly.

 

Daily NBA Parlay

It’s time to post the parlay! The favorite part of the article is putting together two winners to get paid. Here is the duo for today.

Two team parlay:

Jazz / Nuggets Over 218.5

Did I mention the Nuggets don’t play any defense? Not only do they not play any defense, but this game will be more high scoring because the Nuggets will be pressing in offense which will lead to more fouls and in turn, more free throws. This line should be around 225(ish) so I like the value. The Nuggets are an over machine as they have hit 20 overs in the last 27 games, 6-0 after a loss and 19-6-1 after allowing 100 points in the last game. The points just keep on coming. Bet the over.

Raptors / Nets Over 220.5

The Nets made this series bearable by keeping it close in game two against the Raptors. The Raptors took their foot off the gas and the Nets made them pay. The Raptors woke up in time to win, but they are not going to take any chances in this game. The over is cashing at a great clip for the Nets who have hit five of the last seven overall and 9-4 in the last 13 games as an underdog.

Jazz / Nuggets Over 218.5

Raptors / Nets Over 220.5

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Trail Blazers vs Lakers game 2 picks against the spread

Trail Blazers vs Lakers game 2 picks against the spread

Lakers nation is in a panic. Everyone, including the best sportsbooks, listed the Lakers as the favorite to win the 2020 NBA Championship. Everyone watched the remarkable run by Damian Lillard and the Trail Blazers as they burned up the bubble and beat the Grizzlies in the play-in game to advance to the NBA playoffs. The more the Blazers won, the more that people believed in this team. Charles Barkley backed the Blazers as an upset pick in this series and even predicted a sweep.


After watching game one, his prediction looks credible.

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Bettors believe in Portland

Before the first game of the series, everyone was betting on the Lakers. After the game one victory that has changed drastically. Look at the latest point-spread and that should say it all. The Lakers are still (-6) point favorites in game two, but the money is split with 50% betting on Portland and the other 50% remaining true to LeBron James and LA.

Do not doubt Dame

Damian Lillard is incredible and he is one of the best players on the planet. His play in the bubble has been nothing short of remarkable. In eight seeding games, he averaged 37.6 points and 9.6 assists and his deep shots in game one were jaw-dropping. He scored 34 points and had six 3-pointers, leaving the Lakers lifeless. The Lakers have to figure out a way to stop Lillard if they hope to recover from the loss.

Are the Lakers in trouble?

The most glaring issue for the Lakers is the 3-point shooting. The Lakers shot 5-31 from behind the arc. That is disgusting and a number that will not happen again in game two. Call it jitters or just cold-shooting, the Lakers are better from behind the arc, and although they could not hit the hoop in game one, look for a change in game two. 

Calling for playoff Rondo

The Lakers got some good news as Rajon Rondo is cleared to play and barring a set-back will be back in game two. His leadership on the court is invaluable. He is a playmaker and a distributor and this will help the Lakers consistency with star players off the floor.

Trail Blazers vs Lakers game 2 picks against the spread

The Blazers are riding a high and Dame is playing like the best player on the planet, but it’s time to bet on LeBron. The Lakers shooting from beyond the arc has to improve, right? They have to focus on a must-win game and must hit the wide-open shots that the Blazers tend to give up. Look for Anthony Davis to answer his very loud critics with a great outing in game two. The Trail Blazers are 11-26-2 ATS in their last 39 Conference Quarterfinals games and the Lakers get revenge in game two with a big win.

Lakers (-6) [BET NOW]

2020 NFL week 1 odds

How to pick winners using 2020 NFL odds for week 1 and consensus picks

It is not easy to win money betting on the NFL. It is one of the world’s most popular sports to wager on and last year it was projected that 38 million American adults planned to bet on the NFL a year ago. This number will increase in 2020. Because of this, the point spreads are always monitored closely by the top sportsbooks. If an injury happens, the sports betting sites are one-step ahead of you and will move the line before you can even think of making a wager. The key to picking winners is to start early and look at the 2020 NFL odds for week 1 as soon as they are released and try to find value to place a wager.

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2020 NFL odds for week 1 2020 NFL odds for week 1

THURSDAY, SEPT. 10

Houston at Kansas City (-10.5) [BET NOW]

Free pick on Texans vs Chiefs

 

SUNDAY, SEPT 13, 2020

Miami at New England (-6.5)[BET NOW]

Cleveland at Baltimore (-8.5) [BET NOW]

N.Y. Jets at Buffalo (-5.5) [BET NOW]

Las Vegas at Carolina (PK) [BET NOW]

Seattle (-1) at Atlanta[BET NOW]

Philadelphia (-6) at Washington [BET NOW]

Chicago at Detroit (-1.5) [BET NOW]

Indianapolis (-8.5) at Jacksonville [BET NOW]

Green Bay at Minnesota -3.5 [BET NOW]

L.A. Chargers (-3.5) at Cincinnati [BET NOW]

Arizona at San Francisco (-8) [BET NOW]

Tampa Bay at New Orleans (-4) [BET NOW]

Dallas (-3) at L.A. Rams [BET NOW]

*All the 2020 NFL odds for week 1 are provided by MyBookie, the #1 sportsbook to bet on the NFL. 

MONDAY, SEPT. 14, 2020

Pittsburgh (-3.5) at N.Y. Giants [BET NOW]

Tennessee at Denver (-3) [BET NOW]

*Keep in mind that the [BET NOW] and consensus pick is a good place to start when picking winners in the NFL, but it’s important to look at all the variables before placing a wager.

It’s a whole new year

The biggest mistake football bettors make in the first week of the season is that they bet on last year. Obviously, when a player like Tom Brady leaves the New England Patriots everyone will know about it, especially if you live in Tampa Bay. However, few fans track all the moves that a team makes. Players switching teams on the offensive line or in the defense are rarely tracked unless it is a big name player. This is essential information to have before betting on the NFL.

The point spreads to ponder

When the lines are released, there are a few that stand out. Why they stand out may differ depending on who is looking at it.

Titans vs Broncos

 The Broncos are small favorites at home against the Titans. A home favorite on Monday night football is not a surprise, but the Titans made the playoffs last year and the Broncos are still rebuilding. That is just the first of the games that jump off the board when looking at the NFL odds for week one. Before placing a bet, another thing to consider is who the public is betting on.

Raiders vs Panthers

 Another point spread that jumps off the page are the Carolina Panthers. This is a team in rebuild mode and they let Cam Newton walk. Although they replaced Newton with Teddy Bridgewater, no one expects a huge year out of this team. Yet the line shows that they are a coin toss (PK) at home against the Las Vegas Raiders.

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Consensus picks for week 1

There is one theory that stands the test of time when it comes to sports betting, bet against the public. This is especially true when it comes to betting on the National Football League. For week one, the most popular bets are not surprising.

Packers vs Vikings

 The team that is getting the most action at the betting window is the Green Bay Packers on the road against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings are much better defensively and although they lost Stefon Diggs to Buffalo, (and he is thriving) they are very good on offense.  The public loves to bet on quarterbacks and they love Aaron Rodgers.  This is interesting since, in his last four trips to Minnesota, Rodgers has completed only 53.9 percent of his passes with a paltry passer rating of 82.2. His struggles against Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer are legendary.  If you really look at this Packers team there is a good chance that they don’t even make the playoffs.

Who is the public betting on in week one?

Another thing that jumps out is that the public loves road teams in the first week of the NFL season. The public is all over Miami (64%), Cleveland (70%), Arizona (78%) and the Las Vegas Raiders (73%).

We have seen the odds and we have seen the consensus picks for the first week of football, but there is more to look at. When both of these angles collide, the point spread will move. This will be the next thing to take note of.

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Watching the smart money moves

“Smart” money defined is money placed on a game from someone that is in the know. This term is used way too freely nowadays. Someone will suggest that smart money is on a game without actually knowing that the money being wagered is from a reliable source. How do they do this? They watch the point spreads.

Colts vs Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars opened up as (+6.5) underdogs at home in week one against the Indianapolis Colts. The Jaguars are expected to struggle again this season, but the public loves this home underdog in week one. Over 75% of the bets accepted are on the Jaguars +6.5. Since all of the money is on the home team, you would expect the line to go down in favor of Jacksonville. However, the Colts are now as high as (-7) at several of the top rated football sports betting sites.

Why does this happen?

The assumption is that although there are more bets on the Jaguars there is more money on the Colts. Since money moves the line, the sportsbooks are bumping up the Colts. I agree that more money is on the Colts, but I am not ready to call it smart money. Some of the richest guys I know are not the smartest guys that I know.

However, I want to list the plays that meet the “smart money” criteria for the first week of the season.

Colts -7 

Ravens -9

Panthers +1

Vikings -3.5

49ers -7.5

Rams +2

[Bet the smart money plays at MyBookie and double your deposit and get a free NFL wager]

If you are going to bet on the NFL, you have to know how to look at the NFL odds. The best football handicappers already have their winner selected before the odds come out. All they are looking for is a number. If you desire to bet on the NFL and make money, it all starts with just one number.

NBA picks

NBA picks and parlays for Aug 20: Bucks bounce back?

The NBA playoffs are getting very interesting. On day 1 the favorites dominated and it looked like it was going to be a boring first round. That changed quickly when underdogs started pulling off upsets. The attention is focused on the Blazers for upsetting LeBron and the Lakers, but the Magic deserve credit for crushing the top-seeded Bucks in the opener. The NBA picks and parlays for Aug 20 begin with looking at how the public is reacting to the upsets in the betting market.

The pulse of the public

All of the favorites are getting the attention of the public, but the upsets have scared some bettors. In the game one meeting the Bucks was garnishing over 70% of the action as big favorites against the Magic. After the Magic dominated in game one, that number has dropped and just 55% of the bets are on the Bucks in game two.

Daily NBA Picks

Let’s get to our best bets for today in the NBA.  All point-spreads are taken from our top sportsbooks.

Pacers (+5.5) [BET NOW]

The Pacers kept game one against the Heat close but faded away late. The Pacers could have folded in the first game as they encountered plenty of problems. They lost Victor Oladipo to an eye injury in the first quarter and Aaron Holiday only played 16 minutes with foul trouble. This is a must-win for Indiana considering that the Pacers are 0-12 in NBA franchise history in playoff series where they drop the first two games. The Heat had just one turnover in the second half, which is something that they will not be able to continue to do. The Heat are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight-up win of more than 10 points and they lose game two.

 

Bucks (-12.5) [BET NOW]

It’s not often that we suggest dropping double-digits in any game, especially a playoff game. Game one was an ugly wake up call for the Milwaukee Bucks and they will be focused for game two. Betting on basketball is not easy and hitting parlays can be extremely difficult. So far we have had some success and we have another small parlay for day 3. The Magic deserve credit and they have protected the rim all year-long ranking third in the NBA by only allowing 32 percent of their opponent’s shots to come within four feet of the basket. Brewhoop notes that Bucks issues with the “Build a Wall defense”.

This is concerning, but the Magic just don’t have the talent to keep up with Milwaukee in this series. This is a statement game for the Bucks who have to win and they have to win big to show that they are still considered contenders to win it all. The Bucks are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games following a straight-up loss of more than 10 points. They get the win and the cover, bet the Bucks in game two.

 

Daily NBA Parlay

The best part about betting parlays is that you only have to hit a few to make some money. Losing is never acceptable, but if you win a parlay it helps.

Two team parlay:

Thunder / Rockets under 227

The Rockets dominated game one and it is incredibly hard to back an ‘under’ play on a game with James Harden and the small-ball, 3-point shooting Rockets. Harden had 37 points and 11 rebounds on 12-of-22 shooting, including 6-of-13 from beyond the arc, and the Rockets had five players score in double figures. That is something that will not continue. The Thunder did not move well on defense and the film will show OKC that the focus of game 2 will be on defense. The under is 45-19-1 in Thunder last 65 games as an underdog and this under bet will cash.

Trail Blazers / Lakers Under 229

This series will be about defense. The Lakers lost game one and LeBron James admits that this team has to play better defense. Rajon Rondo is still day-to-day recovering from an injury, but after losing game one, the Lakers will expedite his return. The Lakers had big issues from the free-throw line and the 3-point arc, making the under the only play to make.

Thunder / Rockets under 227

Trail Blazers / Lakers Under 229

 [Bet your parlay at MyBookie and double your deposit and get a free NBA wager]

Sixers vs Celtics game 2 picks

Sixers vs Celtics game 2 picks and predictions

The Boston Celtics are a favorite pick of many experts to go to the Eastern Conference Finals. There are not many people that think that the Sixers have a chance in this series. After game one, it certainly looks like everyone is right. But remember, one game does not make a series. Is there a chance for the zig-zag theory to show up in game two? 

Game 1 recap

Jayson Tatum put up a playoff career-high and the Celtics overcame a late deficit to take a 1-0 lead in the playoff series against Philadelphia. The Sixers had numerous turnovers and were inconsistent all night long. The Celtics were the better team in game one. 

Point spread points to something else

The Celtics were (-6) point favorites in game one. Although they covered, the top sportsbooks are not willing to change the point spread. According to MyBookie, the #1 rated online sportsbook, Boston is yet again a (-5.5) point favorites. The wise guys and sharp basketball bettors jumped on this line earlier and bet on Philly. With all of the money coming in on the Sixers, the sportsbooks had no choice but to lower this line. The Celtics line is currently (-5) and moving and it may be attributed to the Gordon Hayward injury news. 

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A new lineup and a new attitude for Philly

For game two you can expect a new lineup for the Sixers. Rookie Matisse Thybulle is about to get more playing time. His defensive effort in game one stood out and he should be rewarded in this game.

The Sixers should start Thybulle and sit Al Horford making the Sixers lineup smaller, but more athletic. It also allows Horford to come off the bench and give this team leadership, energy, and offense. Horford was notably aggressive in game one and will be an impact player in this series. If Thybulle can stay out of foul trouble, this move will change the series.

The Sixers are focused

Joel Embiid is speaking his mind. He is “encouraging” the coaching staff to get him more involved and demanding his teammates to be more aggressive. He started by critiquing his play in game one.

“I’ve got be more aggressive,” Embiid reiterated after the game. “Maybe we need to call some more plays, but I don’t know. I mean, that’s another thing we’ve got to fix going into Game 2. Like I said, I’ve just got to be assertive and aggressive, and let the game come to me.”

This will motivate the Sixers. They have to improve in the turnover category. They had 13 first-half turnovers alone. That number has to improve in game two as the Sixers will be focused and ready to go.

Breaking down the 2020 NBA Playoff Bracket predictions for every series and your printable brackets!

Sixers vs Celtics game 2 picks and predictions

This series is not over. The Celtics had an incredible game one performance that will be hard to repeat. The public is overreacting to the win and everyone is putting money down on Boston. That’s a mistake. The Gordon Hayward could miss the first two rounds and this injury is bigger than people think and the Celtics will have to try and adjust on the floor.

The Celtics are 2-5-2 ATS in the last nine games with just one game off and they have only covered once in the last five games after covering in the last outing. The public is going to take a beat down in the second game of this series as the Sixers cover and win the game to knot the series at 1-1.

Philadelphia Sixers (+6) [BET NOW]

NBA picks and parlays for Aug 19

NBA picks and parlays for Aug 19: Look at the Zig-Zag theory

As we head into the third day of the NBA playoffs, it’s time to look at the Zigzag theory. For those that are unfamiliar it’s a simple handicapping theory. Bet on the team that failed to cover in the first game. The theory is that the public perception from the first game will inflate the line, giving the basketball bettor an opportunity.  The problem with the zig-zag theory is that it is strongly based on the home-court advantage and that is something that does not exist in the bubble. But some handicappers may want to consider this theory when making NBA picks and parlays for Aug 19. Let’s start by looking at who the public is betting on.

The pulse of the public

The early betting shows that the public is on every team that won in the first game. The one NBA match up that is getting the most attention is the game between the Denver Nuggets and the Utah Jazz. The Nuggets won the first game in overtime and 77% of the people betting on this game, think they will win again.

Daily NBA Picks

Here are the two best bets for the third day of the NBA playoffs. All point-spreads are taken from our top sportsbooks.

Jazz (+4) [BET NOW]

The final score in the first game is misleading since the game went to overtime. If not for a costly 8-second violation, the game may have ended differently. Donovan Mitchell carried this squad in the opener and he needs help. Expect more of a team effort in game two with players like Royce O’Neale, Georges Niang stepping up. One player to watch on offense is Rudy Gobert who was noticeably absent in game one. Nikola Jokic is beatable on defense and Gibert can exploit this NBA match up. The Nuggets have only covered against the spread (ATS) in 2 of their last eight games after covering. The Jazz not only cover in game two, but they will even up the series with a victory.  

Clippers (-6) [BET NOW]

The Mavericks recovered from an early double-digit deficit and they had an opportunity to take down the Clippers but they failed miserably. Many will point to the baffling ejection of Kristaps Porzingis as the turning point, but it’s much deeper than that. Luka Doncic was a bright spot for this team but he is being physically abused every time he goes into the paint. This is going to take a toll on this superstar as he is not getting help from any of the other role players. The Mavericks are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games playing on 1 days rest and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss. The Clippers are focused on eliminating the Mavericks and they win again.

Daily NBA Parlay

Betting on basketball is not easy and hitting parlays can be extremely difficult. So far we have had success and we have another small parlay for day 3.

Two team parlay:

Raptors / Nets Over 226 [BET NOW]

If game one taught us anything in this series, it’s this. The Nets do not match up well defensively against the Raptors. If the game was closer the Raptors could have easily put up a higher score. After getting an early 32 point lead, they put it in cruise control for the remainder of the blowout. The Raptors will let their guard down in this game. When they did it in game one, the Nets went on a 44-22 run. The over is 15-3 in the last 18 games when they go up against a team with a winning percentage above .600. This game will be closer and go well over this betting total.   

Sixers / Celtics under214 [BET NOW]

In a game of runs, the Celtics emerged victorious in the first game. The second game in this series is about to get ugly. The Celtics won the game and shot just 42% from the floor and 32% from 3-point land. Gordon Heyward hurt his ankle and looks like he will miss this game. That will hurt on the offensive side of the floor. Say what you want about the Sixers, but they play defense. We were on the under in game one and we will back it again. Jayson Tatum had a career playoff-high and the first game did not go over. The under is 4-1 in the last five meetings and you can expect another low scoring game.

Raptors / Nets Over 226

Sixers / Celtics Under 214

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NBA picks and parlays for Aug 18

NBA picks and parlays for Aug 18: Lakers on Upset Alert?

It is time to look ahead to day 2 of the NBA playoffs. Although there are four quality games on tap, all eyes will be on the Trail Blazers. The Trail Blazers won the play-in game against Memphis and they are now one of the hottest teams in the NBA restart. This has led many to believe that the Lakers can be in line for an early upset. Before making our NBA picks and parlays for Aug. 18, let’s read the NBA lines and check out the public perception.

Breaking down the 2020 NBA Playoff Bracket predictions for every series and your printable brackets!

The pulse of the public

The Lakers are one of the most popular teams at the betting window, but not today. The Miami Heat is attracting (66%) of the betting action, but it’s the Milwaukee Bucks that is getting the attention of the public. Leading up to the tip-off of the Magic vs Bucks early game, over 72% of the wagers are on Milwaukee.

Daily NBA Picks

Here are the two best bets for the second day of the NBA playoffs. All point-spreads are taken from our top sportsbooks.

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Pacers (+4)

The Pacers are a very good team and the NBA match up with the Heat in the first round may be the best one to watch. Jimmy Butler vs TJ Warren will provide some drama, but this series is much more than that. The Pacers are without All-Star Domantas Sabonis, but Coach Nate McMillan is doing a wonderful job with the small lineup ushering out three guards in Aaron Holiday, Victor Oladipo, and Malcolm Brogdon. This will be a true chess match as this NBA match up will be a battle of the solid shooting Pacers against the solid switch-happy defense of the Heat. This is a seven-game series waiting to happen. The Heat are 2-6 ATS in the last eight meetings and fall short in game one.

Lakers (-5.5)

Forget what you have heard about upsets. The Lakers did not care about playing in the bubble and once they clinched the No. 1 seed in the West, they treated it like preseason. For as impressive as Damian Lillard and the Blazers have been, they don’t play any defense.  They allowed Memphis to score 10 more points than their regular-season average in the play-in game. This was a playoff game where the Blazers should have clamped down on defense and they did the opposite. Anthony Davis and the big men of the Lakers will have a field day in the paint in this game. The Blazers allow the most offensive putbacks in the league and this will be the biggest difference in game one. The Trail Blazers are 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 playoff games as an underdog. I am not bold enough to predict a sweep, but the Lakers win and cover.

Daily NBA Parlay

Our first parlay of the NBA playoffs was a winner and consisted of NBA betting totals and it will be more of the same for day two.  

Two team parlay:

Oklahoma City / Houston Under 225.5

This game has many storylines to keep track of, but the biggest news is that Russell Westbrook will miss the first game with an injury. James Harden is very good, but he is inconsistent and has struggled historically against the Thunder. The under is 38-16 in Thunder last 54 games playing on 3 or more days rest and defense will be on display in this game. Bet the under.

Heat / Pacers Over 216

It is time to double dip in this game. If you like high scoring basketball games there is plenty to like about this game. The Pacers use the small lineup, as we mentioned, but rest is the key for Indiana. The Pacers have gone over in four of the last five games when they have had 3 or more days rest. The Heat love to run and put up points which is why the over is 10-3 in the last 13 games when Miami is a favorite and 13-6-1 in the last 20 games that they have played in.

Oklahoma City / Houston Under 225.5

Heat / Pacers Over 216

 [Bet your parlay at MyBookie and double your deposit and get a free NBA wager]

That is a wrap for our NBA picks and parlays for Aug 18, check back in tomorrow for day 3 winners! 

NBA picks and parlays for Aug 17

NBA picks and parlays for Aug 17: Playoffs Day 1

Finally, after a long wait, the NBA playoffs are here! Monday gets things started with four games. The game featuring the 76ers and the Celtics is getting the most hype, but there is a reason to look at all the games. When choosing the NBA picks and parlays for Aug 17, it’s all about value.

Breaking down the 2020 NBA Playoff Bracket predictions for every series and your printable brackets!

The pulse of the public

Reading NBA point-spreads takes some talent, but it’s easy to see who the public is betting on. On the first day of the playoffs, the most popular bet teams are the Denver Nuggets (-3) over the Utah Jazz, closely followed by the LA Clippers (-6) over the Dallas Mavericks. The Nuggets are so popular because the Jazz will be without Mike Conley. 

Daily NBA Picks

On the first day of the NBA playoffs, there are a few games that stand out.

Raptors (-9.5)

The Raptors are getting bypassed as most NBA fans believe that the Celtics or the Bucks will come out of the East. The Raptors are shooting 37% from 3-point land and they are getting offensive production from multiple players. Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam and Norman Powell are all chipping in. The Raptors are 7-2-1 against the spread (ATS) in the last ten games and start the playoffs with a blowout win.

Mavericks (+6)

The public loves the Clippers and they will be jumping all over this team in the late game. Luka Doncic averaged 32.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 11.3 assists in the bubble and will be hard to stop. The Clippers used the seeding games as a preseason tune-up and this will be the first game with all bodies on the floor healthy and ready to go. They will need some time to get that chemistry. The Clippers are 8-22 ATS in their last 30 playoff games as a favorite and the Mavs call pull off the upset on the first day.

Bet on the NBA Playoffs and double your first deposit and get a free $10 NBA bet right here!

Daily NBA Parlay

For our parlay ticket, we are going to look at NBA totals. This is a two-team parlay for the first day of the NBA playoffs. Remember to tread lightly and bet parlays with money management in mind.

Toronto / Brooklyn OVER 222

As we mentioned the Raptors have a huge mismatch in this game and should blow out the Nets. When a blowout occurs, defense takes a back seat. The losing team throws up 3-pointers in an attempt to catch up. The winning team plays comfortably and that allows for a smooth flow on offense. The over is 8-3 in Nets last 11 games as an underdog and this game is full of points.

Sixers/Celtics Under 218.5

This game started off with a total of 219 and although 85% of the bets are on the over, the line went down. This means more money is coming in on the under signifying a “smart move”.  These teams do not like each other and the playoffs bring a defensive intensity with it. The under is 6-2 in Celtics last 8 playoff games as a favorite and this is a low-scoring game.

Two team parlay:

Toronto / Brooklyn OVER 222

Sixers/Celtics Under 218.5

[Bet your parlay at MyBookie and double your deposit and get a free NBA wager]

Day 2 picks are up and ready to go with an in-depth look at the Trail Blazers vs Lakers.

NBA picks and parlays

NBA picks and parlays: Steps to a winning season

When it comes to betting on basketball, everyone loves NBA picks and parlays. But finding the right combination of picks and playing them the right way to have a winning season is not always easy. It takes time, hard work, and a little bit of luck.

Free NBA picks and parlays

Everyone loves something for free right? One search on the internet will reveal hundreds of websites that are touting free picks against the spread with claims of big profits on winning tickets. (Even we offer free picks) There is no harm in looking, but realize that when you bet on free picks without doing research, you are taking on all the risk. If you bet on free picks, it is best to do your own research by looking at the latest betting news and other angles that may affect the outcome of the game. 

Parlays can be poison

Betting on parlays can be fun. They add plenty of excitement to every daily NBA schedule and they offer high payouts. The biggest draw to betting on parlays is the payout because the bigger the parlay, the bigger the payout. However, you have to understand the other side of parlays because the bigger the parlay, the bigger the risk. So when betting on parlays it is important to scale back your wager to minimize the risk. Using this method will allow the player to still achieve a big payday without burning through your bankroll.

Bet on MyBookie

X marks the spot

Where you bet your NBA picks and parlays are important. Not all sportsbooks are the same. This is essential and is the main reason why you should be betting at a top sportsbook. All sportsbooks have the right to post the odds on plays and parlays. As a player, you want to have the best odds possible to return the highest profit. This can be especially true when betting on parlays. It is important to find the sportsbook that offers the best odds on parlay betting.

Betting on basketball is fun, but you have to have the right mindset to produce a winning season.