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.

Utah’s Mike Conley leaves bubble to attend birth of son https://t.co/GwWtfMvCJc

— Kurt Helin (@basketballtalk) August 16, 2020

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.

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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.

NBA picks and parlays for Aug 17: Playoffs Day 1