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