Friday’s NBA card features three games as the Celtics and Blazers hope to go up 3-0 in their respective series’ and the Raptors hope to pull ahead in their series versus the Magic. We’re here to bring you the must-read notes from around the Association to help you make the best wagers. **video
TORONTO RAPTORS @ ORLANDO MAGIC
Spread: Toronto Raptors -5.5 @ PointsBet
Over/Under: 210 points
Start Time: 7:00 p.m. ET, Amway Center, Orlando Florida
The Raptors have won 19 of the most recent 25 in the head-to-head versus the Magic, and 10 of the most recent 13 on the road at Amway Center. This is no easy task for the Raptors as Orlando ended their season winning nine of the last 10 games at home after the All-Star Break. Their success in the latter half of the season has been largely due to their stellar defensive play allowing only 106.6 points a game.
Both the Raptors and Magic have been average teams in first quarter points per game with Toronto scoring 28, and the Magic averaging 27.2. Defensively both teams rank in the top five in opponent first quarter points per game with Orlando ranking second allowing only 25.6, and Toronto averaging 26.3. With the game total Under hitting in five straight in the head-to-head on the road in Orlando, look for both teams to struggle scoring early on and back the first quarter game total Under 55.5.
BOSTON CELTICS @ INDIANA PACERS
Spread: Indiana Pacers -3 at PointsBet
Over/Under: 206.5 points
Start Time: 8:30 p.m. ET, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Game one produced an 84-74 Celtics win with the Celtics shooting 36 percent from the floor, and the Pacers 33 percent. The next game had much better shooting with both teams above 44 percent, however defense was an emphasis in both games this series, with neither team eclipsing 100 points yet.
Boston’s Gordon Hayward has surpassed his rebounding total of 4.5 in both games this postseason with five boards, and seven boards. Although he comes off the bench, he is still logging an average of 29 minutes in the postseason. Look for both teams to give up a good amount of rebounds as the defensive intensity continues and both teams struggle shooting from the floor. Bet Over his rebounding total of 4.5
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS @ OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Spread: Oklahoma City Thunder -8 at PointsBet
Over/Under: 221.5 Points
Start Time: 9:30 p.m. ET, Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
The Thunder will need to correct their poor 3-point shooting if they want to cover the spread as home favorites in today’s matchup. The Thunder have only connected on 10 of 61 from beyond the arc through the first two games. This is the exact opposite of how the Blazers have been in 3-point shooting as they are shooting a dazzling 42 percent from beyond the arc.
Despite their 0-2 start, the Thunder’s Steven Adams has been playing well averaging 16.5 points through two games along with 9 boards. He is averaging 59.5 shooting this season, and that accurate field goal percentage has helped him in both games shooting 8 of 14 from the floor in game one, and then seven of eight in game two. Look for his success to continue on both sides of the floor and back Over his points, rebounds, assists total of 23.5.
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