Memorial Day Weekend brings us eight NBA Playoff series to enjoy, here's a preview
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Elsa/USA Today Sports, via Reuters
By Connor Buestad | Connor@Section925.com
With the manufactured drama of the NBA’s first play-in tournament now behind us, the “real” playoffs have begun in full and are slated to hit high gear over Memorial Day weekend. Starting with three games on Friday night, NBA fans will get a full helping of hoops all weekend, complete with raucous fans in the stands and high intensity drama on the court. Of course, what better way to add stakes to your viewing pleasure than by sprinkling on some of your own cheddar. With that in mind, we preview all eight series below, as they hit their half-way marks. (All lines provided by SportsBettingDime.com)
Knicks at Hawks (series tied 1-1)
Atlanta heads back home after a emotional loss to the Knicks at MSG. The Hawks will be favored by 5 points in Game 3 and Trae Young figures to continue with his hot hand after scoring 30 in Game 2 in front of a very hostile crowd in NYC. Section925’s pick: Atlanta -5.
Nets at Celtics (Nets lead 2-0 in series)
Brooklyn and their star studded Big 3 are the odds on favorite to win the 2021 Finals, so you have to like them here as well. Despite being at home, Boston has been reeling for a while now. Brooklyn is favored by 8.5 in this one, but their extensive firepower should blow the Celtics out of the water. Section 925’s pick: Brooklyn -8.5.
Clippers at Mavericks (Clippers lead series 2-0)
The Clippers are favored by 2.5 in this one, despite dropping the first two games of the series to Luka Doncic and the Mavs. Luka has been magical through the first two games, including a 39-point performance in Game 2. You have to like the red-hot Mavs getting points at home in Game 3. Section925’s pick: Dallas +2.5.
Bucks at Heat (Bucks lead series 3-0)
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee look to complete a 4-game sweep of the defending Eastern Conference champions on Saturday. However, Jimmy Butler might have something to say about that on his home turf in Miami as a 4.5 point underdog. Section925’s pick: Miami +4.5.
Nuggets at Blazers (Nuggets lead series 2-1)
Potential MVP Nikola Jokic has proven too much for Damian Lillard and the Blazers thus far, despite Lillard’s customary big playoff performance in Game 3 (he had 37). Keep in mind that the Blazers are at home in Portland for this Game 4 tilt, and the 3.5 point underdog Nuggets are still without Jamal Murray. Section925’s pick: Portland -3.5.
76ers at Wizards (76ers lead series 2-0)
Despite the unwavering effort of Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal, Joel Embiid has been too dominant for Washington to handle as of late. That could change in Game 3, however, with Westbrook playing in front of his own crowd with something to prove as a 5.5 point underdog. Section925’s pick: Washington +5.5.
Jazz at Grizzlies (series tied 1-1)
#1 seed Utah has had to fight and claw to hold off Ja Morant and Memphis for the first two games. Game 1 went to the Grizz and the Game 2 went the way of the Jazz. Now the series moves back to Memphis where Ja Morant looks to stay red-hot (he erupted for 47 in Game 2). Utah will be favored by 5 in this one. Section925’s pick: Memphis +5.
Lakers at Suns (Lakers lead series 2-1)
Anthony Davis has been just too much for the Suns after three games. All the while, LeBron has been doing LeBron things and Devin Booker has started to show his frustration. Despite being on the road, the Lakers are favored by 6.5 in this one. Section925’s pick: Phoenix +6.5.
