This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha
James Harden top point scorer (+750) in BKN at BOS -- DraftKings (1:43 PM CT)
Harden has been more passive since joining the Nets, and he's averaging just 20.5 points per game in this series. However, I just think these odds are too appealing to pass up. There's clearly a better than 1-in-7 chance Harden leads this game in scoring. Blowout potential doesn't matter, either, as we aren't chasing a specific number of points.
Nick Whalen
Nets -8.5 (-114) at BOS -- DraftKings (11:17 AM CT)
At this point, I don't know what the number would have to be to dissuade me from betting on the Nets. They can come out at about 80 percent effort and still cruise to a double-digit victory. Even with the series shifting to Boston, I expect Game 3 to look a lot like Game 2.
Clippers -2.5 (-113) at DAL -- DraftKings
This is probably the last gasp for the Clippers. If they drop Game 3, nothing about this roster suggests it can rally back and win Game 4. Obviously, the Clippers were punched squarely in the mouth twice at home, but they're still the more talented team. With a few days to adjust, I expect Ty Lue to throw the kitchen sink at Luka Doncic. If the Clippers can slow Doncic down even a little bit, they'll have a great chance to claw back into the series and set up an exciting Game 4 on Sunday night.
Joe Bartel
Nets to win (at BOS) + Ivica Zubac UNDER 6.5 points (+152) at DAL -- DraftKings (11:20 AM CT)
I thought about just parlaying the Bucks + Nets to both win, but it's been a bit since we've incorporated any prop bets, so I figured I'd look for the best option. Zubac scored eight in the first game, but he's yet to play more than 22 minutes this series. If the Clippers are going to get back in this series, I highly doubt it will involve the big man, so I'll take the better parlay odds in this scenario.
Jacob Lebowitz
Luka Doncic OVER 3.5 three-pointers made (+142) vs. LAC -- FanDuel (3:30 PM CT)
Doncic has been dominant against the Clippers all year, especially in the postseason. He's hit four or more three-pointers in the last four matchups with the Clippers and hit five in each playoff game so far. With coach Tyronn Lue trying almost everything possible to defend the young star in Games 1 and 2, I don't see there being some new strategy the Clippers could use to suddenly stop Doncic. The guard has found ways to get open and create separation all series, which has led to him shooting an average of 12 three-pointers each game. I expect the Mavericks to either win, or at the very least, keep the game close, which means Doncic will need to be shooting the deep ball all game.
