The second round of the NBA Playoffs continues tonight with two star-studded matchups. The Cavaliers and Celtics will begin their series in Boston, while the Mavericks and Thunder prepare for Game 1 in Oklahoma City.
Here are my best bets for tonight’s NBA games.
All NBA odds are current as of Tuesday, May 7.
NBA Best Bets Today
Cavaliers +12.5 (-110) @ Celtics
bet365 Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
The Celtics are massive 12.5-point favorites ahead of their Game 1 tilt with the Cavaliers, but I don’t quite see it. Boston was mostly dominant in its first-round win over the Heat, but Miami was banged-up, and Cleveland comes in battle-tested.
The Cavs went the distance with the Magic in the opening round and got a 39-point performance from Donovan Mitchell in Game 7 to secure the victory. It was a confidence-builder for Cleveland, which overcame an 18-point deficit before winning by 12.
- Go big or go home with our best NBA parlays for today.
Boston’s battles with the Cavaliers during the regular season were also relatively tight. The Celtics won the first two games by seven and nine points, respectively, but blew a 22-point lead in the most recent meeting and lost, 105-104.
Many are calling for a blowout, but I expect Game 1 to be competitive. Back the Cavs as 12.5-point underdogs with your NBA bet of the day.
Mavericks @ Thunder: Over 218.5 Points (-110)
bet365 Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
Most of the attention out West is on the Timberwolves — and rightfully so — but we mustn’t overlook the Thunder, who swept a feisty Pelicans team in the first round. Oklahoma City is young, but this team’s two-way talent is off the charts.
With that said, it’s somewhat challenging to forecast this Game 1 matchup. Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving only appeared together in one meeting with OKC this season — a 35-point win — but it’s difficult to imagine the Mavericks repeating that kind of performance here.
- Read more on tonight’s playoff matchups in our best NBA prop bets today.
Ultimately, I’m feeling most confident in the Over. Both sides were involved in surprisingly low-scoring series in the first round, but Dallas and Oklahoma City prefer to play at a fast pace and win on offense.
Between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Irving, Dončić, and others, there should be no shortage of scoring.
NBA Best Betting Odds Today
Use our top NBA lines to place the best wagers throughout the NBA postseason:
