The NBA playoffs are always wild, wacky and filled with knife-thick drama. With players putting everything on the line in an attempt to bask in championship glory, naturally, the pressure-packed games are tremendously fun to wager on. As a result, the sportsbooks offer many creative ways to enhance the action. What are Brad’s plays in Mavericks-Timberwolves for the series and Game 1? Check out his leans below.
Series pick — Minnesota -1.5 series spread (+125, BetMGM)
- BetMGM offer: $1500 in Bonus Bets paid back
It’s rather shocking the Celtics are the runaway favorite to receive an Adam Silver handshake. For this gambler’s money, the Timberwolves at +250 to win the whole enchilada is the play.
Knowing that, Karl-Anthony Towns and company taking the next step in the Western Conference finals is seemingly a forgone conclusion. At plus odds for Minnesota to eliminate Dallas by two or more games feels like the most sensible investment.
This postseason, the Wolves (8.5) only trail Boston (12.8) in net rating. Compared to Dallas, Chris Finch’s club has a +5.2 advantage.
With an emerging superman in Anthony Edwards, do-it-all big in KAT and supreme rim protector in Rudy Gobert, Minnesota is the better squad whether examining the eye test or advanced data. Any steady contributions from Jayden McDaniels, Mike Conley or Naz Reid would be gravy.
Game 1 pick — Anthony Edwards OVER 1.5 steals (-110, BetMGM)
- BetMGM offer: $1500 in Bonus Bets paid back
The Wolves’ shining star has at least two pocket picks in three of his last four games. In fact, he averaged precisely 2.0 swipes per game against the Mavericks in the regular season, topping the necessary number in three of four contests.
Adding to the cash probability, Dallas has fallen victim to thievery the fifth-most times of any playoff team at 6.9 steals allowed per game. Whether clamping down on Kyrie Irving or Luka Doncic, Edwards should slap leather and get this underwater NBA bettor closer to the surface.
Work those hands like Street Fighter's E. Honda, Ant-Man.
NBA postseason record: 9-22, -11.73 units