The NBA conference semis continue on, with two games scheduled for Friday night. Let’s break down the games and the two best NBA playoff totals to bet for June 11.
Are you new to betting? Learn how to bet on over/under bets.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Atlanta Hawks Picks
76ers vs. Hawks Betting Report
Best Bet: UNDER 225 Points
Game 3 between the Sixers and Hawks will get going on Friday at 7:30 PM EST, with the series knotted up at one game apiece.
The over/under is 1-1 in this series, with the under hitting in the most recent game. Game 2’s total was 220, and Game 1 totaled 252 points.
At 225 points, the under feels like the right play here. Let’s first acknowledge that yes, both teams have some of the best scorers in the NBA in Trae Young and Joel Embiid. Still, at its core, these are defensive teams.
When bringing in points per game, opponent’s effective field goal percentage, and efficiency, both units rank inside the top ten.
Philadelphia’s defense ranks fourth while Atlanta’s is tenth in the NBA.
This, coupled with the slow pace both offenses play at, puts an edge on the under for Friday night. The Hawks rank 24th in pace of play while the Sixers rank 19th.
Both offenses are good, but neither is great at one particular thing. If the 220 in Game 2 is any indication, this series is tightening up after a loose Game 1.
The Hawks have hit their over just once in two rounds of the NBA playoffs.
Phoenix Suns vs. Denver Nuggets Picks
Suns vs. Nuggets Betting Report
Best Bet: OVER 223 Points
We’ll bet on points with the second game of the Friday slate. Phoenix has handled Denver convincingly so far, up 2-0 in the series.
Game 3 will head to Denver, with action tipping off at 10 PM EST.
The over is 1-1 in this series, just missing in Game 2. The average points of the two games between these teams is 224, putting us right on the edge with this over pick.
There’s plenty to be optimistic about for this game, starting with the players on the court. Yes, every team still playing has their share of star players, but this is one of the most notable series.
We have MVP Nikola Jokic, scorer Devin Booker, creator Chris Paul and a bevy of knockdown shooters throughout the floor.
Evidenced by the players on the court, these are two of the best offenses in the league.
The Nuggets offense ranks sixth, while the Suns sport the fourth-best offense in the league.
Both offensive preferences slightly align with the defensive weakness of the other team, further aiding the pick here.
We will preface this by saying each defense is above-average, and in the case of Phoenix, one of the league’s best. Even still, there are advantages on paper.
The Suns rank eighth, shooting the three, while the Nuggets are weaker at stopping the outside shot.
Denver prefers to do their scoring near the paint, with Phoenix ranking 15th at stopping the opponent’s scoring inside.
Bet the over in the second game on Friday, and enjoy the NBA playoffs all weekend long.
