We’re treated to a loaded slate of playoff basketball on Saturday in the NBA, with four games. There’s plenty of betting angles to consider with this Saturday action; let’s break down the favorites of the day.
Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies Picks
Jazz vs. Grizzlies Betting Report
Best Bet: OVER 224 Points
My favorite bet of the night by far is the Jazz-Grizzlies over, with action tipping off Saturday night at 9:30 PM EST in Memphis.
The over has hit in both games so far, with Game 2’s final score 141-129.
For this total to be at only 224 points is a terrific value. If you typically bet one single unit for your NBA bets, consider doubling your stake for this game.
So, why are we so confident in the over? There’s a significant advantage for each offense.
Utah is the number-one team in the NBA shooting the three, going against a Memphis defense that ranks 17th guarding the perimeter.
The Grizzlies are the number-one team at scoring points in the paint, while the Jazz rank 22nd, stopping interior scoring.
It’s a perfect storm. These tendencies also align with the star players on each team. Ja Morant poured in 47 points in Game 2. Donovan Mitchell, making his return, scored 25 on 50% shooting from deep.
Bet the over confidently in this game, with the series currently tied 1-1.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Washington Wizards Picks
76ers vs. Wizards Betting Report
Best Bet: 76ers -5.5
Philadelphia just beat Washington 120-95, easily covering the 8.5-point spread in Game 2. The lower spread is thanks to the Sixers now being on the road, but don’t get scared off by that.
Philly is the significantly stronger team than the Wizards, currently up 2-0 and dominating in their most recent game.
Washington had a strong end to their regular season, thanks to Bradley Beal’s incredible scoring pace and Russell Westbrook’s do-it-all production. However, this 76ers defense is designed to stop this slashing style of play.
Philadelphia is the fourth-ranked overall defense in the NBA, with their strength near the hoop. The Wizards prefer to do their scoring inside, which is mitigated by this Philadelphia defense.
There’s also an advantage for Philly on the offensive end, with Washington’s bottom-ten defense. Philadelphia has a balanced offensive attack, open to shooting threes or driving the ball. This Wizards defense isn’t capable of slowing them down, evidenced by the 122.5 points per game average they’re allowing in this series.
Bet on Philadelphia to cover the spread and go up 3-0 in the series.
Denver Nuggets vs. Portland Trail Blazers Picks
Nuggets vs. Trail Blazers Betting Report
Best Bet: Nuggets +4
Denver is currently up 2-1 in the series against Portland yet continues to get no respect from the oddsmakers. This +4 spread is just the latest in strong value for Denver bettors.
The Nuggets have won the last two games in the series, including Game 3 on the road, 120-115.
Denver is stronger on both ends of the floor. Their offense, led by presumptive MVP Nikola Jokic, has scored at will against this porous Blazers defense. It’s Portland’s 27th-ranked defense that’s really the issue for this team.
It benefits us, so bet Denver to cover on Saturday with a chance to put the series away in Game 5.
We research the best sports handicappers and best PPH sites.