Ricky Dimon
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The NBA regular season is a marathon and the playoffs are no different – at least not for the two teams that ultimately advanced to the NBA Finals. That second marathon begins on Saturday, when first-round action gets underway. The Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers are among the teams taking the court.
Let’s take a look at our first mega parlay of the playoffs.
Grizzlies -9.5 alternate spread (+128)
Warriors -6 (-110)
Raptors ML (+165)
Parlay odds: +1053
For this parlay we are going with two favorites against the spread – one on an alternate number – and one underdog on the money line. Let’s break down each of the three legs one by one.
Grizzlies -9.5 alternate spread over Timberwolves (+128)
Although the regular-season series was split between the teams, you won’t find many people picking the Timberwolves to advance. Opening on the road won’t be easy, and they lost both of the regular-season meetings at FedEx Forum at least 7 points apiece. With home-court advantage, Memphis should come out with a ton of energy – especially since Ja Morant is back and ready to play. In the regular-season finale against New Orleans five days ago, the Grizzlies poured in 141 points and Morant looked as solid as ever with 21 points and 9 assists in just 27 minutes. The Grizz were one of the most reliable teams against the spread in home games this season, covering in 27 of 41. They also have the experience from last year’s postseason, plus the rest advantage is on their side. Count on Memphis winning big.
Check out our Timberwolves vs Grizzlies preview
Warriors -6 over Nuggets (-110)
Stephen Curry appears to be good to go for the postseason. His last game was March 16, when the Warriors lost to the Celtics. Golden State lost seven of their its next eight games without Curry but finished the regular season on a five-game winning streak. What version of Curry will the Warriors get in Game 1 against the Nuggets? It’s tough to know for sure at this point, but it’s likely going to be the normal version, which means that Golden State will be back to its high-scoring ways. Nikola Jokic will likely score plenty of points for the visitors, but their defense is a liability. They are 21st in the NBA in opposing field-goal percentage. Back the Dubs ATS.
Check out all our NBA previews and picks for Saturday
Raptors ML over 76ers (+165)
Toronto has been one of the best teams in the NBA over the last few months. Pascal Siakam has risen to potential all-NBA status, giving the Raptors one of the most versatile lineups around. They do not have a player with size to match up with Joel Embiid, but that has not stopped them from having success against the 76ers during the season. A week off leading up to this game really helps them, as they got to rest Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby – two experienced and important starters. Although the Sixers are talented, there are more questions than answers surrounding them in advance of the playoffs given last year’s failure and James Harden’s history of postseason struggles. Don’t be surprised by an upset in Game 1 with the pressure on Philly.
Check out our Raptors vs 76ers preview
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