NBA Playoffs Best Bets: Tuesday, May 3

The Warriors stole a game the Grizzlies really needed to win. Meanwhile, the Bucks went into Boston and saw Giannis Antetokounmpo almost single handedly win them Game 1. Both Boston and Memphis will be in massive trouble if they go down 2-0, Boston because they’ll be on the road, Memphis because they’ll be playing the Warriors. Will either series be even after Tuesday night or are we looking at a pair of 2-0 leads? Here are our picks for the pair of Game 2’s on Tuesday. 

Bucks @ Celtics

The Bet: Celtics -2 (-110, Caesars)

It took a superhuman performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo to fend off the Boston Celtics in Game 1. Can the reigning Finals MVP do it again? 

Giannis had 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists as the Milwaukee Bucks went on the road and beat the Celtics 101-89. The Celtics hit exactly one third of their shots, with Jayson Tatum leading the team with 21 points on 6 of 18 shooting. 

The Celtics were -5 favorites in Game 1. Now, having lost by double digits, they are -4 faves for the second game. 

The Bucks were rarely underdogs this season but struggled when they weren’t favored. Milwaukee was 5-11 outright in those games before Game 1. The Celtics covered in all four games during their regular season series, though the teams split the four matchups two apiece. 

Milwaukee has covered in seven of their last eight road games 

We think Boston is going to win. Will it be close enough that they might not cover? We’re not nearly as concerned with the line being down to -4. We’re shipping Boston in Game 2. 

Warriors @ Grizzlies 

The Bet: Warriors -2 (-110, DraftKings)

At face value these teams were almost dead even in Game 1. However, the Warriors were missing Draymond Green who was ejected in the first half after a Flagrant Two foul. 

The Warriors also missed their free throws, turned the ball over 17 times, and saw Klay Thompson struggle while the Grizzlies hit 40% of their threes. 

There’s a better than fifty percent chance that the Warriors will play better in Game 2 than in Game 1.  So, with the line being -2, it seems like the Warriors are a safe bet to bounce back. In fact, this is our lock of the night and might be our best bet of the week.