NBA Playoff betting tips: Best spread picks as Cavs and Knicks wrap up series
First up on Monday, the Cleveland Cavaliers are looking to complete a series sweep as they face the Miami Heat in Game 4 at Kaseya Centre.
The Cavaliers handed the Heat their worst-ever playoff loss in game three and have outscored them by 67 points thus far, so a comeback is out of the question.
Next, the New York Knicks will try to finish off their first-round matchup with the Detroit Pistons in Game 5 at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.
Even though the Pistons have been competitive, winning one game and losing three by a combined 14 points, we think the Knicks have a good chance of finishing the job.
Sports News Blitz tipster George Dempsey offers his best betting tips ahead of the action.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Miami Heat - Monday, April 28
The Cavaliers are primed to complete a sweep of the Heat in Game 4 on Monday.
Cleveland have been dominant throughout this series, with their 124-87 win in Game 3 showcasing their defensive strength, depth, and offensive firepower. Miami have been unable to keep pace, struggling on both ends of the floor.
Game 3 saw the Heat start strong, but they quickly fell apart after allowing a 33-5 run. They were out-rebounded 46-29, committed 16 turnovers, and allowed 60 points in the paint.
Despite shooting 47.1% from three, Miami couldn’t contain the Cavs’ high-powered offence, and they’ve now lost six consecutive home playoff games.
Cleveland, on the other hand, has been firing on all cylinders. Donovan Mitchell was unstoppable in Game 2, while it was the team’s offensive depth that did the trick in Game 3, with six players scoring in double digits.
Cleveland are perfect when leading 3-0 in a playoff series, and with Miami struggling, it’s hard to see them turning this one around.
The Cavs are the clear favourites here, with the -8.5 spread feeling reasonable given their recent performances.
Cleveland have been playing at an elite level, and Miami’s lack of firepower makes it unlikely they’ll avoid a sweep.
Suggested bet: Cleveland Cavaliers -8
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New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons - Tuesday, April 29
The Knicks look to close out their first-round series with the Pistons in Game 5 on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden.
After a tight 94-93 win in Game 4, the Knicks are just one victory away from advancing to the next round.
Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns led the charge for New York, combining for 59 points, including a big fourth-quarter performance.
Detroit have been competitive, with Cade Cunningham posting 25 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds in Game 4, but the Pistons have come up short in the last two games.
Their shooting struggles, especially from three-point range (24.1% in Game 4), have held them back.
New York’s defence has made it difficult for Detroit to generate consistent offence, and with the Knicks looking to close out the series at home, they’ll be highly motivated.
New York have been solid at home, going 6-4 in their last 10 games at Madison Square Garden, and their defence has tightened up in the postseason.
Detroit’s shooting woes have been a major issue, and with the Knicks' defence at home, it’s hard to see the Pistons overcoming them.
With both teams focusing on defence, expect a low-scoring, gritty game.
The Knicks should finish the job and advance to the next round, as they’ve been the more consistent and complete team throughout the series.
They also won’t want to let Detroit hang around in another close one.
Suggested bet: New York Knicks -5
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