The NBA playoffs keep rolling right along, and we have four games scheduled for Saturday. The action gets underway with a potential series-ending matchup between the Bucks and Heat at 1:30 p.m. ET and wraps up with the Jazz vs. the Grizzlies at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Let’s dive into some of my favorite wagers for this slate on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Milwaukee Bucks (-5) @ Miami Heat:
Bucks -5
This is what I call a “blood in the water” spot. The Bucks own a 3-0 series lead, so they can close out the series with a victory on Saturday. Historically, teams that are in that spot tend to take care of business. Teams with a 3-0 series lead have covered at a 58.5% clip when favored in Game 4.
It makes a lot of sense when you think about it. No team in NBA history has ever come back from an 0-3 deficit, so why prolong the agony? Just get the final loss over with and head to a beach somewhere.
The Bucks have thoroughly outclassed the Heat over the past two games. They even managed to win Game 1 despite being outscored by 45 points from 3-point range. I think it would take a very fluky performance for the Heat to ultimately win this contest, and if the Bucks win, I expect them to cover.
Refer a friend and get a free DraftKings Sportsbook bet up to $100! Head to the DraftKings Playbook Promo page for more details!
Philadelphia 76ers (-6) @ Washington Wizards:
76ers to win series 4-0 (-114)
The 76ers have not really been challenged by the Wizards in this series. They cruised to a 25-point victory in Game 2, and their starters barely had to break a sweat. Ben Simmons led the team with 28.5 minutes, and Joel Embiid played 26.3. No one else saw more than 23.3 minutes, so they should be extremely fresh Saturday.
That said, Game 3 can occasionally be a letdown spot for teams with a 2-0 series lead. That means the game could be a bit more competitive than expected.
Instead of betting the spread, I’d rather just take the 76ers to win the series in four games. Simmons and Embiid should be enough to lead Philly to wins in back-to-back games.
Utah Jazz (-5) @ Memphis Grizzlies:
Utah Jazz -2.5 games (+165)
This is the biggest longshot that I’m looking at, but I think it has merit. Taking the Jazz -2.5 games means they’ll need to win the next three games, but they’re going to be favored in all three contests.
The Jazz have also been the best team in basketball all season, and they’re now back at full strength. They got Donovan Mitchell back in Game 2, and he gave them 25 points in just 25.7 minutes. His playing time should only increase as the series progresses, which is obviously a good thing for Utah.
The Grizzlies also seem due for some shooting regression. Ja Morant scored 47 points on 57.7% shooting in Game 2, while Dillon Brooks and Kyle Anderson shot a combined 15-of-21 from the field. The fact that they were that efficient and still lost by 12 points does not bode well for their ability to compete moving forward.
Place your NBA bets at DraftKings Sportsbook and bet online by downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook app.
Put your knowledge to the test. Sign up for DraftKings and experience the game inside the game.
For sports betting, head over to DraftKings Sportsbook or download the DraftKings Sportsbook app.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is mlamarca) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL).
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER(NJ/WV/PA/MI), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO), 1-800-BETS OFF(IA), 1-888-532-3500 (VA) or call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN).
21+ (18+ NH). CO/IL/IN/IA/NH/NJ/PA/TN/VA/WV/MI only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.