The first round of the NBA playoffs has been pretty wild thus far. While it could be said that this year’s playoffs are the most wide-open it has been in years, there was some thought that the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns would coast into the second round. However, that is not the case as those teams’ series is tied at 1-1. Now turning to tonight’s Game 3 three-game docket, which features a pair of series that are also knotted up with the Grizzlies at the Timberwolves and Jazz hosting the Mavericks. The last contest of the night will see Golden State travel to Denver, looking to do what the 76ers did in their series against the Raptors, going 3-0.
This daily NBA article will examine the best betting picks, and NBA player prop bets today. With OddsShopper, bettors can maximize their profits and see the best chances with the highest expected return on investment. OddsShopper can find which sportsbooks offer the best prices for these prop bets. The following are the best NBA bets today for April 20.
Best NBA Bets Today: Player Props & Expert Betting
Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies Under 57.5 First Quarter Points (-111)
While the teams have gotten off to face starts offensively in each of the first two games, the series returns to Target Center. The Target Center has seen an average of fewer than 55 points during the opening 12 minutes of play.
The Timberwolves rank in the bottom third of the league in offensive efficiency in the first quarter of the season at home, though they have been much better at home since the All-Star break. Since February 23, the Wolves have upped their offensive production by over four points a game to 29.8. Still, there were only 57 points a game scored in the opening period during this stretch. Meanwhile, Memphis is not nearly the offensive juggernaut on the road as they are at home. The Grizzlies averaged 28.7 and gave up 27.2 points away from Memphis in the opening stanza during the regular season. Moreover, this is the playoffs and the teams are immensely familiar with each other as this is the third game in the series. Plus, expect the Timberwolves to come out a little angry and more engaged on the defensive end as they were humiliated in Game 2.
Mavericks Spread (+7.0) Over Jazz & Over 210.5 Points
Surprisingly, Dallas hits the road for the first time in the playoffs in fantastic shape. The Mavericks evened the series at one game apiece with a 110-104 victory on Monday behind Jalen Brunson’s career-high 41 points. The Mavs also had 22 3-pointers in the game.
Dallas has been highly efficient on the offensive end despite not having Luka Doncic in either one of the first two games, thanks to their ability to protect the ball as well as shoot it from deep and at the free throw line. Over the last two games, the Mavericks have gotten 62.2% (117 of 202) total points from the free throw and 3- point line. Brunson, Spencer Dinwiddie and Maxi Kleber have been terrific through the first two games while Reggie Bullock and Dorian Finney-Smith have been money from deep. Plus, the Mavs have been able to control the tempo. So, if Dallas is able to continue playing like they have and get a little bit of production from Doncic, they should be golden. OddsShopper gives the Mavericks a 51% chance of covering.
OddsShopper also likes the over in this contest with the Jazz playing extremely well at home, particularly on the offensive end. The game is projected to see 212 points, and the over has a 54% chance of hitting and an ROI of 3%.
Other Top NBA Bets Today
- Warriors Moneyline (-130) Over Nuggets.
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