Betting news, trends, odds and predictions for Tuesday, April 17, 2018 from various handicappers and websites.
NBA playoffs
Tuesday’s games
Wizards vs Raptors (1-0)
Washington was -10 in 9:00 Wall was off floor in Raptors’ 114-106 win in Game 1; Wall had 15 assists, but was only 6-20 from floor. Wright had 18 points in 25:00 off bench for Toronto, which made 16-30 on arc for the game. Wizards are 3-8 in last 11 games with Toronto, 3-3 vs spread in last six visits to Canada. Raptors won their last five home games overall (3-1-1 vs spread). Road team won five of last eight series games; under is 7-4 in last 11 series games. Wizards lost six their last seven road games (1-6 vs spread).
Bucks vs Celtics (1-0)
Bucks rallied back to force OT after being down 10 with 5:00 left; Antetokounmpo/Middleton combined for 66 points, but other three starters were just 8-22 from floor. Bucks were -17 in 6:00 Middleton was off floor. Milwaukee is 5-4 in its last nine games overall, 4-2 vs spread in last six road games- they’re 3-4 in last seven games with the Celtics. Boston is 3-4 in its last seven games, but covered four of last five home games. Over is 8-2-1 in last 11 series games; six of last seven Celtic games, 8 of last 10 Buck games went over the total.
Pelicans (1-0) vs Trailblazers
Lillard/McCollum shot combined 13-41 in Game 1 loss; Portland can’t win when they shoot like that. New Orleans won/covered its last six games overall; Davis had 35 points, 14 boards in Game 1 upset, but Pelican bench was combined minus-22 for game, outscored 27-15 by Portland subs. Pelicans won five of last seven games with Portland; they’re 3-2 vs spread in last five visits to Oregon. Portland won three of its last four home games overall (2-2 vs spread). Neither team did much behind arc in Game 1 (NO was 8-24, Portland 12-39).
Preview: Wizards at Raptors
Gracenote
Apr 16, 2018
The Toronto Raptors spent the regular season making franchise history and started the postseason the same way while brushing aside memories of poor Game 1 performances and shoving aside the Washington Wizards. The pressure of Game 1 now off, the top-seeded Raptors will try to push the lead to 2-0 when they host the Wizards on Tuesday in Game 2 of the first-round Eastern Conference series.
Toronto dropped 10 straight Game 1s before fighting for a 114-106 victory on Saturday and credited a change in philosophy from previous years that includes more ball movement to take the pressure off All-Star guards DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry. "You don't force the issue," Raptors coach Dwane Casey told reporters after the win. "You have to give it up and make a play. That's what Kyle and DeMar have been doing all year -- different than last year. If this were last year, they would be feeling the pressure of having to score and put all of the burden of their backs. I didn't feel that tonight." Toronto shot 52.3 percent from the floor in the win, and the Wizards are aware of the need to turn things up on the defensive end. "It’s definitely a pick your poison but we have to do it better," Washington coach Scott Brooks told reporters. "We have to be able to close out on point, close out on the catch, know who has the ball and which way to close out on them."
TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBATV, NBCS Washington plus, TSN (Toronto)
ABOUT THE WIZARDS: Washington All-Star point guard John Wall is still working his way back into shape following knee surgery and went 6-of-20 from the floor in Game 1 but still finished with 23 points and 15 assists. Fellow All-Star guard Bradley Beal scored 19 points and knows it's a long series. "We take it a game at time," Beal told reporters. "We had opportunities -- several opportunities -- to win tonight and close it out, but we didn’t. You know, you brush it off and move forward. We got another one on Tuesday."
ABOUT THE RAPTORS: Lowry and DeRozan combined for 15 assists in Game 1 as six Toronto players scored in double figures and eight attempted at least five field goals. "We've got the utmost confidence in our teammates," DeRozan told reporters. "The way we've been playing all year, the style of play we've been playing is having trust in our teammates to make the next play. You see it." The biggest surprise among the supporting cast in Game 1 was reserve point guard Delon Wright, who scored 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting - 10 points above his regular-season average.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Raptors PG Fred VanVleet (shoulder) missed Game 1 and is day-to-day.
2. Washington PFs Markieff Morris and Mike Scott combined to score 36 points on 16-of-25 shooting on Saturday.
3. Toronto SF CJ Miles went 4-of-7 from 3-point range to lead the team's 16-of-30 effort from beyond the arc.
PREDICTION: Raptors 123, Wizards 115
____________________
ATS Trends
Washington
Wizards are 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 games following a straight up loss.
Wizards are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Wizards are 4-10-1 ATS in their last 15 vs. Eastern Conference.
Wizards are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Wizards are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Wizards are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Wizards are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Wizards are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Wizards are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Wizards are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 road games.
Toronto
Raptors are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 home games.
Raptors are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Raptors are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Raptors are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Raptors are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.
Raptors are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Raptors are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Raptors are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Raptors are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Raptors are 7-20 ATS in their last 27 Tuesday games.
Raptors are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up win.
Raptors are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
OU Trends
Washington
Over is 4-0 in Wizards last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Over is 5-0 in Wizards last 5 Tuesday games.
Under is 5-1-1 in Wizards last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Wizards last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 7-2-1 in Wizards last 10 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Over is 10-3 in Wizards last 13 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Over is 3-1-1 in Wizards last 5 road games.
Over is 5-2 in Wizards last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 20-8-1 in Wizards last 29 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 37-17 in Wizards last 54 games playing on 2 days rest.
Toronto
Over is 6-1 in Raptors last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Over is 4-1-1 in Raptors last 6 games playing on 2 days rest.
Under is 8-2 in Raptors last 10 Tuesday games.
Under is 10-4 in Raptors last 14 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Head to Head
Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Toronto.
Wizards are 3-7 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
ATS Trends
Washington
Wizards are 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 games following a straight up loss.
Wizards are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Wizards are 4-10-1 ATS in their last 15 vs. Eastern Conference.
Wizards are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Wizards are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Wizards are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Wizards are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Wizards are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Wizards are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Wizards are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 road games.
Toronto
Raptors are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 home games.
Raptors are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Raptors are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Raptors are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Raptors are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.
Raptors are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Raptors are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Raptors are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Raptors are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Raptors are 7-20 ATS in their last 27 Tuesday games.
Raptors are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up win.
Raptors are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
OU Trends
Washington
Over is 4-0 in Wizards last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Over is 5-0 in Wizards last 5 Tuesday games.
Under is 5-1-1 in Wizards last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Wizards last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 7-2-1 in Wizards last 10 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Over is 10-3 in Wizards last 13 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Over is 3-1-1 in Wizards last 5 road games.
Over is 5-2 in Wizards last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 20-8-1 in Wizards last 29 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 37-17 in Wizards last 54 games playing on 2 days rest.
Toronto
Over is 6-1 in Raptors last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Over is 4-1-1 in Raptors last 6 games playing on 2 days rest.
Under is 8-2 in Raptors last 10 Tuesday games.
Under is 10-4 in Raptors last 14 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Head to Head
Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Toronto.
Wizards are 3-7 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
__________________
Preview: Bucks at Celtics
Gracenote
Apr 16, 2018
The Boston Celtics are relying on everybody with injured Kyrie Irving done for the postseason and it worked pretty well in their playoff opener. Boston attempts to take a 2-0 lead over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday after having five players tally 19 or more points in Sunday's 113-107 overtime victory.
Starting backcourt members Terry Rozier (23 points) and Jaylen Brown (20) plus wing Jayson Tatum (19) combined for 62 points in the Eastern Conference first-round opener and coach Brad Stevens feels that could catapult the trio's confidence level. "Those guys lived a lot of what the playoffs are about today," Stevens told reporters. "The good news is that they've got now a little bit of experience and know how hard it is, know how detailed you have to be to finish a team out." Milwaukee certainly had a chance to score a Game 1 victory but standout forwards Giannis Antetokounmpo (35 points) and Khris Middleton (31) didn't receive enough help from their teammates. "We know we can do a lot better," Antetokounmpo told reporters on Monday. "We're hoping (Tuesday) night we can play a lot better and win the game."
TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), NBCS Boston
ABOUT THE BUCKS: Milwaukee will need better efforts from the starting backcourt as both Eric Bledsoe (nine points on 4-of-12 shooting, five turnovers) and Tony Snell (two points, minus-17 on the plus/minus ratio) had poor outings. Bledsoe's ball-handling troubles were particularly troublesome as his sloppiness set the tone for the club's 20 total miscues. "We need to be more aggressive and attack the paint," Bledsoe told reporters. "It's basketball, we're still going to turn the ball over. We still had numerous chances to win the game. We could've got a couple more rebounds and been up a few more points. Turnovers are going to happen."
ABOUT THE CELTICS: Rozier started just 16 regular-season games over his three NBA seasons but he was up for the task in a Game 1 effort that included four 3-pointers. "This is my third time in the playoffs and it just keeps getting better," Rozier told reporters. "It's unfortunate what happened to our teammates throughout the whole year, but we still got each other and we still got to fight, still got to win." Brown played an average of 12.6 minutes in 17 playoff games last season - he averaged five points - but looked like a well-experienced veteran in his 46 minutes of action in Game 1.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. C Al Horford (24 points, 12 rebounds) and PF Marcus Morris (21 points) were the other Celtics who scored 19 or more in Game 1.
2. Middleton was 5-of-7 from 3-point range in the opener and buried a 35-foot buzzer beating that forced overtime.
3. Boston PG Marcus Smart (thumb) indicated he might be available should the series stretch to a seventh game.
PREDICTION: Celtics 117, Bucks 105
__________________
ATS Trends
Milwaukee
Bucks are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up loss.
Bucks are 5-14 ATS in their last 19 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Bucks are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 vs. Eastern Conference.
Bucks are 5-15 ATS in their last 20 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Bucks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Bucks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Bucks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Tuesday games.
Bucks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Boston
Celtics are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Celtics are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 home games.
Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. NBA Central.
Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
Celtics are 22-7 ATS in their last 29 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Celtics are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Celtics are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Celtics are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 vs. Eastern Conference.
Celtics are 15-6 ATS in their last 21 games overall.
Celtics are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games playing on 1 days rest.
Celtics are 45-21-1 ATS in their last 67 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
OU Trends
Milwaukee
Over is 4-0 in Bucks last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Over is 5-0 in Bucks last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 8-0 in Bucks last 8 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 8-0 in Bucks last 8 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Over is 5-0 in Bucks last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Over is 11-1 in Bucks last 12 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 10-1 in Bucks last 11 road games.
Over is 10-1 in Bucks last 11 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 6-1 in Bucks last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 11-2 in Bucks last 13 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 13-3 in Bucks last 16 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 13-3 in Bucks last 16 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Bucks last 5 Tuesday games.
Over is 8-2-1 in Bucks last 11 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 16-5 in Bucks last 21 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 20-7 in Bucks last 27 overall.
Under is 13-5-2 in Bucks last 20 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Boston
Over is 5-0 in Celtics last 5 overall.
Over is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 games following a straight up win.
Over is 5-0 in Celtics last 5 home games.
Over is 5-0 in Celtics last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 3-0-1 in Celtics last 4 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Celtics last 6 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 games following a ATS win.
Over is 38-14-1 in Celtics last 53 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Under is 18-7 in Celtics last 25 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Over is 5-2 in Celtics last 7 Tuesday games.
Head to Head
Over is 9-1-1 in the last 11 meetings in Boston.
Over is 8-2-1 in the last 11 meetings.
Road team is 11-5 ATS in the last 16 meetings.
Underdog is 14-6 ATS in the last 20 meetings.
Bucks are 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
Preview: Pelicans at Trail Blazers
Gracenote
Apr 16, 2018
Anthony Davis felt the pressure dissipating in the final seconds of the opener and now he looks to help the New Orleans Pelicans take a 2-0 lead when they visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. Davis had never been part of a playoff win until the Pelicans posted a 97-95 victory on Saturday in the first game of the Western Conference first-round series.
Davis starred with 35 points, 14 rebounds and four blocked shots as the Pelicans stunned a Portland team that won 21 of its final 24 regular-season home contests. "It means a lot to get that monkey off your back and get your first win," Davis told reporters. "Now that's over with, and we want to come in Tuesday and get another one. That's our mindset." Portland will need an improved performance if it wants to even the series as it shot just 37.8 percent from the field as well as struggling to just 36 points in the first half. "I think it puts some pressure on us," star guard Damian Lillard told reporters. "You come in with home court, the first two games are on your floor, and you lose. And now they're saying in their locker room, 'We got one, why not get another?'"
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT, FS New Orleans, NBCS Northwest (Portland)
ABOUT THE PELICANS: Veteran point guard Rajon Rondo reminded folks why he earned the tag "Playoff Rondo" as he once again elevated his play and matched the franchise record for assists in a playoff game (17 by Chris Paul in 2008) as well as helped force Lillard into 6-of-23 shooting. Rondo has averages of 14.3 points, 9.2 assists and 1.9 steals in 97 career playoff games and coach Alvin Gentry appreciates the calmness he provides to younger less-experienced players. "I think there is a sense of confidence that he has, especially this time of the year," Gentry told reporters. "He's a really bright player. One of the smartest guys I've ever been around. ... I also think he has a way of giving confidence to the other guys. He makes them believe in themselves."
ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS: Lillard had just 18 points in Game 1 and backcourt sidekick CJ McCollum scored 19 on 7-of-18 shooting as the duo connected on just 13-of-41 attempts. "I thought we just didn't make shots. Give credit to what they did defensively," Lillard said. "They were physical, and they were up trapping a lot of my pick-and-rolls. I think it just comes down to the way we shot. We did get a fair amount of good looks -- we just didn't knock them down." Center Jusuf Nurkic had a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds but he was just 3-of-7 shooting in addition to having trouble defending Davis.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Davis has a 32.2 scoring average in five career playoff games and scored more than 25 in each game.
2. Portland backup PF Ed Davis collected 13 rebounds in just 20 minutes in Game 1.
3. New Orleans F Nikola Mirotic collected 16 points and 11 rebounds in Game 1 for his first career postseason double-double.
PREDICTION: Trail Blazers 116, Pelicans 109
__________________
ATS Trends
New Orleans
Pelicans are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Pelicans are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games.
Pelicans are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Pelicans are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 vs. Western Conference.
Pelicans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Pelicans are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games following a ATS win.
Pelicans are 20-8 ATS in their last 28 games following a straight up win.
Pelicans are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Pelicans are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. NBA Northwest.
Portland
Trail Blazers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Tuesday games.
Trail Blazers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS loss.
Trail Blazers are 14-4 ATS in their last 18 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Trail Blazers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games playing on 2 days rest.
Trail Blazers are 19-6-1 ATS in their last 26 home games.
Trail Blazers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Trail Blazers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Trail Blazers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 vs. Western Conference.
Trail Blazers are 7-21-2 ATS in their last 30 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Trail Blazers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. NBA Southwest.
OU Trends
New Orleans
Over is 7-1 in Pelicans last 8 Tuesday games.
Under is 5-1 in Pelicans last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 4-1 in Pelicans last 5 games playing on 2 days rest.
Under is 4-1 in Pelicans last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Under is 4-1-1 in Pelicans last 6 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Under is 8-2-1 in Pelicans last 11 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Under is 6-2 in Pelicans last 8 road games.
Portland
Under is 5-0 in Trail Blazers last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Under is 5-1 in Trail Blazers last 6 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 5-1 in Trail Blazers last 6 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 4-1 in Trail Blazers last 5 overall.
Under is 4-1 in Trail Blazers last 5 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 8-3 in Trail Blazers last 11 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Over is 5-2 in Trail Blazers last 7 games playing on 2 days rest.
Over is 5-2 in Trail Blazers last 7 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Over is 9-4 in Trail Blazers last 13 vs. NBA Southwest.
Head to Head
Under is 7-2-1 in the last 10 meetings in Portland.
Pelicans are 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
Favorite is 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
Under is 11-5-1 in the last 17 meetings.
NBA
Long Sheet
Tuesday, April 17
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WASHINGTON (43 - 40) at TORONTO (60 - 23) - 4/17/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 36-45 ATS (-13.5 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) in road games against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 23-41 ATS (-22.1 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 68-50 ATS (+13.0 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 196-247 ATS (-75.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 7-5 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 9-3 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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MILWAUKEE (44 - 39) at BOSTON (56 - 27) - 4/17/2018, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 35-43 ATS (-12.3 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 376-457 ATS (-126.7 Units) in the second half of the season since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 17-26 ATS (-11.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 49-30 ATS (+16.0 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 25-16 ATS (+7.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
BOSTON is 28-15 ATS (+11.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
MILWAUKEE is 76-49 ATS (+22.1 Units) in road games on Tuesday nights since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 135-99 ATS (+26.1 Units) in road games against Atlantic division opponents since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 8-4 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 8-4 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
8 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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NEW ORLEANS (49 - 34) at PORTLAND (49 - 34) - 4/17/2018, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 45-31 ATS (+10.9 Units) in all games this season.
PORTLAND is 29-20 ATS (+7.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
PORTLAND is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) in the second half of the season this season.
PORTLAND is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
PORTLAND is 50-33 ATS (+13.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
PORTLAND is 24-15 ATS (+7.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
PORTLAND is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 46-36 ATS (+6.4 Units) in all games this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) in road games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 7-6 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 7-6 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NBA
Tuesday, April 17
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Trend Report
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Washington Wizards
Washington is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Washington is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games
Washington is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games on the road
Washington is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Toronto
Washington is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Washington's last 12 games when playing Toronto
Washington is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Washington is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto Raptors
Toronto is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Toronto is 4-10-1 ATS in its last 15 games
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Toronto is 3-5-1 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Toronto is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Washington
Toronto is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Toronto's last 12 games when playing Washington
Toronto is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Washington
Toronto is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing at home against Washington
Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Milwaukee's last 9 games
Milwaukee is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games on the road
Milwaukee is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Milwaukee is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Boston
Milwaukee is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Milwaukee is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 11 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston Celtics
Boston is 15-6 ATS in its last 21 games
Boston is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games
Boston is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games at home
Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
Boston is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Boston is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Boston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Boston's last 11 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games
New Orleans is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
New Orleans is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Orleans's last 8 games on the road
New Orleans is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Portland
New Orleans is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Portland
New Orleans is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Portland
New Orleans is 3-12 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New Orleans's last 10 games when playing on the road against Portland
Portland Trail Blazers
Portland is 15-6-2 ATS in its last 23 games
Portland is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Portland is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
Portland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games
Portland is 16-3-2 ATS in its last 21 games at home
Portland is 2-2-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Portland is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games at home
Portland is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing New Orleans
Portland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing New Orleans
Portland is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Portland is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Portland's last 10 games when playing at home against New Orleans
April 17, 2018
By Chris David
Playoff Results | Playoff Projections
Eastern Conference First Round – Game 1 – Raptors lead 1-0
Washington at Toronto (NBATV, 7:05 p.m. ET)
After dropping an NBA-worst 10 consecutive Game 1s in the playoffs, Toronto finally snapped that streak last Saturday as it defeated Washington 114-106 in Game 1 as a 7 ½-point home favorite. The line was holding -8 all day and most bettors likely earned a push and that only occurred because Wizards point guard John Wall scored a meaningless bucket with second remaining.
Washington led 59-56 at halftime and Toronto recaptured the lead (86-85) heading into the final quarter. The Wizards went cold midway through the fourth quarter and the Raptors pushed the lead to as many as 12 points.
The difference in Game 1 was 3-point shooting and bench scoring. The Raptors finished 16-of-30 (53%) from distance while Washington only connected on 38 percent (8-of-21) from 3-point land. Backup forward Mike Scott posted 14 points for the Wizards but the club only received a total of 21 from its reserves.
Meanwhile, Delon Wright contributed 18 points for Toronto off the pine and the reserves posted 40 points in Game 1. Those numbers were a little surprising considering the Raptors didn’t have Fred VanVleet (shoulder) available for Game 1 and he’s been solid (10.1 PPG, 3.2 APG) this season. He’s listed as ‘questionable’ for Game 2.
The Raptors snapped the Game 1 losing streak on Saturday and now they face another glaring mark on Tuesday as the team has never lead a playoff series 2-0 in franchise history.
Oddsmakers opened Toronto as an eight-point favorite and the number has dropped to as low as 6 ½ on Monday but most shops are holding -7 on Tuesday morning. The total was sent out at 215 and has held steady. The Raptors opened as -650 favorites to win the series but they’ve only moved to -750 after the win, which shows you that the books believe the Wizards can compete in this series. The takeback on Washington is listed as high as 11/2 odds (Bet $100 to win $550).
Including Saturday’s win and cover, the Raptors are only 11-7 straight up and 5-12-1 ATS in their last 18 playoff games as home favorite. While that angle could have you leaning Washington, VegasInsider.com NBA expert Kevin Rogers is hesitant to back the Wizards.
He said, “Washington is riding a horrific 1-8 run away from D.C. since March 10 with the only victory coming in overtime at Boston on March 14. The last time the Wizards won outright as a road underdog came on February 27 at Milwaukee, as Washington owns a 1-7 record both SU and ATS record in its past eight away playoff contests.”
Considering both clubs haven’t been sound investments in the playoffs, the total might capture your interest in particular the ‘over.’
The high side (214) cashed Saturday and the Raptors have seen the ‘over’ go 5-1 in their last six home playoff games when favored. Another trend supporting the ‘over’ is Washington’s defensive tendencies in the playoffs on the road. In their last eight playoff games as visitors, the Wizards have allowed 116.2 points per game which has led to a 7-0-1 ‘over’ mark.
Game 3 is scheduled for Friday at the Capital One Arena in Washington D.C.
Eastern Conference First Round – Game 1 – Celtics lead 1-0
Milwaukee at Boston (TNT, 8:05 p.m. ET)
Of the eight games that took place over the weekend, the opening matchup between the Celtics and Bucks delivered not one but two “Bad Beats.” Boston captured a 113-107 Game 1 overtime victory against Milwaukee and earned the cover as a four-point favorite but getting to the extra session looked improbable.
After the Bucks tied the game 96-96 on a Malcolm Brogdon 3-pointer, the Celtics guard Terry Rozier stepped back and hit what look like a game-winning bomb from distance. Down 99-96 with .5 seconds left, the Bucks managed to inbound and barely execute a 3-pointer from Khris Middleton.
If that shot or the previous attempt from Brogdon rim out, the Celtics would’ve won in regulation and bettors on the Bucks (+4) would’ve cashed. Sure enough, Boston outscored Milwaukee 14-6 in the five-minute overtime and ended up covering the spread plus the ‘over’ (199 ½) came in as well.
Fast forward to Game 2 and the oddsmakers opened Boston -3 and as of Tuesday morning, the early action is calling for a split in this series with the number dropping to 2 ½. The total also dropped from an opener of 199 to 197.
Including Sunday’s outcome, Milwaukee is just 19-23 SU and 22-19-1 ATS on the road this season while Boston owns a solid 28-14 SU and 23-17-2 ATS mark at TD Garden.
Even though the Bucks had a shot to win Sunday, Kevin Rogers noted that backing Milwaukee on the road is a dicey proposition for bettors.
“Following Sunday’s tough-luck overtime loss at Boston, the Bucks dropped to 1-7 SU in their last eight games in the role of a road underdog. The only win in that span occurred at Golden State as the Warriors played without Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson on March 29,” he said.
“However, since the start of the 2016 playoffs, teams off an overtime win have slumped to a 2-5 record in the next contest, so Milwaukee may be worth a look, especially with the line dropping in its favor following Game 1.”
Since head coach Brad Stevens took over the Celtics, the club has gone 8-8 SU and 10-6 ATS at home in the playoffs. If you take out games against LeBron James, that record improves to 8-3 both SU and ATS.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the Bucks in 2013, the team is 2-7 SU and 4-5 ATS on the road in the playoffs. The glaring stat is the Milwaukee offense, which has been held under 100 points in seven of those nine games.
Even though the pair combined for 220 points in Game 1, this was an ugly contest to watch. The two teams combined for 35 turnovers and neither club shot well from the field. The ‘over’ is on an 8-2-1 in the last 11 matchups in this series, but the total listed in the 190s seems justified tonight.
Game 3 is scheduled for Friday from Milwaukee’s BMO Harris Bradley Center.
Western Conference First Round – Game 1 – Pelicans lead 1-0
New Orleans at Portland (TNT, 10:35 p.m. ET)
The late-night playoff tip on Tuesday isn’t an easy handicap and a lot of bettors will use the “Zig-Zag Theory” when handicapping this game and take Portland. However, make a note that this trend hasn’t been great over the last few postseasons according to VI expert Marc Lawrence.
The Trail Blazers face a 0-1 hole and opened as a six-point favorite for Game 2 over the Pelicans. The number is sitting at 6 ½ at a couple books as of Tuesday morning and the total was adjusted from 212 ½ to 214.
New Orleans was one of two underdogs to capture an outright victory this past weekend as it earned a 97-95 decision over Portland in Game 1 as a five-point underdog. The Pels were listed as high as 2/1 on the money-line and the ‘under’ (217 ½) was never in doubt.
As expected, the Trail Blazers had no answer for Anthony Davis. The New Orleans All-Star finished with 35 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks. What was more surprising is the backcourt of Jrue Holiday (21 points) and Rajon Rondo (17 assists) dominated the ball and made Portland’s top pair look invisible on their homecourt.
Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum combined to shoot just 13-of-41 from the game and most of that damage came in the second-half as they started 1-of-15 in the first 24 minutes. Portland trailed 21-18 after the first quarter and 45-36 at the break. The Blazers did put 59 points on the board in the second-half but it wasn’t enough to overcome Davis and the veteran guards.
Including Saturday’s win, the Pelicans have now won and covered six straight games and four of those wins took place on the road. Since the All-Star break, New Orleans has gone 9-3 both SU and ATS as a visitor and two of the three losses were by five points or less.
Portland sits at 28-14 SU and 22-17-3 ATS at home this season after the Game 1 setback and that includes a 16-4 run over its last 20 games. The Trail Blazers have only lost back-to-back home games one time in 2018.
While the stats and trends can certainly be argued both ways, VI NBA expert Joe Nelson stated his case for Portland to even up the series in Game 2.
He explained, “The Blazers are the far superior defensive team in this matchup and this is a daunting scheduling spot for New Orleans, technically a fifth road game in 12 days and a clear letdown spot after the first playoff win for Anthony Davis and company.”
“Portland had a grueling close to the season as well battling through a difficult early April road trip and then having to play San Antonio, Denver, and Utah in the final three games with high stakes. The flat Game 1 showing wasn’t a shock with a quick turnaround on the opening day of the playoffs but Portland has excelled at home vs. quality teams this season and in the slight favorite role, going 23-14 ATS this season favored by fewer than seven points. The Pelicans have been a great road team for the season but the success has come almost exclusively against bad teams with only five road wins vs. Western Conference playoff teams all season. Happy to have stolen a road game in this series the Pelicans won’t be able to match the Game 1 intensity.”
The series will head back to “The Big Easy” on Thursday for Game 3 from the Smoothie King Center.