NBA Playoffs Forecasts for Today: Top Wagers and Player Props – May 4thth
Heyyy! Let's dive into the NBA playoffs action, you crazy sports fans! We're here to help you make some cash, so don't forget to swing by our VSiN NBA Playoffs Betting Hub for all the postseason greatness. I'll be dishing out NBA best bets and player props all through the playoffs, and I might even write up somethin' juicy about the league every now and then. Now, buckle up! Let's get into the action for May 4th. Just a heads up, you can check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have to offer on this thrilling day.
NBA Best Bets For Today - May 4
Game 1: Indiana Pacers (underdogs) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers - 6:00 pm ET
So, the Cavaliers rocked a 64-18 record in the regular season and demolished Miami in the opening round of the playoffs. But don't count the Pacers out yet, my friend! I've been a fan of this team ever since they flipped the script after a 9-14 start to the season. From December 5th to the end of the season, they went 41-18 with an Efficiency Differential of +5.3. Not too shabby when you compare that to the Cavaliers' +9.5 in the same span.
Now, I know the Cavaliers should be considered the favorites in this series, but I think it's gonna be a lot closer than most folks think. And I've got the same vibe about most of the games. However, I gotta tell ya, 8.5 points looks like a hefty spread for Cleveland to lay down in Game 1.
Under Rick Carlisle, the Pacers have impressed as road underdogs, going 24-19 against the spread when facing a spread of 6.5 to 12 points. They're also 13-5 ATS when they've had three or more days of rest, and they've won three out of four Game 1s against the spread. Carlisle is a cunning coach who's great at coming up with solid game plans to expose the enemy’s weaknesses. And truth be told, the Cavaliers do have some defensively vulnerable guards and potential matchup issues in the frontcourt.
Pick: Pacers +8.5
NBA Player Props For Today - May 4
Game 7: Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets - 8:30 pm ET
Ime Udoka ain't gonna ignore Steven Adams now. With Adams and Alperen Sengun on the floor together, Houston has been lighting up the court with an offensive rating of 117.2 and shutting down teams with a defensive rating of 85.0. The Warriors struggle against the double-big lineup, making Adams an intriguing choice for player props in Game 7. And while he's not exactly a scoring powerhouse, I think going Over his 7.5-point total is worth a shot.
Adams scored 4 for 4 from the field in 31 minutes in a crucial road win in Game 6, and that's already over his total. But he's also got more opportunities to cash in at the free throw line. Steve Kerr knows that hacking Adams to make Udoka pull him is pretty much the only way to keep him from owning the paint – on both ends of the court. If he doesn't crumble at the free throw line, Adams should make a sizable dent in this number at the charity stripe. After all, he went Over this total at the free throw line alone in Game 6 with 9 for 16.
Bet: Adams Over 7.5 Points
Additional Plays
This is where I'll drop any last-minute plays, teasers, parlays, or in-season futures. Catch up before the games tip off to make sure you don't miss out on any action! It's always possible that I'll add something to my card.
Disclaimer: Please gamble responsibly, and remember that past performance does not guarantee future results. Good luck, and don't forget to enjoy every moment of the NBA playoffs!
Sources:[1] Career stats and records for Rick Carlisle[2] Rick Carlisle's playoff coaching wins list ranking[3] Indiana Pacers franchise record under Rick Carlisle[4] Indiana Pacers ATS record under Rick Carlisle[5] Rick Carlisle's playoff wins list ranking
In the VSiN NBA Playoffs Betting Hub, you'll find expert picks for today's game between the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite the Cavaliers' impressive regular season and opening round performance, the analyst suggests taking the Pacers +8.5, citing their strong performance under Coach Rick Carlisle and potential matchup issues for the Cavaliers.
In another prop bet for today's game, the analyst recommends betting on Steven Adams Over 7.5 points. Adams performed well in Game 6 with a 4 for 4 shooting performance, and the analyst expects him to capitalize on free throw opportunities in Game 7.
