NBA Betting News and Trends For Friday, April 20, 2018

NBA playoffs
Friday’s games
Cavaliers @ Pacers (1-1)

Lebron had 46 in Cavaliers’ 100-97 Game 2 win; they led 16-1 early on, but hung on for win. Cleveland’s subs were combined -35 in Game 2; other four starters were 13-32 in Game 2, are 23-62 for series. Pacers were +11 with Oladipo on court, -14 without him- he got in foul trouble and only played 28:07. Both teams shot 50%+ in Game 2. Cleveland is 2-2 vs spread in last four visits to Indiana. Under is 4-0-1 in last five series games. Cavs improved to 11-28 on arc last game, after going 8-34 in Game 1. Indiana won 8 of its last 12 games overall.


Raptors (2-0) @ Wizards


Toronto led 76-58 at halftime of Game 2; four of its five starters were +23 or better. Raptors made 13-35 on arc, are 29-65 in series. Toronto is 9-3 in its last dozen games against the Wizards, 3-1 vs spread in last four visits to this arena. Raptors won six of their last seven games overall, are 1-3 vs spread in last four road games. Four of their last five games went over total. Washington lost seven of its last eight games; over is 5-2 in their last seven. Wizards need more from Beal; they were -34 with him on floor in Game 2.

Celtics (2-0) @ Bucks

Milwaukee shot 59.7% from floor in Game 2 but lost by 14; not good for them- they were -10 in turnovers (15-5). Antetokounmpo/Middleton shot combined 23-31, but they need help from the others. Celtics shot 53.3% from floor in winning Game 2 by 14 after winning first game in OT; Boston covered its last three games in this arena, and last five games overall with the Bucks. Over is 9-2-1 in last 12 series games; seven of last eight Celtic games, nine of last 11 Buck games went over the total.

Eastern Conference First Round – Game 3 – Series tied 1-1
Cleveland at Indiana (ESPN, 7:05 p.m. ET)

LeBron James and the Cavaliers avenged their Game 1 loss on Wednesday with a 100-97 win over Indiana in Game 2. James scored the first 16 points and had 29 at halftime before finishing with a game-high 46 in what many believed to be a must-win game for Cleveland. The Pacers managed to earn the cover as eight-point underdogs, while the ‘under’ (212 ½) was never in doubt.

The series heads back to Indiana tied at 1-1 and despite getting even, it seems as if a lot of pundits believe Cleveland is in for a dogfight.

Thanks to LeBron’s outburst, the Cavaliers came out on fire and led 33-18 after the first quarter but that lead was trimmed to 12 points at halftime (58-46) and seven (74-67) entering the final 12 minutes. If you watched the game, you're well aware that the Cavs were fortunate that the Indiana couldn’t connect from distance (6-of-22) and a lot of those shots were wide-open looks too.

Cleveland held advantages in both free throws made (15-9) and 3-pointers (11-6) in Game 2 and those numbers clearly turned out to be the difference and some would argue that the outcome (3) should’ve been larger for the Cavs.

Oddsmakers have adjusted the series price and Cleveland (-285) remains favored over Indiana (+230) but the odds are not nearly close to the opening numbers (Cavs -650, Pacers +480) before the series began.

For Game 3, Indiana opened as a two-point home favorite but the early money has come in on Cleveland and most betting shops are holding the Pacers -1 as of Thursday evening. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the line close as a pick ‘em and one offshore had the Cavs (-1) slightly favored.

VegasInsider.com NBA expert Kevin Rogers provided numbers on Cleveland as a playoff underdog in LeBron’s second go-round with the franchise.

He said, “Cleveland is listed as a road underdog against an Eastern Conference opponent in the playoffs for the first time since the 2015 conference finals against Atlanta. The Cavaliers won both of those games against the Hawks outright, but since LeBron James returned to Cleveland four seasons ago, the Cavs compiled a 6-7-1 ATS record as a road ‘dog in the postseason.”

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Make a note that the 10 of the 14 encounters came against Golden State and the fortunate push came in Game 5 of last year’s NBA Finals.

If you take out the three losses to Golden State’s in last year’s finals, the Cavaliers went 7-0 straight up and 6-0-1 against the spread in their seven other road playoff games last season. Two of those wins came in the first round at Indiana but the outcomes were by a combined nine points (119-114, 106-102).

As a road ‘dog this season, the Cavaliers went 8-5 SU and 10-3 ATS.

Indiana was a solid bet at home this season (27-14 SU, 24-17 ATS) and two of those wins came against Cleveland. Rogers also dug up a solid number on the Pacers after they lose. He explained, “The Pacers have done a solid job of rebounding off a loss since late January by going 11-2 in the last 13 games off a defeat.”

The two losses came on the road and Indiana has gone 6-0 at home after a loss in 2018.

The ‘under’ is 2-0 in this series and the books are holding a total of 208 ½ for Game 3, which is a four-point drop from the first two games.

The pace has been slow by NBA standards with both clubs taking less than 80 shots in each of the first two games. Indiana produced the best ‘under’ mark (48-31-3) this season and a lot of those winning tickets came at home (24-15-2). Including this series, the ‘under’ is on a 5-1-1 run between the pair.

The two teams will meet again on Sunday from Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Game 4.

Eastern Conference First Round – Game 3 – Raptors lead 2-0
Toronto at Washington (ESPN2, 8:05 p.m. ET)

The middle game on Friday is arguably the toughest one to handicap and the oddsmakers are expecting a tight affair. Washington opened as a one-point favorite and a couple books are showing -2 less than 24 hours before tip-off.

Even though they lost 114-106 in Game 1 last Saturday, the Wizards were competitive for three quarters but fell apart in the fourth. On Tuesday it was a different story in Game 2 as the Raptors cruised to a 130-119 win as seven-point favorites. Toronto shot 51 percent from the field and took advantage at the free throw stripe by knocking down 27-of-33 freebies. DeMar DeRozan had 37 points for the Raptors and his partner in crime Kyle Lowry finished with 13 points and 12 assists.

The outcome in Game 2 wasn’t surprising to VI’s Rogers. “The Wizards have been a horrible road team to back in the playoffs the last few seasons, but are money in the bank at home. In last season’s playoffs, Washington posted a perfect 6-0 SU record, while covering four times as a favorite at Capital One Arena,” he added.

The success for the Wizards during their recent home playoff run has been all about their defense. The team only allowed 98.1 PPG in those game which helped the ‘under’ go 4-2.

While Washington has been great at home in the postseason, the same can’t be said for Toronto on the road. Since they made a return to the playoffs in 2014, Toronto has gone 5-14 SU and 6- 13 ATS as a visitor and defense has been the key factor. In the five wins, the Raptors allowed 84 PPG while surrendering an eye-opening 108 PPG in the losses.

However, Toronto has won in five of its past six visits to D.C. since getting knocked out in the opening round of the 2015 playoffs by Washington.

If you believe Washington can rally, take note that the Wizards are listed as 10/1 underdogs on the series price.

The series will stay in D.C. for Game 4 on Sunday, which is set for 6:00 p.m. ET.

Eastern Conference First Round – Game 3 – Celtics lead 2-0
Boston at Milwaukee (ESPN, 9:35 p.m. ET)

After capturing Game 1 in overtime, the Celtics wasted no time on Tuesday as they earned a 120-106 wire-to-wire victory over the Bucks in Game 2. Boston opened as a three-point favorite but plenty of money came in on Milwaukee and it closed as a one-point road underdog.

The Celtics posted 60 points in both halves and that offensive effort helped the ‘over’ (200) connect midway through the fourth quarter. Jaylen Brown posted a playoff career-high 30 points for the Celtics and Terry Rozier added 23 points.

Bucks All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo dropped 35 in Game 1 and finished with 30 in Game 2 but outside of 25 points from Khris Middleton, Milwaukee didn't have anybody else step up on Tuesday.

Surprisingly, the Bucks have shot better from the field in the series (48%, 59%) but they've been hurting themselves with turnovers. They had 15 on Tuesday and that led to 21 points for Boston. Another factor in Game 2 was the bench as Boston's reserves outscored the Bucks 41-25 in Game 2. In the opener, the Celtics barely nipped the Bucks in bench scoring (27-23).

Despite facing a 0-2 deficit, it appears as if the bookmakers are still giving Milwaukee a chance to rally for the win especially when you look at the odds on other first round series where a team holds a 2-0 lead. The Celtics were listed as -150 prior to the series and are only -340 heading into Game 3, while the takeback on the Bucks is +275.

For Game 3, Milwaukee opened as a six-point favorite and the number was pushed up to 6 ½ as of Thursday.

For bettors believing that Milwaukee will right the ship at home, make a note that Boston owned the third best road record (28-13 SU, 28-13 ATS) in the regular season. The Celtics did close their schedule with three straight setbacks away from home and one of them did come against the Bucks, a 106-102 loss on Apr. 3. However, Boston had won four of its five previous trips to Milwaukee and it’s also covered seven of its last eight as a visitor in this series.

Milwaukee has played better at home (25-16) this season but it has burned backers at the betting counter with a 12-25-4 mark against the spread, the second worst record in the NBA. More importantly, the Bucks were awful as home favorites in the second-half of the season, going 4-5 SU and 1-9 ATS. As road ‘dogs, the Celtics are only 7-9 but they’ve managed to produce an 11-5 record ATS.

The total for Game 3 is sitting between 202 and 203, which is up a couple points higher from the first two games. The ‘over’ is 2-0 in the series but I believe the ‘under’ could be worth a look in Game 3 based on playoff tendencies we’ve seen from Boston. Since head coach Brad Stevens took over the C’s, the team has watched the ‘under’ go 10-3 in road playoff games and the offense has only averaged 96.3 PPG. Boston has gone 4-9 SU and 8-5 ATS in those 13 contests.

Game 4 will take place on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. ET from the BMO Harris Bradley Center.

April 19, 2018
By Chris David

Preview: Cavaliers at Pacers
Gracenote
Apr 19, 2018

The Cleveland Cavaliers asked LeBron James to come out aggressive in Game 2 and lead them to victory over the Indiana Pacers, and he delivered. James will try to get more help and give the Cavaliers the upper hand when the first-round Eastern Conference series shifts to Indiana for Game 3 on Friday tied at one win apiece.

James scored the team's first 16 points to set the tone and finished with 46 as Cleveland barely hung up for a 100-97 victory in Game 2 on Wednesday. "Coach (Tyronn) Lue called the first play for me and it went down, so we went back to it and I was able to get another one," James told reporters. "I just felt like I was in a really good rhythm, so just tried to see how long I could stay in that zone and just try to make a mark on the game early on, especially after the way we started in Game 1." The Pacers dominated the first quarter en route to a Game 1 victory and remain confident heading home despite the tight loss in Game 2. "We really wanted to go home 2-0 but we got one on the road," Indiana center Myles Turner told reporters. "We did our jobs. I can't wait to be back in front of the Indy fans. I hope these guys are ready, I know they are."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Ohio (Cleveland), FS Indiana

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS: Cleveland was embarrassed 98-80 in Game 1 and decided to make a lineup change for Game 2, inserting veterans Kyle Korver and JR Smith into the starting lineup in place of Jeff Green and Rodney Hood. Korver went 4-of-8 from 3-point range to help space the floor and drew praise from his coach. "(Korver) does all the little things it takes to win," Lue told reporters. "If you want to win a championship, you have to do all the little things. Outside of his great shooting, he was just doing all the little things and making the extra efforts, being in the right place defensively."

ABOUT THE PACERS: Indiana All-Star guard Victor Oladipo scored a game-high 32 points in Game 1 but was limited to 22 on 9-of-18 shooting while battling foul trouble in Game 2. "Obviously, we're upset about the loss," Oladipo told reporters. "Just like the first game, it was only one game and this was only one game. We felt as though we had a chance to tie it, a chance to win and we feel confident going home." The Pacers shot 52.6 percent from the floor in Game 2 but struggled to 6-of-22 from 3-point range and committed 17 turnovers.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Cavaliers PF Kevin Love injured his left thumb late in Game 2 but is expected to play on Friday.

2. Pacers SF Bojan Bogdanovic is 3-of-16 from 3-point range in his last four games, going back to the regular season.

3. Indiana outscored Cleveland 62-30 in the paint in Game 2.

PREDICTION: Pacers 101, Cavaliers 95
__________________

ATS Trends
Cleveland

Cavaliers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games.
Cavaliers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up win.
Cavaliers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Cavaliers are 25-10 ATS in their last 35 Friday games.
Cavaliers are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games playing on 1 days rest.
Cavaliers are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Cavaliers are 9-22 ATS in their last 31 games following a ATS loss.
Cavaliers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Cavaliers are 5-13 ATS in their last 18 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Indiana

Pacers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Pacers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Central.
Pacers are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Pacers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Friday games.
Pacers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.
Pacers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Pacers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Pacers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Pacers are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall.
Pacers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games playing on 1 days rest.
Pacers are 14-5 ATS in their last 19 vs. Eastern Conference.
Pacers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

OU Trends
Cleveland

Under is 4-0-1 in Cavaliers last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Under is 5-1 in Cavaliers last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 4-1 in Cavaliers last 5 Friday games.
Under is 8-3 in Cavaliers last 11 overall.
Under is 5-2 in Cavaliers last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 5-2 in Cavaliers last 7 games following a straight up win.

Indiana

Under is 5-0-1 in Pacers last 6 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Under is 7-1 in Pacers last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Under is 13-2-1 in Pacers last 16 vs. NBA Central.
Under is 13-3-1 in Pacers last 17 Friday games.
Under is 8-2 in Pacers last 10 home games.
Under is 12-3 in Pacers last 15 games following a ATS win.
Under is 11-3 in Pacers last 14 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 24-7-1 in Pacers last 32 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 12-4 in Pacers last 16 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 14-5 in Pacers last 19 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 14-5 in Pacers last 19 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Under is 18-7-1 in Pacers last 26 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 34-16-1 in Pacers last 51 overall.

Head to Head

Under is 4-0-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Cavaliers are 3-8-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings in Indiana.
Road team is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
Cavaliers are 5-15-1 ATS in the last 21 meetings.
Underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.

Preview: Raptors at Wizards
Gracenote
Apr 19, 2018

The Toronto Raptors showed off the depth of their roster in Game 1, but in Game 2 it was time for a star to shine. The Raptors will try to build off DeMar DeRozan's big game and take a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven first-round Eastern Conference series when they visit the Washington Wizards for Game 3 on Friday.

DeRozan managed 17 points on 6-of-17 shooting in a 114-106 victory in Game 1 but exploded for 37 on 14-of-23 in a 130-119 triumph in Game 2. "I just let the game come to me. I go based off that," DeRozan told reporters. "These days, it's not like I have to have the mindset to go out there and I've got to score 30, 40 points. ... I went out there to be aggressive. With my aggressiveness came 37 points." The Wizards fell behind early in Game 1 and were down 44-27 at the end of the first quarter in Game 2, and getting off to stronger starts is the team's goal. "We need a better start," Washington coach Scott Brooks told reporters. "All five guys need to lock in defensively. They've gotten free for a lot of jump shots, and give them credit, they made them. ... But we've got to be a little better. We've got to have a better start. It's not the only thing, but we've got to start there and then go from there."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN2, TSN 1/4/5 (Toronto), NBCS Washington

ABOUT THE RAPTORS: DeRozan wasn't alone in Toronto's solid Game 2 performance, and center Jonas Valanciunas outplayed his counterparts on Washington while collecting 19 points and 14 rebounds. "We're strong as a team, we're not strong as individual players,” Valanciunas told reporters. "We did it as a team. We were great defending, helping each other, more than our own strengths. I think this is team sport and when you play it together, support each other, help each other, it’s fun. It gives you extra confidence to enjoy the game." All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry added a double-double as well with 13 points and 12 assists.

ABOUT THE WIZARDS: All-Star guard Bradley Beal is off to a slow start offensively in the series and was held to nine points on 3-of-11 shooting in Game 2, but defense was his main concern after the loss. "I think we're shooting ourselves in the foot coming out to slow starts, allowing guys to get open 3's, allowing guys to get those shots, allowing guys to get layups," Beal told reporters. "You can't allow a team to get both, it has to be one or the other. You can't give up 3's and layups, or you'll be down 20 in the first quarter like we were. We've just got to go back to the drawing board." Washington is allowing the Raptors to shoot 52.4 percent from the floor in the series.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Raptors SF CJ Miles is 8-of-13 from 3-point range in the series.

2. Washington PG Ty Lawson, who signed with the team on the eve of the playoffs, made his debut in Game 2 and collected 14 points and eight assists in 31 minutes off the bench.

3. Lowry is 2-of-12 from 3-point range in the series.

PREDICTION: Raptors 112, Wizards 108
__________________

ATS Trends
Toronto

Raptors are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Raptors are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Raptors are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Raptors are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Raptors are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Raptors are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.
Raptors are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Raptors are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Raptors are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 2 days rest.
Raptors are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Raptors are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
Raptors are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.
Raptors are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS win.
Raptors are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Raptors are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games.

Washington

Wizards are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Wizards are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Wizards are 4-10-1 ATS in their last 15 games following a straight up loss.
Wizards are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Wizards are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Friday games.
Wizards are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Wizards are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
Wizards are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Wizards are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Wizards are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Wizards are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Wizards are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

OU Trends
Toronto

Over is 4-0 in Raptors last 4 vs. NBA Southeast.
Over is 5-1-1 in Raptors last 7 games playing on 2 days rest.
Over is 4-1 in Raptors last 5 overall.
Over is 8-2 in Raptors last 10 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Raptors last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 4-1 in Raptors last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Over is 4-1 in Raptors last 5 games following a ATS win.
Over is 4-1 in Raptors last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 11-4 in Raptors last 15 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 5-2 in Raptors last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 7-3 in Raptors last 10 games following a straight up win.

Washington

Over is 5-0 in Wizards last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Under is 4-0 in Wizards last 4 Friday games.
Over is 4-0 in Wizards last 4 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Wizards last 6 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 4-1 in Wizards last 5 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Over is 8-2-1 in Wizards last 11 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Over is 7-2-1 in Wizards last 10 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Over is 21-8-1 in Wizards last 30 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 5-2-1 in Wizards last 8 overall.
Over is 5-2 in Wizards last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-2 in Wizards last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-2-1 in Wizards last 8 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 7-3 in Wizards last 10 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.
Over is 7-3 in Wizards last 10 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days.
Over is 38-17 in Wizards last 55 games playing on 2 days rest.

Head to Head

Raptors are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Raptors are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Washington.
Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

Preview: Celtics at Bucks
Gracenote
Apr 19, 2018

Milwaukee Bucks guard Eric Bledsoe says he doesn't know who Terry Rozier is, so it might be time for him to check the scouting report. Rozier fueled Boston to victories in the first two games of the Eastern Conference first-round series and the Celtics look to take a 3-0 lead when the series moves to Milwaukee on Friday.

The unsung Rozier is in the staring lineup due to Kyrie Irving's season-ending knee injury and he torched the Bucks for 23 points in each of the first two games and has yet to commit a turnover. Meanwhile, Bledsoe is averaging just 10.5 points on 9-of-25 shooting and making three turnovers per game and wasn't thrilled when asked about Rozier after a 120-106 loss in Game 2, saying "I don't even know who the (expletive) that is." Celtics coach Brad Stevens took the high road Wednesday when asked about the comment by saying, "I mean, I heard that. Our team is just focused on Game 3." Milwaukee lost in the first round in its past seven postseason appearances and it last prevailed in 2001, when it reached the Eastern Conference finals before losing to the Philadelphia 76ers.

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, NBCS Boston, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

ABOUT THE CELTICS: Second-year shooting guard Jaylen Brown is also lighting up the Bucks as he made five 3-pointers while scoring 30 points in Game 2 and is averaging 25 in the series. "Ultimately, we just want to win games, so that’s the only thing that we are concerned with," Brown told reporters after his big outing. "We are confident as ever. Teams have been writing us off all year and we just keep proving people wrong, so that’s what we’re going to do." Power forwards Al Horford and Marcus Morris are also off to strong starts in the series with Horford averaging 20 points and 8.5 rebounds and Morris coming off the bench to average 19.5 points and six boards.

ABOUT THE BUCKS: Forwards Giannis Antetokounmpo (32.5 points, 11 rebounds, 7.5 assists) and Khris Middleton (28 points, six rebounds) have been superb in the series but haven't received much help from the supporting cast. "We got to play better," Antetokounmpo said. "We got to play with more effort. I think as a team we didn't show up (Tuesday). Hopefully we can go back home and protect our home and play better and get those two wins." Second-year guard Malcolm Brogdon is averaging 13 points in the series but played just 19 minutes in Game 2 despite being 5-of-7 shooting while scoring 10 points.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Celtics made 13 3-pointers in Game 2 after knocking down 11 in the opener.

2. Boston SF Jayson Tatum had just four points on 2-of-9 shooting in Game 2 after scoring 19 in the opener.

3. Milwaukee backup PF Jabari Parker has just two points on 1-of-7 shooting in the series.

PREDICTION: Bucks 110, Celtics 105
__________________

ATS Trends
Boston

Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Friday games.
Celtics are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Central.
Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 2 days rest.
Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win.
Celtics are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Celtics are 20-6-1 ATS in their last 27 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Celtics are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 vs. Eastern Conference.
Celtics are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Celtics are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Celtics are 16-6 ATS in their last 22 games overall.
Celtics are 40-17-2 ATS in their last 59 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Celtics are 36-16 ATS in their last 52 road games.
Celtics are 46-21-1 ATS in their last 68 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Celtics are 43-21-2 ATS in their last 66 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.

Milwaukee

Bucks are 20-9 ATS in their last 29 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days.
Bucks are 11-23 ATS in their last 34 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Bucks are 8-17-2 ATS in their last 27 Friday games.
Bucks are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games following a ATS loss.
Bucks are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games following a straight up loss.
Bucks are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Bucks are 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 home games.
Bucks are 7-19 ATS in their last 26 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Bucks are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Bucks are 5-16 ATS in their last 21 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Bucks are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 vs. Eastern Conference.
Bucks are 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Bucks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Bucks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 2 days rest.
Bucks are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Bucks are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Bucks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

OU Trends
Boston

Over is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 games playing on 2 days rest.
Over is 6-0 in Celtics last 6 overall.
Over is 5-0 in Celtics last 5 games following a straight up win.
Over is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 6-0 in Celtics last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 vs. NBA Central.
Over is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-0-1 in Celtics last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 5-0 in Celtics last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-0 in Celtics last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 7-1 in Celtics last 8 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Over is 5-1 in Celtics last 6 games following a ATS win.
Over is 5-2-1 in Celtics last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Over is 7-3-1 in Celtics last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 18-8 in Celtics last 26 Conference Quarterfinals games.

Milwaukee

Over is 5-0 in Bucks last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Over is 9-0 in Bucks last 9 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Over is 11-0 in Bucks last 11 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 4-0 in Bucks last 4 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 11-1 in Bucks last 12 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 10-1 in Bucks last 11 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 6-1 in Bucks last 7 home games.
Over is 12-2 in Bucks last 14 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Bucks last 5 Friday games.
Under is 4-1 in Bucks last 5 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days.
Over is 16-5 in Bucks last 21 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 16-5 in Bucks last 21 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 9-3 in Bucks last 12 games playing on 2 days rest.
Over is 21-7 in Bucks last 28 overall.
Under is 7-3-1 in Bucks last 11 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Under is 13-6-2 in Bucks last 21 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Over is 34-16-1 in Bucks last 51 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

Head to Head

Celtics are 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
Celtics are 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings in Milwaukee.
Under is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings in Milwaukee.

NBA
Long Sheet

Friday, April 20

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CLEVELAND (51 - 33) at INDIANA (49 - 35) - 4/20/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 32-51 ATS (-24.1 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 19-45 ATS (-30.5 Units) as a favorite this season.
CLEVELAND is 20-36 ATS (-19.6 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 49-35 ATS (+10.5 Units) in all games this season.
INDIANA is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) in April games over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) in the second half of the season this season.
INDIANA is 221-166 ATS (+38.4 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.
INDIANA is 35-18 ATS (+15.2 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 27-18 ATS (+7.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
INDIANA is 30-18 ATS (+10.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
CLEVELAND is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 13-4 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 12-6 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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TORONTO (61 - 23) at WASHINGTON (43 - 41) - 4/20/2018, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 197-247 ATS (-74.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
TORONTO is 46-38 ATS (+4.2 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 38-23 ATS (+12.7 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in road games after scoring 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 36-46 ATS (-14.6 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 18-33 ATS (-18.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
WASHINGTON is 15-24 ATS (-11.4 Units) in home games this season.
WASHINGTON is 152-201 ATS (-69.1 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 8-5 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 10-3 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BOSTON (57 - 27) at MILWAUKEE (44 - 40) - 4/20/2018, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 150-112 ATS (+26.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1996.
BOSTON is 50-30 ATS (+17.0 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 19-5 ATS (+13.5 Units) as an underdog this season.
BOSTON is 27-13 ATS (+12.7 Units) in road games this season.
BOSTON is 18-4 ATS (+13.6 Units) in road games against Central division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 12-1 ATS (+10.9 Units) off an upset win as an underdog this season.
BOSTON is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
BOSTON is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 26-16 ATS (+8.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
BOSTON is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
MILWAUKEE is 35-44 ATS (-13.4 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 37-50 ATS (-18.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 13-22 ATS (-11.2 Units) in the second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 15-24 ATS (-11.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
MILWAUKEE is 17-27 ATS (-12.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 9-4 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 9-4 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
9 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

NBA

Friday, April 20

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Trend Report
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Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland is 10-5 ATS in its last 15 games
Cleveland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Cleveland is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Cleveland's last 11 games
Cleveland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Cleveland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games on the road
Cleveland is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Indiana
Cleveland is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing Indiana
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing Indiana
Cleveland is 2-9-1 ATS in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Cleveland is 4-14 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Indiana Pacers
Indiana is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Indiana is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games
Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Indiana is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Indiana's last 9 games at home
Indiana is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Indiana is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Indiana is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Indiana is 9-2-1 ATS in its last 12 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Indiana is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland

Toronto Raptors
Toronto is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Toronto is 5-10-1 ATS in its last 16 games
Toronto is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games
Toronto is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Toronto is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games on the road
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Washington
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington
Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 9 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington Wizards
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Washington is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games at home
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Washington's last 9 games when playing at home against Toronto

Boston Celtics
Boston is 16-6 ATS in its last 22 games
Boston is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games
Boston is 14-5 ATS in its last 19 games on the road
Boston is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games on the road
Boston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
Boston is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Boston's last 13 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 10 games
Milwaukee is 3-12 ATS in its last 15 games at home
Milwaukee is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 7 games at home
Milwaukee is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing Boston
Milwaukee is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Boston
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 13 games when playing at home against Boston
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