Philly vs Boston
We are blessed with some incredible action in the association tonight with two series defining Game 5’s, one in each conference. The Philadelphia 76ers, fresh off a thrilling OT victory in Game 4 look to regain control of the series back in Boston. This would seem like a challenging task, but when you combine what happened in Game 1, with the complete incompetence coming from the Celtics coaching staff, it’s clear that anything can happen.
It appears the Celtics are the better and deeper team, but coaching is proving to make a huge difference in this series. It is not even to say that Doc Rivers is a good coach by any stretch, but that is just how bad rookie Heach Coach Joe Mazulla has been for Boston.
With a shred of play calling or execution down the stretch, this series could have already been wrapped up, but alas we are tied with the winner tonight gaining a huge leg up. In fact, more than 85% of teams that win game 5 of a tied series go on to finish the job, so tonight is pivotal.
Booker vs Jokic
It is also monumental for the Nuggets and the Suns, who find themselves knotted at 2 after each team managed to protect home court. They say a series doesn't start until one team wins on the road, and Phoenix will look to continue their torrid hot shooting to make that a reality.
No one on the planet has been hotter than Devin Booker, who has been incredible this postseason. Since going down 0-2, Booker has shot 79% from the field to get the Suns back into this series. There was no other way for them to keep up with the great Nikola Jokic, who has done everything for the Nuggets, including put Phoenix’s new team owner Mat Ishbia back in his seat with a forearm shiver.
The matchup of Durant and Booker vs the 2 time MVP is a real treat to witness, and makes Game 5 appointment television this evening.
Betting Lines
With as close as these series have been, it is surprising to see lines sit as they currently do. Boston is 7.5 point favorites at home this evening, while the Nugs lay 6 in Denver. The Celts also sit as 3.1/1 favorites to win their series, while Denver is hanging on at 1.68/1. I think Boston wins tonight, but it is tough to see them covering that huge number.
They are too inconsistent and too sloppy at the end of ball games. There is also some great value to playing Philly at 2.5/1 to win this series. It is not inconceivable to see Embiid going nuts one of these nights, as they have been so reliant on Harden to this point.
Absolutely not out of the question for them to steal 1 in Boston and protect home court. I also like the value on Denver to win this series at their number because it would be hard for Booker to maintain those shooting numbers even if the gym were empty.
Denver has been dominant at home all year, and Jokic should lead them into the next round. Better to get the value at 1.68/1, then wait until they win tonight and it shoots up.
Final Answer
So we are sprinkling on Philadelphia to cover tonight and win the series thanks to a lack of Boston coaching, and we are taking Nikola Jokic to continue his dominance and take down the Red hot Devin Booker in West. Enjoy a beautiful night of basketball.
