NBA Best Bets Today, 5/27: Expert Picks, Predictions, & Props - ECF
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Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals did not disappoint as Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irivng continued their case as the best scoring tandem of all-time. They each scored 33 points, and the game went almost exactly as our NBA best bets and player props predicted in yesterday’s article.
The Mavericks offense took control in the last five minutes of the game, this time winning by nine points. The Bet of the Night cashed about midway through the fourth quarter as the Mavericks offense found their rhythm. The unfortunate injury to Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford only earning three rebounds ensured the Same Game Parlay would not be successful.
Once again, one out of two bets won, and three of the last four have been profitable.
NBA Picks & Predictions, 5/27: Celtics vs. Pacers Game 4
The Boston Celtics have an opportunity to put this series away and enter into the NBA Finals with only two losses. That is an extraordinary feat to accomplish as the Celtics are chasing down a historic season. Not just historic, but one of the best season’s of all-time. They will need to win tonight’s game to make that happen.
The Indiana Pacers are having a historic season as well. They made it to the finals of the In-Season Tournament, as well as the Eastern Conference Finals. They had just their sixth player named to an All-NBA team, and landed an NBA champion in Pascal Siakam. Although history is not on their side, they still do have a slim chance of making the NBA Finals, but it will take several things to go their way.
No team has come back from an 0-3 deficit to win an NBA series, and that can be psychologically damaging for a team. It is also difficult for our NBA predictions to predict how a team will respond to that situation. There is an expression, “there are always two things you can control; your attitude and your effort.” We will not have to guess what head coach Rick Carlisle’s attitude and effort will be: aggressive and full tilt.
Celtics vs. Pacers Game 4 Prediction: T.J. McConnell O14.5 Points (+100 on Bet365 Sportsbook)
Rick Carlisle did not slow the pace of his offense due to Tyrese Haliburton’s absence. The Indiana Pacers kept their fast style of play and scored 111 points in Game 3. T.J. McConnell has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the playoffs, and he almost led the Pacers to a Game 4 victory.
He played 29 minutes and was Pacers’ second leader in points, rebounds, and assists. His 23-9-6 game was not a fluke, and if Tyrese Haliburton is unable to play, then McConnell should see more minutes off the bench. Scoring 20 points is more than achievable and if Haliburton is declared out, a ladder on McConnell could be very profitable.
The nine-year veteran is trusted by Carlisle to operate the offense, and McConnell could shine in the rare opportunity of being a star on a national holiday. His effort should never be in question, and the 32-year-old has displayed it his entire career.
McConell’s point line and odds will likely move regardless once Haliburton is officially declared in or out. Take advantage of the even line at 15 points in Monday’s NBA predictions Bet of the Night and keep the ladder in mind once rosters are officially declared.
- Bet on McConnell Over 14.5 Points at Bet 365 Sportsbook today!
Celtics vs. Pacers SGP: O220.5 Total Points + Myles Turner O1.5 Threes Made (+151 on ESPN Bet)
The three-fold Same Game Parlays have not been kind to us, so it is time to change up the strategy and make a two-fold parlay. This game is wildly unpredictable as we do not know the mindset of either team going into this game. That is why Fantasy Alarm NBA picks are betting on something reliable.
Will the Pacers play with any pride? Do the Boston Celtics want to finish the series in front of their fans? Will the referees attempt to tilt this game in favor of Indiana to extend the series? All variables that although accounted for are almost impossible to predict unless you are with the teams.
Today’s Same Game Parlay is a combination of a straight bet and a player prop to make two field goal attempts. The straight bet is not much of a gamble as this line has been safely achieved in every game of this series, as predicted by Fantasy Alarm. To be safe, it has been teased down two points to 220.5. A missed last second field goal could be missing from the simulators, and that would be a terrible way to lose a parlay.
Myles Turner came through in our Game 3 parlay by scoring 22 points. He did so without any three-point field goals, either. He went 0-3 from behind the arc, but tonight, we are betting on his three-point making skills.
Turner made two or more threes in the two previous games of this series, and six of his previous seven playoff games. He has committed to improving his three-point field goal percentage and it has helped the Pacers get to this point. Look for four or more attempts tonight.
We did not tease his line down, because the belief is he can and will make threes in tonight’s game. The longest tenured Pacer is dependable, and winning this two-fold parlay would be a great way to start the week.
- Bet on our Celtics vs. Pacers Same Game Parlay (+151) at ESPN Bet today!
Thanks for reviewing my expert NBA picks for today's Game 4! Remember to visit Fantasy Alarm for additional sports betting tips, top-tier DFS analysis, NFL best ball cheat sheets, and the latest sports news.
Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy
*All odds accurate at time of writing and NBA bets to be placed at 1 unit unless specified otherwise