The NBA playoffs roll on with three more games on Tuesday night.
Another night of playoff action means another night full of wagers from our "Buckets" podcast crew. Action Network's Matt Moore, Bryan Fonseca and Andrew O'Connor-Watts came through with four best bets for all three games.
Check out all four picks and the most recent episode of "Buckets" below.
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7:30 p.m. | Timberwolves -2.5 |
  | 8:30 p.m. | Pacers +1.5 |
  | 10 p.m. | Mavericks -2.5 |
| 10 p.m. | Clippers 2.5+ML |
Timberwolves -2.5 vs. Suns
7:30 p.m. ET ⋅ TNT
By Matt Moore
I think these coaches are about even, but one thing that became apparent was Frank Vogel had no clue what to do to stop the Wolves in Game 1. He tried to move Kevin Durant to the 5 spot, and Karl Anthony-Towns went to work immediately.
There's no small-ball alternative for Phoenix to stop the Timberwolves defensively. Chris Finch realized he can just put three defenders on the floor at all times and lock down everyone but Kevin Durant.
I think Grayson Allen's bad ankle is relevant here as well. The Timberwolves have played all season with a fire and verve, and they're facing a team who screwed around a bunch this season.
I don't want to overreact to Game 1, but Finch switched up his game plan and tailor-made it for this Suns team. I like the Wolves to go up here 2-0.
 | | |  |
Pacers 1.5 at Bucks
8:30 p.m. ET ⋅ NBA TV
Part of this is that Damian Lillard aspect after he dropped 35 points in the first half and none in the second.
I don't think he's going to dominate tonight as much as he did in Game 1.
I was on the Pacers in Game 1, and if I'm high on them in the series, then I can't see them going down 0-2. Lillard has dropped 35-plus in six games this season, and the Bucks are 5-1 in those spots.
It wasn't a great showing from the Pacers, whose best player, Tyrese Haliburton, looked timid. The role players looked a little shaken as well. This is the second-best eFG% team in the NBA, and I expect we'll see some positive regression from Indiana.
This is one of the best transition offenses in the league but just had poor execution despite having good looks. I don't buy that the Pacers are just a regular-season team, and I expect a much better showing tonight.
| | | |
Mavericks -2.5 at Clippers
10 p.m. ET ⋅ TNT
This cap is similar to Andrew's above. If I like the Mavericks to make a run, then they can't go down 0-2 in this series.
I tend to not overreact to Game 1s in general, as they're always weird because it's the first time we see the matchup in the playoffs.
The Mavericks' shooting was obviously abysmal, and the Clippers got Daniel Gafford out of the game quickly. I expect more from Dallas' supporting cast, and I don't see it shooting the ball nearly as poorly as that first game.
Obviously, the offense runs through Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, but I expect them to spread the ball around a little more. I'm a James Harden playoff skeptic, and the fact he had a good Game 1 doesn't mean anything to me.
| | | |
Clippers +2.5 & ML vs. Mavericks
10 p.m. ET ⋅ TNT
By Matt Moore
The coaching matchup was a big factor in this, and my stomach turned when I realized I took Jason Kidd over Tyronn Lue.
Since the All-Star break, the Mavericks made a huge turn defensively both in metrics and on the court.
The additions of Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington were a huge boost to their defense. Lue decided to let Ivica Zubac attack Gafford, and he picked up two fouls in the first few minutes.
I don't think the Mavs have the proper rotations to battle the Clippers whether they go small or big. Paul George wasn't great in the first game, and I expect him to play better tonight.
