The first matches of the 2020 NBA Playoffs kick-off and we have four games to get through for the first slate.
Here are some Monday NBA Picks for the 17th August 2020.
The season has ended, and the Portland Trail Blazers managed to snap up the last spot in the Western Conference against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Check out some of the highlights below.
Be sure to check back for Free NBA Picks, NBA Predictions, NBA Player Props and NBA Previews for each match of the 2020 NBA Finals Series.
Utah Jazz @ Denver Nuggets
Last Meeting
8th August 2020, Denver 134 – Utah 132
Last 5 Meetings
Utah – 2 Wins
Denver – 3 Wins
Current Head to Head Odds
Utah – $2.72
Denver – $1.49
Prediction
These two sides played a match on the 8th of August, and it was a close encounter in double overtime. It is hard to pick a winner in this one so we will go with the favourite Denver Nuggets. Mike Conley is out for this game, and there is a question mark over Rudy Gobert from the Jazz. The Nuggets do have Jamal Murray for this clash, and he almost netted a triple-double last meeting.
Going to take the Nuggets in this one.
Our Pick – Denver (Win)
Player Prop – Joe Ingles + 5.5 Assists
Ingles has averaged nine assists per game against the Nuggets in his last seven encounters, and with Conley out of the side, he will be a playmaker in this clash.
Brooklyn Nets @ Toronto Raptors
Last Meeting
12th Feb 2020, Toronto 91 @ Brooklyn 101
Last 5 Meetings
Brooklyn – 1 Win
Toronto – 4 Wins
Current Head to Head Odds
Brooklyn –$5
Toronto – $1.20
Prediction
The Raptors should sweep this series as the Nets have the most injuries or players out compared to any other team. Toronto has the guards and frontcourt to make it very tough for the Nets, and they should win by double figures.
Our Pick – Toronto (Win)
Player Prop – Marc Gasol + 8.5 Points
The Raptors got Gasol in for his experience in big games, and he seems to excel in the playoffs. The Nets give up a lot of points at the centre position, and he should cover this number.
Philadelphia 76ers@ Boston Celtics
Last Meeting
1st Feb 2020, Philadelphia 75 @ Boston 116
Last 5 Meetings
Philadelphia – 4 Wins
Boston – 1 Win
Current Head to Head Odds
Philadelphia – $3.05
Boston – $1.40
Prediction
Jason Tatum is carrying an injury but is still projected to play in this contest. The Celtics are favourites and have had a solid season. The 76ers are coming off a blowout win to the Rockets and may go into this match a little complacent. If the Celtics can control Embiid in this game, they should win the game.
Our Pick – Boston (Win)
Game Total – Under 219.5
Both these sides have averaged 214 in their last 3 matchups, and with the playoffs beginning, that means some higher defensive intensity. The game total is favoured to go under this number and prey for no overtime.
Dallas Mavericks @ Los Angeles Clippers
Last Meeting
6th August 2020, Dallas 111 – LA Clippers 126
Last 5 Meetings
LA Clippers – 4 Wins
Dallas – 1 Win
Current Head to Head Odds
Dallas – $3.15
LA Clippers – $1.38
Prediction
The Mavs expect Porzingas to play for this match, but he may be underdone. If they are going to win, they will need a considerable game from him as if they do have an advantage, it is in the frontcourt. Despite the Mavs having Doncic, he is coming up against one of the best defenders in the league and Kawhi Leonard will make it tough. The Clippers should be too strong in this one.
Our Pick – Los Angles Clippers (Win)
Game Total – Under 229.5
Before their last match in the bubble, their previous four matchups had a combined total average of 217 Points. With the defensive intensity expected to pick up for this clash, the game total number seems high. The under looks favourable.