We’re filling in for Eric Samulski today as we prepare for a two-game NBA playoff slate on Sunday.
After early indications that the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat would roll to their respective conference finals, Game 3 provided an inkling that the road ahead might not be the easiest for them.
And from a neutral standpoint, the more games the better.
Below I’ll take you through today’s entire schedule, the betting odds for each game, and some stats and picks that we think should help you not only prepare to enjoy the game but also think about which way you want to want to bet the game if that’s something you want to do.
New to betting? Read our Beginner’s Guide to Betting with a glossary of terms
NBA odds and schedule, May 8
Phoenix Suns at Dallas Mavericks, 3:30 p.m. ET
- Game 4 (PHX leads 2-1)
- Watch on ESPN
The Mavericks made their defensive stand on a return home to Dallas for Game 3 against the NBA’s best team. After allowing 121 and 129 points in Games 1 and 2, the underdogs put the clams down in a 103-94 victory on Friday.
While Luka Doncic had 26 points and 13 rebounds, he got some much-needed help from Jalen Brunson, who led the Mavericks with 28 points.
It’s the obvious formula for the Mavericks to stay competitive in this series as they lost the first two games despite Doncic averaging 40 points during that stretch.
Phoenix’s performance certainly seems like an anomaly, especially considering Devin Booker was held to just 18 points — including a meager 2-of-7 showing on two-point field goals. Chris Paul also committed an uncharacteristic six turnovers in the first 16 minutes of the game.
The Pick:
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Miami Heat at Philadelphia 76ers, 8 p.m.
- Game 4 (MIA leads 2-1)
- Watch on TNT
Look how large of an impact Joel Embiid’s return had on this series.
After missing Games 1 and 2 due to an orbital bone fracture, the 76ers’ star center came back in Game 3 to finally tilt the scales in Philadelphia’s favor and halve their series deficit.
Embiid scored 18 points to go with 11 rebounds, but the big story heading into Game 4 is the scoring touch of the Heat’s offense — which went ice-cold in Game 3.
For a Miami team that averaged 112.5 points in Games 1 and 2, the Heat put up a measly 79 in a 20-point loss while shooting just 35.1% from the field and 7-of-30 from three-point range.
Such a bad shooting night is basically a death sentence with Embiid’s imposing presence under the basket
The Pick:
