Sunday`s NBA playoff schedule features both the conclusion of one series and the inauguration of another. The Cleveland Cavaliers, fresh off a dominant sweep of the Heat, are set to tip off the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers also impressed in the previous round, similarly achieving a commanding victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. Their Game 1 is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, the intense series between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets culminates in a decisive Game 7. The winner will advance to face the Minnesota Timberwolves. That crucial matchup is slated for 8:30 p.m. ET.
As the NBA postseason is now fully underway, the basketball betting market is experiencing significant activity. Daily analysis and picks for each game will be provided throughout the duration of the playoffs until the NBA Finals.
Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers recently delivered a historically potent offensive performance, registering an astonishing 136.2 offensive rating during their series against the Miami Heat. Trailing only slightly with the second-best offensive output of the playoffs so far are the Indiana Pacers. While their success was partly facilitated by Milwaukee`s defensive struggles, Indiana has consistently fielded an excellent offense over the last couple of seasons. Both teams come into this series well-rested, having quickly handled their first-round opponents. Both squads also possess areas that opponents can exploit defensively.
The Pacers are heavily reliant on Tyrese Haliburton, and the Cavaliers are capable of targeting him in pick-and-roll situations, much like they did with Tyler Herro in the previous round. Cleveland`s supporting players tend to contribute more on offense than defense. Unless the Pacers` coaching staff makes adjustments to prioritize defensive personnel, they have shown a clear preference for maximizing shooting efficiency. Consequently, Game 1 is anticipated to be a contest marked by high scoring.
The Pick: Over 229.5
Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets
Focusing on a non-star role player in a critical Game 7 might seem counterintuitive, but there`s a specific rationale. Zone defenses are known to be particularly susceptible to accurate 3-point shooting. Houston`s defensive scheme is notably tailored to limit Stephen Curry, employing a hybrid 2-3 zone and box-and-one strategy, effectively taking him out of consideration for this betting angle. The key is to identify a player likely to take multiple three-pointers without attracting the defense`s primary attention.
That description fits Brandin Podziemski, who has averaged one 3-point attempt for every 4.6 minutes played throughout this series. The tactical decision to use Gary Payton II in Game 6 did not yield success. It is therefore expected that Podziemski will return to a significant role, potentially starting and playing between 30-35 minutes. This projected playing time should provide him with approximately seven or eight 3-point attempts. Considering his apparent comfort level on the playoff stage, there is confidence in him converting at least two of those attempts.
The Pick: Brandin Podziemski Over 1.5 Made 3-Pointers
Jasper Hawthorne