Did someone shut the air conditioner off, because it’s getting warm in here. Wednesday’s Best Bets went 2-for-3, giving us a 4-2 record in the last two days.
Our NBA props spearheaded that effort (per usual) with back-to-back wins. This cash cow is now 30-17 on the season.
It’s time to get in while the gettin’ is good, as our days are numbered in the NBA playoffs. Thursday’s Best Bets package looks to deliver on that front with three picks from Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
All odds updated as of 1:30 p.m. ET on May 19.
Best Bets Track Record
Wednesday: 2-1
Year-To-Date: 86-86-2
Bostonian vs. The Book: 25-28-2
BetPrep Prop of the Day: 23-34
NBA Props: 30-17
NHL Props: 6-6
MLB Props: 1-1
MLB Sides: 1-0
NBA Side: Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat
The bet: Boston +3.5 (at Miami)
The odds: -115
Where to bet: BetMGM
From: Matt Perrault via The Bostonian Vs. The Book podcast
Matt Perrault of The Bostonian vs. The Book podcast (which can be found on Props podcast page) is looking toward the Eastern Conference finals for his Best Bets recommendation.
He’s subscribing to the zig-zag theory while betting Boston +3.5 at Miami in Game 2 of this series. What did you expect from a podcast called The Bostonian vs. The Book?
This is more than just an emotional bet for Perrault, a Boston native. He comes through with solid rationale for supporting Boston, including:
- Since Jan. 23, Boston is 10-1 SU following a SU loss (3-0 in playoffs). If that trend holds, the Celtics obviously cover tonight.
- Marcus Smart is probable for Game 2. The Defensive Player of the Year will help slow down Jimmy Butler.
- Al Horford is out, but Robert Williams proved he can pick up the slack with 18 points and nine boards in Game 1.
On top of that, the Celtics have been a good team on the road this season. Boston ranks first overall in road team power rankings, and it’s not even close.
Put it all together, and this could be a spot where the Celtics steal a game in Miami.
You can find Boston +3.5 at BetMGM.
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NBA Prop: SG Victor Oladipo (Miami Heat)
The prop: Over 1.5 assists (vs. Boston)
The odds: -115
Where to bet: BetMGM
From: Matt LaMarca via NBA Props Thursday
Oladipo was once an All-Star-caliber shooting guard, but injuries have limited him to a minor role in the Heat’s rotation. He’s played 19.6 minutes or fewer in each of the past three games, and he’s averaged just 24.5 minutes per game during the playoffs.
Still, Oladipo has proven that he can produce in limited playing time. He’s coming off a poor performance in his last outing, finishing with just five points and one assist. But he dropped at least two dimes in each of the four previous games. Overall, he’s gone Over 1.5 assists in seven of nine playoff contests.
Oladipo should also continue to benefit from the absence of Kyle Lowry. He’s increased his assist rate by 4.4 percent with Lowry off the court this season, which is the top mark on the squad.
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BetPrep Prop of the Day: G/F Tyler Herro (Miami Heat)
The bet: Over 2.5 assists (vs. Boston)
The odds: -136
Where to bet: PointsBet USA
From: BetPrep Prop of the Day via BetPrep.com
BetPrep has cashed two Best Bets in a row, so let’s see if they can make it three. Thursday’s pick is a familiar one. In fact, it’s the same exact selection as Tuesday’s winning BetPrep Prop of the Day. As the saying goes: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
The selection: Tyler Herro Over 2.5 assists in Game 2 vs. Boston.
The rationale:
- Kyle Lowry (hamstring) has been ruled out for Game 2.
- Herro has recorded three-plus assists in 19 of 22 games with Lowry sidelined.
- Herro has recorded three-plus assists in 15 straight games with Lowry sidelined.
That last bullet point is pretty staggering. If you recall, Herro had three assists in the first half on Tuesday, helping BetPrep enjoy a sweat-free winner. Here’s hoping for a repeat performance in Game 2.
You can find Herro Over 2.5 assists with the best odds (-125) at BetMGM.