With two of Monday’s games being closely contested right until the final buzzer, the stage is perfectly set for the next set of Game 2s in the NBA playoffs to be played and wagered on Tuesday night.
Here are five NBA wagers you should consider today:
Phoenix Suns @ Minnesota Timberwolves – 7:30 p.m. ET
The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a convincing 120-95 victory over the Phoenix Suns in the series opener. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves’ effort with a stellar performance, scoring 33 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and dishing out six assists. Kevin Durant was the top scorer for the Suns, contributing 31 points and seven rebounds.
Over 212 total points: -110 (FanDuel)
In three of the four matchups this season between the Suns and Timberwolves, including Game 1, the total points have exceeded 212 with 248, 231 and 215 points. The only instance the score fell short of this mark was when Karl-Anthony Towns was absent. Anticipate a competitive game as the Suns look to rebound from their initial loss, with the total points likely surpassing 212 once again.
Game total: over 212 points
-110
Devin Booker under 24.5 points; Anthony Edwards over 1.5 assists in the first quarter: +220 (bet365)
Booker has gone under 24.5 points in three of his last four games against the Wolves including Game 1. The only time he went over was in November of 2023 when Bradley Beal was not playing. In the three games afterwards where Beal played, his field goal attempts dropped significantly and he went under with 13, 23, and most recently 18 points. In Game 1, Jaden McDaniels guarded Booker the most and limited him to three points on 1-of-6 shooting when matched up on defence and blocked him twice. Booker will be guarded by McDaniels once again so don’t expect him to go over when one of the league’s best defenders is on his case.
Edwards has consistently delivered over 1.5 assists in the first quarter of each of the four games he has played against the Suns this season, including the playoffs. Furthermore, he has surpassed this mark in seven of his last eight games overall. Given this consistent performance, expect Ant-Man to exceed this assist total once again in Game 2.
Indiana Pacers @ Milwaukee Bucks – 8:30 p.m. ET
The Milwaukee Bucks secured a 109-94 win over the Indiana Pacers in a game that saw them playing without their superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Damian Lillard, returning to the postseason after a two-year absence, exploded for 35 points in the first half alone. On the Pacers’ side, Pascal Siakam delivered a standout performance with 36 points, 13 rebounds, and two assists.
Tyrese Haliburton over 2.5 assists in the first quarter: -150 (bet365)
Throughout the six matchups between the Pacers and Bucks this season, including Game 1, Haliburton has consistently delivered more than 2.5 assists in the first quarter of each game. Given his consistent performance in setting up plays early in the games, expect Haliburton to replicate this achievement in the first quarter of Game 2 as well.
Tyrese Haliburton over 2.5 assists in 1st quarter
-150
Dallas Mavericks @ Los Angeles Clippers – 10:00 p.m. ET
The Dallas Mavericks were defeated by the Los Angeles Clippers by a score of 109-97 in the first game of their series. The Mavericks faced a significant deficit at halftime, trailing by 26 points with only 30 points scored. James Harden led the Clippers in scoring in their victory, contributing 28 points and eight assists. In an attempt to make a comeback, Luka Doncic added 21 points in the second half, and Kyrie Irving scored 20 points in the third quarter alone. Despite their efforts, it was insufficient to overcome the early deficit.
Kyrie Irving over 25.5 points: -105 (DraftKings)
Irving finished Game 1 with 31 points, including a strong performance of 25 points in the second half. This marks his consistent scoring against the Clippers this season, having surpassed that points total in all three encounters with scores of 31, 27, and 26 points. Given the high volume of shots he’s taking — notably, aside from Kyrie and Luka, no other Mavericks player attempted more than 10 shots in Game 1 — Kyrie is well-positioned to exceed 25.5 points in Game 2. Keep an eye on him as he is likely to hit this scoring mark once again.
Ivica Zubac over 10.5 rebounds: -118 (Betano)
Zubac showcased a strong rebounding performance in Game 1 against the Mavericks, securing 15 rebounds. With 26 rebounding opportunities in that game, it’s likely he will see a similar level of chances in Game 2. Zubac played 33 minutes in Game 1, and in the last five games where he logged more than 25 minutes, he consistently grabbed significant rebounds: 12, 11, 15, 11, and 13, respectively. Based on this trend, Zubac is well-positioned to record over 10.5 rebounds in Game 2.
