NBA Odds, Best Bets and Expert Tips | May 2

I’ve got three NBA betting tips for Saturday’s action. Orlando are on the brink of history against Detroit, and Toronto’s injury report has me leaning hard toward Cleveland. Over in the West, Houston’s revival without Kevin Durant has been one of the better first-round subplots.

Magic ML | $1.85 @ VipLuck

Cade Cunningham was sensational in Game 5 - 45 points, a franchise record, and a step-back over Desmond Bane with a minute left that put the crowd into a frenzy. But Detroit needed all of that just to win by seven at home.

Orlando still lead 3-2 and now the series returns to the Kia Center. Franz Wagner is out with a right calf strain and hasn’t played since leaving Game 4 in the third quarter.

Paolo Banchero can handle it. He matched Cunningham’s 45 in the loss, going 17-of-31 from the floor with nine rebounds and seven assists. The Magic won Games 3 and 4 at home by eight and six without needing Wagner to dominate.

I’m backing them to close it on new betting sites offering $1.85.

Cavaliers -3.5 | $1.90 @ Betandplay

Toronto’s injury list is ugly heading into this one. Brandon Ingram left Game 5 after 11 minutes with a heel problem he’s been managing on and off all season. Scottie Barnes is hobbling with a quad issue.

Immanuel Quickley hasn’t played a single game in this series - he was ruled out before it started with a hamstring strain. That’s three of their most important players either gone or severely limited for an elimination game.

Cleveland took Game 5 at home 125-120 and Evan Mobley looked like a different player in the second half, finishing with 23 points on 8-of-13 shooting. Donovan Mitchell drilled three triples - he’s done that in four of five games this series. Toronto don’t have the bodies to respond if Ingram can’t go or plays limited.

Rockets ML | $1.95 @ Betista

I fancy Houston to level this series. The Rockets trailed 3-0 and have won two straight without Kevin Durant, who hasn’t played since injuring his ankle in Game 2. Amen Thompson went for 23 points and seven assists in the Game 4 win.

The younger guys on this Houston roster are growing into the playoffs. Tari Eason had 20 points and eight rebounds in Game 4 as well.

LA got Austin Reaves back for Game 5 but still lost 99-93. Luka Doncic is out for the entire first round with a hamstring strain, and their offence looked disjointed even with Reaves on the floor. LeBron James managed just 10 points in Game 4.

Houston at Toyota Center with all the momentum - $1.95 for a home win on betting apps in NZ is value I’m happy to take.