NBA Odds, Best Bets and Expert Tips | May 8

Cleveland’s turnover problem in Game 1 was bad enough to swing the result, but it’s the kind of issue a coaching staff fixes overnight. I’ve also got an under from that same game and another Thunder cover across NBA betting sites for Friday NZT - OKC’s depth is too much for a depleted Lakers squad.

Cavaliers +3.5 | $1.90 @ VipLuck

Cleveland were sloppy in Game 1, not outclassed. The Cavaliers coughed up 20 turnovers and got to the free-throw line just 16 times compared to Detroit’s 35. That’s a 19-attempt gap at the stripe, and it’s not sustainable across a series.

Donovan Mitchell and James Harden combined for 45 points, and Evan Mobley had 14 with nine rebounds. The scoring was there. What killed them was the giveaways - Detroit turned those into 31 points.

Detroit’s 10-point win was inflated by the free-throw differential. This is still a 52-win Cleveland team with two of the best guards in the East. On the best legal betting sites, $1.90 on the Cavaliers covering is where I’m going.

Under 216.5 | $1.90 @ Betista

Game 1 went for 212 total points, and I think Game 2 dips below that. Both coaching staffs will have adjustments ready. Detroit forced 20 turnovers from Cleveland, which inflated the scoring. If the Cavaliers protect the ball better, they’ll also slow the game down - fewer live-ball turnovers means fewer transition points for Detroit.

The Pistons held Orlando to 94 points in Game 7 at home. Cleveland’s defence is good enough to grind too, and I’d expect a lower-scoring affair as both sides tighten up.

Thunder -9.5 | $1.95 @ Betandplay

I backed the Thunder at -10.5 in Game 1 and they won by 18. The number might come down slightly for Game 2, but the gap between these rosters hasn’t closed.

OKC got that win with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander having a poor game by his standards - seven turnovers and 18 points on 15 shots. Chet Holmgren was the one who did the damage, going for 24 and 12. Austin Reaves shot 3-for-16 for the Lakers, and Jarred Vanderbilt left with a dislocated pinky after colliding with the backboard. 

Luka Doncic said this week his original timeline was eight weeks from April 2 - he’s not coming back for this series.

If you’re on betting apps in NZ for the playoffs, OKC covering 9.5 at home is where I’d put my money.