NBA Odds, Best Bets and Expert Tips | May 12

I’m looking at two Conference Semifinal games for Tuesday NZT and I’ve found three bets I like across NZ betting sites. Cleveland’s home record in the playoffs has been flawless, and the Lakers are facing a sweep at the hands of the defending champs.

Cavaliers -3.5 | $1.90 @ Betandplay

I’m backing Cleveland to level this series. The Cavs are 5-0 at home in these playoffs and Donovan Mitchell has been a different player at Rocket Arena – 35 points and 10 rebounds in Game 3 on 54% shooting.

James Harden delivered when it counted most, scoring seven points in the final three minutes of the fourth quarter when Detroit were threatening to come back.

Cade Cunningham posted a triple-double but shot 37% from the floor and committed eight turnovers. Detroit are 1-3 away from Little Caesars Arena in these playoffs and I don’t think that changes here.

Over 211.5 | $2.05 @ Betista

I like the over in this game. Game 3 produced 225 combined points on a night where Cleveland shot 58% from the field. I don’t expect quite that level of efficiency again, but the pace should do the work.

Detroit grabbed 17 offensive rebounds in Game 3 and generated 19 second-chance points. Cleveland scored 27 points off turnovers. Both teams are creating extra possessions, and when that happens the total moves regardless of shooting percentages.

The line opened at 211.5. On the free bets available through most NZ bookmakers, this is a market where you can take a position without much risk.

Lakers +10.5 | $1.95 @ VipLuck

I don’t expect the Lakers to win this game. OKC are up 3-0 and haven’t dropped a playoff game all postseason. Ajay Mitchell put up 24 points and 10 assists in Game 3 while starting in place of the injured Jalen Williams, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 23 points and nine assists despite a rough start. Chet Holmgren added 18 and nine.

But this is an elimination game. LeBron James won’t let this one end without a fight. He’s working without Luka Doncic, who remains out indefinitely with a hamstring strain and reportedly isn’t close to returning.

I’m not tipping an upset – I’m tipping the Lakers compete for 48 minutes with their season on the line. You can find odds like these on most live betting sites if you’d rather watch the first quarter play out. 10.5 points is a lot of cushion.