NBA Preview: May 1

The second round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs are now underway. On Monday night we will see a game one versus Boston and Philadelphia, and game two between Phoenix and Denver.

Philadelphia 76ers @ Boston Celtics– 7:30 PM ET

With 76ers center Joel Embiid doubtful for game one with a sprained lateral collateral ligament, the Celtics should win game one with relative ease. Boston is currently a nine point favourite, and don’t be surprised if the line moves to double digits when the 76ers officially announce Embiid out. Even though the 76ers are stating that Embiid has a Grade 1 LCL sprain, there is a belief that the injury is significantly more serious than the reported diagnosis, and he could be out a significant period of time longer than the initial day-to-day estimation.

The total point line is currently at 213.5. I like the over here because the 76ers were struggle defensively with Embiid not at 100% even if he does play. With Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum both scoring at a prolific pace, the Celtics have all of the momentum at the moment.

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Phoenix Suns @ Denver Nuggets–10 PM ET

The Suns won the first game of the best out of seven series by a score of 125-107 on Saturday. They were one of two NBA franchises to win a round two game so far as the Miami Heat beat the New York Knicks 108-101 on Sunday.

In Denver’s win, Jamal Murray led the way with 34 points, while Nikola Jokic had the double double as he had 24 points and 19 rebounds. The Nuggets are 4.5 point favourites two days after beating the Suns by 18. Take Denver to cover the spread. I also like the under at 227.5 as I see both teams tighten things up defensively more after a combined total of 232 points were scored in game one.

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