NBA Playoffs Picks – April 27th, 2022

NBA Playoffs

NBA Playoffs: Raptors (+1.5) Vs 76ers $$

The Sixers are in trouble. No team in NBA history has blown a three-game lead in an NBA Playoffs series in their 75-year history. Doing so would be an absolute nightmare for the franchise and for the legacies of all the players on this team. On the hot seat, most of all is Doc Rivers who would certainly get fired if it happens.

Next up is James Harden, who may be in his very last real opportunity to win a championship. James has a history of not showing up in the playoffs so losing in round one here would cement that label. Joel Embiid might survive the upset, but the fan’s patience for him winning in the playoffs is wearing thin. The Sixers are under intense pressure to finish this series.

Fred VanVleet missed game 5 but is listed as questionable for this matchup. Despite their All-Star guard being out, the Raptors dominated game 5 on the road. I picked the Raptors to win this series and I had almost given up on the team once Scottie Barnes went down. But the Raptors are the better team in this matchup when healthy. I expect Toronto to at least pull out game 6 and send the series back to Philadelphia. The Sixers and Doc Rivers have a history of blowing playoff leads and I don’t expect that to change tonight.

NBA Playoffs: Mavericks (+1) @ Jazz $$

This series should really be over. Mavericks won game 5 by 25 points and honestly didn’t even play well. The Jazz had an abysmal shooting night going just 3/30 from behind the arc. Typical high school teams can shoot three-pointers at a better rate than that. It was really embarrassing for the Jazz who are living up to the reputation of being NBA playoffs chokers.

Donovan Mitchell is out for this matchup which is just as well. Donovan was a pathetic 4/15 for just 9 points and a (-38) plus-minus. It could be argued that it was the Maverick’s defence that has been the difference in this series. But bad shooting or good defence makes no difference. It is the same result.

I expect both teams to shoot better in this game. Luka Doncic should have a big game tonight, possibly even a triple-double. The Mavericks and their Slovenian captain will head into the second round to meet the splash brothers in Golden State.

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Jason Grad

Jason Grad

Helping serious betters and collectors win more often and grow their portfolios. Follow me on Twitter for my daily sports picks and NFT portfolio management advice.

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