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The NBA postseason continues Tuesday with the second half of the bracket set to start Round 1 action. Here's everything you need to know about the matchups from a betting perspective.
Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks (-12, 225)
This is a really, really bad draw for a Magic offense that's No. 27 in the league in both efficient field-goal percentage and true shooting percentage.
Orlando can't create many shots, and it won't have much success down low against a Bucks defense that's No. 1 in both defensive rating and paint points allowed per game.
The Magic have averaged a dismal 96.9 points per contest over the last eight meetings against the Bucks, which includes eight consecutive team total unders.
Let's go right back to the well, as that streak will be extended to nine in a row.
Pick: Magic team total under 106.5
Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat (-4, 216.5)
The Pacers don't necessarily interest me as a team to buy. What I am keen on is an underrated Heat offense currently ranked No. 1 in true shooting percentage, No. 3 in efficient field-goal percentage, and No. 7 in overall rating.
The Heat, who lost to the Pacers to close out the regular season, have covered 22 of their last 30 games following a loss. Bet Miami here at a bargain.
Pick: Heat -4
Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (-1.5, 225.5)
The Thunder's defense got the better of Houston during the regular season. Oklahoma City held the league's No. 2 scoring offense to an average of just 105 points in three meetings. The Thunder covered all three games, while the Rockets were 3-0 to the team total under.
It might take a game or two for Houston to adjust without Russell Westbrook, who's averaging 27.2 points per game as the complement to James Harden. Take another team total under here.
Pick: Rockets team total under 112.5
Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers (-5.5, 229)
This is an interesting spread. Do you trust LeBron James and the Lakers, or ride the hot hand with the Trail Blazers? Frankly, the total's where the value is.
Portland's defense has no shot against the Lakers if it plays as poorly as it did during the restart. The Blazers allowed eight of their nine opponents to cash the team total over, as they surrendered an average of 123.2 points per game.
The Lakers haven't been elite offensively, but they are No. 5 in the NBA in efficient field-goal percentage. They'll score whenever they want, Portland will be forced to play catch up, and Damian Lillard and his career 27.7 points per game against L.A. will be enough for Game 1 to sail comfortably over the total.
Pick: Over 229
(Odds source: theScore Bet)
Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.
