After another 2-0 day (that’s 5-1 this week), we turn to tonight as the Nets and Bucks clash yet again after Kevin Durant’s sensational 49 points and triple double in game five. Who do I like? What bets do I like? Find out below:

Nets/Bucks over 220 (-110), 2 units and
Durant over 35.5 points (-120), 1.5 units and
Giannis over 51.5 P/R/A (-108), 1.5 units:

Kevin Durant didn’t only put on a sensational performance Tuesday night, he put on one of the greatest performances in NBA playoffs history. Durant shot 16 of 23 from the field for 49 points along with 17 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. Those are absolutely insane numbers. For a span of time in the second half, the ball went to him on every single possession as his teammates looked for him to score. And he did, time and time again, as his 69.5% shooting percentage indicates. It was a brilliant, high-pressure spot and he showed why he’s one of the best ever. It was Kobe like, Curry like, even MJ like. And just ask anyone who knows me– I don’t say that often.

Now, it’s Giannis’ turn. The Greek-Freak didn’t have a horrible time at the free throw line in game five (4/7) but it won’t be the charity stripe that’ll decide tonight’s game. Giannis has to put his team on his shoulders and carry the load as game six heads to Fiserv Forum in front of his home fans. The former MVP knows he’ll have a target on his back because it’s the only way the Bucks will win and I like his P/R/A prop to soar over even more because I don’t think this will be a blowout. While the other 2 games in Milwaukee were defensive showcases, the Bucks were overwhelmed by Brooklyn’s attack 2 nights ago and I don’t think they’ll want to overly depend on their defense to win this contest. Giannis will have to force his way into the front court and feed the ball to the open man every chance he gets. Expect a huge game six for the Bucks’ star.

The Nets found a way to get Durant the ball in game five. That high pick and roll worked and it worked often. I said it in the last article and I’ll say it in this one– don’t underplay Steve Nash’s ability to scheme with his veteran talent. With Durant solely leading the way and his supporting cast doing a great job at finding ways to get open (Griffin, Green, and Shamet had great games Tuesday– Harris needs to do more), I have little doubt that Brooklyn can keep pace when Milwaukee turns on the jets at home. I also have little doubt that Durant can have a repeat performance. Expect the same angry and motivated Durant to put on a show as him and Antetokounmpo go bell to bell for 48 minutes.

This one will be a battle but as both teams find a rhythm, I’ll choose to skip picking a side and instead we’ll count on Giannis, Durant and the offensive genius of these two elite franchises. Get the popcorn ready!

Well these NBA playoffs are certainly taking a turn. As if the Suns haven’t been through enough and proven their merit enough to earn better fortune, we’ve learned that Chris Paul is under COVID-protocol and his status in the coming days/weeks is uncertain. But wait, that’s not all! Top 3 NBA player Kawhi Leonard might have torn his ACL and his timetable to return is also uncertain. In the words of this generation: OMG. With that crap fresh in our minds and a full 2-game slate in front us tonight, here are my picks:

Trae Young over 27.5 points (-120), 2 units: Unfortunately this is the only bet I like in this game but I like it a lot. Remember when the Hawks beat the Sixers 2 nights ago? #MeToo, but I also remember many of us forgetting just how good the Hawks can play when the pressure is on. There’s no pressure like a game 5 when the series is tied 2-2 and if there’s anyone we can count on to step up, it’s Trae Young. Once the young sharpshooter woke up in the 2nd quarter of game four, he was the biggest difference on offense for Atlanta, scoring 25 points in just 2 1/2 quarters of play. Atlanta will need Trae to put on a big performance tonight as the Hawks travel to Wells Fargo for this pivotal inflexion point in the series. I know his shoulder is bothering him but that doesn’t seem to matter when the going gets tough. In five away games this postseason, Trae is averaging 35 ppg. Count on the young star to that supervillain attitude and a big scoring night into Philly.

Clippers +8 (-105), 2 units: What happens when a star player goes down to an injury and a great team has to face the postseason without him? They crumble, right? Not so fast, my friends. A team as stacked and loaded as the Clippers often creates even MORE motivation and I think that could work wonders for LAC tonight. Now that Kawhi is out the talent, on paper, is a lot more even between Utah and Los Angeles. The Jazz are one of the best home teams in the NBA but that doesn’t mean they’re unbeatable. Look through the team stats in games three and four and you’ll be hard pressed to find ANY statistic where the Clippers didn’t out-perform or simply dominate the Jazz. Kawhi is the anchor but this is a complete team with even more reason to get fired up Wednesday.

In no way should the Clippers be valued as an 8 point underdog tonight. We play numbers because that’s what great sports bettors do and regardless of the outcome, this is the right side according to Gambling 101 and what we know about the Clippers’ as a unit. Trust bets like this and over time, the stacks of cabbage will come.