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A chaotic weekend of playoff basketball provides us with some intriguing second-round series, many of which could go the distance. We're back with our best bets for Monday's slate.
Thunder @ Mavericks (-1.5, O/U 214.5)
The Thunder finally showed their youth this postseason as they suffered two straight losses to the Mavs. Oklahoma City is desperate to win Game 4, hoping to avoid a daunting 3-1 deficit.
Luka Doncic is averaging 23 points through three games, and the Mavs still hold a 2-1 series lead. Despite Doncic's struggles as he nurses various injuries, Dallas' supporting cast - mainly P.J. Washington - has fulfilled the scoring load.
The Mavs' defense has tempered the Thunder's offensive attack, and Dallas has predictably dominated Oklahoma City's small and thin frontcourt on the glass. The winner of each game has also won the rebounding battle. The Thunder must - and will - return to prioritizing the boards like in Game 1.
This series has the makings of a classic between two hungry teams. The skepticism surrounding the Thunder because of their playoff inexperience may be warranted, but I'm not counting on the other Mavs players to continue carrying the load. And until Doncic's injury subsides, I can't trust him or Dallas to win three straight against the Thunder.
Pick: Thunder +1.5
Jrue Holiday: Under 12.5 points
Jimmy Butler earned the nickname "Playoff Jimmy" by elevating his game in the postseason. Holiday has a similar name but with a different connotation. When someone says "Playoff Jrue Holiday," they're referring to the 33-year-old's constant disappointing postseason performances.
Even as the Celtics cruise through the East, this year has been no exception.
Holiday's averaging 9.4 points on 40% shooting this postseason, down from his season averages of 12.5 on 48% shooting. He's reached over 13 points twice in eight playoff games. Despite Holiday scoring 18 points on 7-for-10 shooting in Game 3 against the Cavs, he'll return to being a facilitating point guard who attempts few shots in Game 4.
Odds: -120
Evan Mobley: Over 15.5 points
Mobley has been on an impressive tear since Jarrett Allen's rib injury sidelined him in the opening round. Mobley's the sole big in the lineup and has more operating space around the rim when Allen is off the floor.
He's averaging 18.3 points against the Celtics this series and has scored at least 17 in all three games. Boston is still missing Kristaps Porzingis. Without his rim protection, it's even easier for Mobley to score against the Celtics.
Allen is listed as questionable to return Monday. I'd wait until Allen is declared out before pulling the trigger on this prop. If Allen is upgraded to active, I'd stay away. Mobley's role with and without Allen is completely different.
Odds: +100
Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.
