GRIZZLIES V. LAKERS
MEM -3.5
O/U 228.5
The Grizzlies know they have to win this and they will win this—decisively. Ignore the never-ending love affair with King James and the Los Angeles Lakers—it’s all just smoke and mirrors and money markets.
PRO TIP: Take the Grizzlies to win and to cover. We would over the O/U.
PREDICTION: Take a chance on either Desmond Bane or Dillon Brooks having a huge game.
BUCKS V. HEAT
MIL -9.0
O/U 218.5
Do the Heat really even stand a chance? No. We will be astonished if this isn’t an easy sweep.
PRO TIP: Take the Bucks to win and to cover. The Bucks are an offensive wrecking force, and the Heat will be throwing up everything that can to keep pace, so take the over.
PREDICTION: Butler takes the team on his shoulders, as per usual, and attempts to set a tone. He will have as big game.
CLIPPERS V. SUNS
PHX -6.5
O/U 225
This is definitely one of the more intriguing matchups of the first round. We think the Suns have more hype and ceiling, but the Clippers have a solid core with depth.
PRO TIP: We won’t call a winner, but we do think the Clippers will cover. Take the over on this one.
PREDICTION: Chris Paul gets at double double. Bones Hyland scores 10+.
TIMBERWOLVES V. NUGGETS
DEN -7.5
O/U 224.5
Is there a team more incomprehensible and unpredictable than the Timberwolves? Clearly, nobody knows what it is exactly that makes them fire on all cylinders, but with the roster they have, when they are able to do so, they are an unstoppable force. Then again, they can blow a 30+-point lead as quickly as they can establish it—especially in the playoffs (remember the 2021-2022 series against the Grizzlies?).
PRO TIP: We do think the Nuggets will win this one, but our call is that the Timberwolves will cover the spread. Definitely take the over on this—it’s going to be a slug-fest.
PREDICTION: Gobert makes a statement by getting a double double. Towns fouls out.
