NBA Playoffs Expert Picks Tonight: Nuggets Roll in LA

Just like that, many of the NBA's first round series are onto Game 3. With the NBA playoffs in full swing, we're here with our expert NBA playoff picks and insights to help you build that bankroll.

Let's take a look at spread, moneyline and total plays to help you beat the books tonight:

Jump To Picks:

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Orlando Magic

Matchup Page: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Orlando Magic, 7pm ET

Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers +2

The Orlando Magic did nothing to offer any sign of fight in the first two games in this series.

Crucially, the Magic shot just 32% from the field and 8 of 37 fro deep in Game 1, before knocking down just 25% of shots from three in Game 2. That’s simply not going to get it done against a team that boast the talent of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.

On top of that, the Magic have no answer for Jarrett Allen inside. The big man is currently averaging 16 points and 19 rebounds to go along with 2 steals, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game this series. He’s evolved into the Magic’s worst nightmare.

I like Cleveland to get it done and take a 3-0 series lead in Orlando on Thursday night. Chris cooked up a wicked same-game parlay to help you win big on Game 3.

New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers

Matchup Page: New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers, 7:30pm ET

Pick: New York Knicks +5

Dive into my friend Chris Walder's Knicks-Sixers same-game parlay for tonight.

After a wild ending, and some hot shooting, gave the New York Knicks a 2-0 series lead over the 76ers, I love Tom Thibodeau’s team to come out hot again in Game 3.

Jalen Brunson and co. have now won six of their last eight games against Philadelphia. The men from the Mecca actually won both games in Philly this season, despite being as high as 5.5-point underdogs.

It’s strange that Brunson has actually been kept mostly in check, and yet, the Knicks have won both contests. However, Josh Hart and the Knicks’ role players have been on fire. While Dante DiVicenzio knocked down a huge game-winning three. There’s just something about this Villanova trio and big games.

Embiid’s clearly at less than 100% out there. Nick Nurse has yet to decipher Thibodeau’s defensive code. Tobias Harris has been awful. Plus, the Knicks just seem to play at a different speed. Give me the Knicks at +4.5.

New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers

Matchup Page: New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers, 7:30pm ET

Pick: Philadelphia 76ers -5

Up five with 30 seconds left in Game 2, the 76ers suffered an epic meltdown that allowed New York to steal a victory in the Garden. This series is closer than the Knicks’ 2-0 lead would indicate--a fact likely to be emphasized by a Philadelphia team and fan base frothing for revenge on Thursday night. Joel Embiid appears to be playing through his knee issue, home teams have dominated in the playoffs, and everything is lined up for Philly to win and cover at home.

Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers

Matchup Page: Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers, 9:30pm ET

Pick: Denver Nuggets +1.5

Denver’s comeback from 20 points down in Game 2 was a knife to the heart of a Lakers team that doesn’t have a lot of bench depth and still can’t figure out how to guard Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets are 5-0  against the Lakers this season and postseason, and have been one of the best teams against the spread all year. LA’s near miss in the Mile High City in Game 2 marked just their third cover in their last eight outings.