A Play-In Parlay To Set The NBA Playoffs

NBA Play-In Games

I don't write about the NBA often. Most of the time when I do it, the content is in a tweet or something else. But, for the most part, I don't publish much about basketball on Outkick. It is the one sport that I sell picks for, and I can understand if you have a problem for that, but we all are trying to make money one way or another. But, considering this is a one-day thing for the NBA playoffs, let's put together a nice parlay to try and cash for the Friday slate that finalizes the playoffs. 

Hawks and Heat

There are a lot of reasons to think this will be a good game. The two teams know each other well, being from the same division, they have history against each other, seemingly don't really like each other, and split their season series.  Atlanta did win three more games than Miami this season, so they get the opportunity to host this game. The game is essentailly a pick'em and there is no question that the Heat looked like a playoff team in their first game while the Hawks looked awful. Here are the legs I'm playing for this game:

Kel'el Ware 8+ points
Kel'el Ware 7+ rebounds 
Trae Young under 3.5 threes made

When you talk about players with a motor, Ware is one of those guys. He is high energy, flies around the court, and looks for ways to be involved in plays despite not getting a ton of run. In two of the three games that he had real playing time against the Hawks, he hit these numbers easily. I think he can get there again and wouldn't be shocked if he got a double-double. Trae Young's line is just too high. He has hit just 2.6 threes per game at home this season, and only has one game where he had over three threes made against the Heat. They just caused Coby White to shoot 5-for-20 against them, the Heat are going to make someone else beat them. 
 

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 17: Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat reacts after scoring during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers of the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament at the Wells Fargo Center on April 17, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images and Getty Creatives)

Mavs and Grizzlies

The Mavericks made light work of the Kings who basically became the Western Conference version of the Bulls. It was clear, Dallas was the better team. The Grizzlies were competitive against the Warriors, but just couldn't get it done. I'm a little surprised about the line here, but Memphis is really good at home, so I also somewhat understand it. Here are the legs that I will add for this one: 

Zach Edey 10+ rebounds
Anthony Davis under 1.5 threes 

If you've watched Edey since Taylor Jenkins has left the team, you'd notice just how involved he has been on the glass. It is almost like someone told him "Hey, you're freaking huge, go grab the ball." Novel concept. His rebounding total in April: 94 in six games, plus another 17 against the Warriors in the last game. He had fewer in more or equal games in each month outside of March and February where he had 105, and 101, respectively, in at least five more games. You could probably take over 11.5 or 12.5 if you want and still hit this leg. I'm just being a bit more conservative. Davis hit three of six three-point attempts which I think is the reason this line is offered, normally it is over/under 0.5 makes. For the season, he has made two or more threes in 12 total games. They do tend to come in stretches together, but I prefer the under here.

The total parlay comes out ot +475 or better depending on where you play it. Let's take a shot on some of these less risky plays. 

For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024