NBA playoffs betting Four bets for Tuesday s games

Fantasy baseball forecaster Pitcher projections for the next 10 days

The first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs continues with a trio of Eastern Conference games bettors can choose from, with two teams facing elimination.

The most intriguing game on the slate is between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Joel Embiid and the 76ers are on the brink of another early playoff exit.

Let's take a closer look at my two best bets from this game and my other picks for Tuesday.

Jalen Brunson UNDER 34.5 points. He's been phenomenal this season, but this line is high. Brunson has gone under this line in two out of four games in the series. The Knicks are playing at home, and role players have a tendency to elevate their play at home. It's also worth mentioning that Brunson has gone under this line in 70% of his last 20 home games.

Tobias Harris OVER 10.5 points. Desperate times call for desperate measures because no 76ers team has come back from a 3-1 deficit to win a playoff series. Philadelphia needs to figure out a way to score points when Embiid's out of the game. Harris would get ample touches and be a primary scoring option when Embiid is out, but in order to win Tuesday, the Sixers must get Harris involved. The best way to do this could be having him come off the bench. We'll see what adjustments the 76ers make.

Jarrett Allen OVER 11.5 rebounds. He's cleared this line in two out of four games so far in this series. Allen played at home when he surpassed this line, and Game 5 takes place in Cleveland. With the series tied up, the Cavaliers will want to take care of business on their home court. This is a good spot for Allen.

Donovan Mitchell OVER 5.5 first-quarter points. He's cleared this line in three out of four games in this series. It's also worth mentioning that Mitchell has eclipsed this first quarter line in five consecutive home games and in 82% of his home games this season. He's the Cavaliers' top playmaker, and it would be surprising if they don't get him going early.

Projections and Injury Reports

Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds by ESPN BET 

Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks 7 p.m. Madison Square Garden, New York

Records (Against the Spread) 76ers: 47-35 (48-34-0) Knicks: 50-32 (44-37-1)

Line: Knicks (-4.5) Total: 203.5 Money Line: 76ers (+160), Knicks (-190) BPI Projection: Knicks by 1.2, straight up 54%, 204.8 total points.

Injury Report: 76ers: Joel Embiid, (GTD - Knee); Robert Covington, (OUT - Knee) Knicks: Jalen Brunson, (GTD - Knee); Jericho Sims, (GTD - Shoulder); Mitchell Robinson, (GTD - Ankle); Bojan Bogdanovic, (OUT - Foot); Duane Washington Jr., (OUT - Knee); Julius Randle, (OUT - Shoulder)

Orlando Magic at Cleveland Cavaliers 8 p.m. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland

Records (Against the Spread) Magic: 47-35 (50-32-0) Cavaliers: 48-34 (37-44-1)

Line: Cavaliers (-5.5) Total: 201.5 Money Line: Magic (+170), Cavaliers (-205) BPI Projection: Cavaliers by 4.3, straight up 64%, 201.7 total points.

Injury Report: Magic: None reported Cavaliers: Craig Porter, (OUT - Ankle); Dean Wade, (OUT - Knee); Ty Jerome, (OUT - Ankle)

Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks 9:30 p.m. Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee

Records (Against the Spread) Pacers: 47-35 (44-36-2) Bucks: 49-33 (35-47-0)

Line: Pacers (-4.5) Total: 215.5 Money Line: Pacers (-175), Bucks (+150) BPI Projection: Bucks by 0.6, straight up 52%, 225.0 total points.

Injury Report: Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton, (GTD - Back); Bennedict Mathurin, (OUT - Shoulder) Bucks: Damian Lillard, (GTD - Achilles); Giannis Antetokounmpo, (GTD - Calf); Khris Middleton, (GTD - Ankle); Patrick Beverley, (GTD - Oblique)