We’re at the point in the first round of the NBA playoffs where every contest is an elimination game. That’s the case on Friday, as three separate teams try to fend off defeat and force a deciding Game 7.
The Detroit Pistons are battling the Orlando Magic in Central Florida. The Cleveland Cavaliers are North or the border attempting to dispatch the Toronto Raptors. While the Los Angeles Lakers are the only underdogs in a crucial Game 6 versus the Houston Rockets.
Let’s evaluate the BetMGM betting data to see where the money is flowing ahead of these three playoff showdowns.
Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic
Spread: DET -3.5 (-115) | ORL +3.5 (-105)
Moneyline: DET -160 | ORL +135
Total: 209.5 Over (-110) | Under (-110)
The Pistons are collecting more money than any other team on the spread, indicative of their perceived superiority; however, there is a growing faction of Magic moneyline supporters who are getting a piece of Orlando to close out the series at home.
As it stands, the Magic are the most bet team on the moneyline in terms of ticket count. While the ticket count surge could be spurred by public support, there is an equal amount of support going in both directions. That positions BetMGM to maintain current betting lines, balancing exposure on the moneyline with an influx of Pistons cash against the spread.
That even action is also captured in the props market, as two scorers are attracting most of the betting action as “first scorer”. Paolo Banchero is the fourth-most bet prop of the night, with Cade Cunningham checking in at second.
This has been one of the hardest fought series from start to finish, and the betting market reflects that again today. Considering the even betting action, BetMGM will be content to hold steady on its current offerings.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors
Spread: CLE -3.5 (-110) | TOR +3.5 (-110)
Moneyline: CLE -175 | TOR +145
Total: 219.5 Over (-110) | TOR (-110)
Home court has been the deciding advantage in every game this series, with the hosts going a perfect 5-0. The Raptors hope that trend will persist one more game, helping them force a winner-take-all showdown in The Forest City.
Unfortunately for Toronto, the betting action is concentrated on the visiting Cavaliers. Nearly 65% of Game 6’s handle is coming in on the visitors. But like the other Eastern Conference clash, public bettors are dumping their bets on the Raps. Toronto is collecting 71% of tickets, albeit with a less inspired 59% of the handle.
The prop market has been a refuge for some bettors, with Jakob Poetl under 11.5 rebounds and Brandon Ingram under 24.5 points ranked as two of the top bets by ticket count in this one.
Again, this is an ideal position for BetMGM, implying the betting lines should hold steady as we approach tip-off.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets
Spread: LAL +3.5 (-110) | HOU -3.5 (-110)
Moneyline: LAL +140 | HOU -170
Total: 206.5 Over (-110) | Under (-110)
After storming off to a 3-0 series lead, the Lakers have dropped two straight and lost all of the momentum. The betting market reflects that switch, with bettors hammering the Rockets on Friday night.
It’s a modest but achievable spread for Houston. Winning the last two games by a combined 25 points, the Rockets are short -3.5 favorites at Toyota Center. That’s a tantalizing position for sharp bettors, who have taken a 60% stake in the Rockets. Still, with 80% of that handle coming in on the Lakers moneyline, this is turning into an all-or-nothing game for most bettors.
The most interesting betting data lies in the total. Holding steady at 206.5, there is a clear dichotomy forming between public and professional bettors. Over 68% of the tickets are coming in on the over, accounting for just 38% of the handle. That suggests that BetMGM has taken some significant money on the under, coming from a small pool of sharp minds.
Balance is the theme of the night, and that’s the case in this Western Conference clash. Bettors are split on spread and moneyline, putting BetMGM in an enviable position. Like the sportsbook, we get to sit back and enjoy the action, hoping these magical playoff series get extended to Game 7.
New to sports betting? First, explore our Introduction to Sports Betting. Then check out our recommendations at Flip The Switch for online sportsbooks, along with offers to get started. And if you’re not an avid sports fan, you can still find some fun and unusual bets to enjoy!
