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Model's Picks: Betting on NBA Playoff Upsets
21 Apr
Summary
- SportsLine model predicts Raptors to cover spread against Cavaliers.
- New York Knicks favored heavily to win against Atlanta Hawks.
- Minnesota Timberwolves have a good chance to cover against Denver.

NBA playoff action continues on Monday with three crucial games, including two in the Eastern Conference and one in the West. The Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and Denver Nuggets all secured dominant double-digit victories on Saturday, establishing 1-0 series leads. These teams aim to prove their initial success was not a fluke.
The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates games 10,000 times, provides betting recommendations. The model shows value in the Toronto Raptors covering the spread against the Cavaliers, noting their strong performance ATS this season. For the Knicks vs. Hawks game, the model predicts a nearly 79% chance of a New York victory, suggesting it's a strong parlay pick.
In the Western Conference matchup, the Minnesota Timberwolves are projected to cover the spread against the Denver Nuggets. Despite Denver's home advantage, Minnesota has a strong ATS record in recent games against conference opponents. This game is expected to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams ranking among the league's top offenses.