Best NBA Bets Today: Odds & Picks for every playoff game on Saturday, May 9

Germantas Kneita

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Like most Lithuanians, I started watching basketball from the age of six. I'm based out in London and played basketball at the University of Lincoln here in the UK. I had always had an interest in the NBA but things really took off in the summer of 2010. That year Linas Kleiza led Lithuania to 3rd place at the World Championships and signed with the Toronto Raptors to replace the departing Chris Bosh. I've been a Raptors fan since that day and I've not missed a game since. I've been handicapping games for more than a decade, specializing in player props. For Germantas Kneita media enquiries, please email contact@pickswise.com.

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Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers best bet: Jarrett Allen over 11.5 points (-115)

Jarrett Allen announced himself in this series in his last outing, finishing the game with 22 points. The center was incredibly efficient in the game, making 77.8% of his field goal attempts along with 80% from the free throw line. It is no surprise as he had success against the Pistons in the regular season too, averaging 17.7 points per game against them, 2.3 points over his season average. Allen has the advantage of playing with guards like James Harden, Donovan Mitchell and Dennis Schroder who can all break down their defender and draw help. That is when Allen becomes an offensive threat in the dunkers spot and as an offensive rebounder. Look for him to influence this game offensively in Game 3 once again.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers best bet: Thunder -8.5 (-110)

The Thunder have not been worried by the Lakers through the opening 2 games, winning both by 18 points. While going out on the road should make things more difficult, they have been successful there. They finished the regular season with the most road wins in the league, beating the Lakers on the road twice by at least a 9-point margin too. The visitors won both road games by at least this margin in their previous series against the Phoenix Suns as well. Without Luke Doncic the hosts have lacked the depth to compete with this Thunder team and have not shown enough for us to pick them to stay competitive at home. The visitors lead all teams this postseason in offensive rating and their work on that side of the court should allow them to cover the spread here.