NBA Picks, Predictions: Our ‘Buckets’ Best Bets for Tuesday’s NBA Playoffs Games (May 7)

We have two more NBA Playoffs series in action on Tuesday, as the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals and the Dallas Mavericks meet the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.

Even though there are two games on the docket, our crew from the "Buckets" podcast is focused on only one game: Cavs vs. Celtics.

Check out the full episode of "Buckets" below, and be sure to continue reading for all four of their best bets for Tuesday night's Eastern Conference clash.

By Sean Little

In the four games Jarrett Allen played, the Cavs were -29 when he was off the floor. They easily could've lost Game 5 and lost the series when he went out, but they squeaked it out.

Boston has been dominant in the first half all year long. It was 56-25-1 against the spread in the first half during the regular season. The C's also had the No. 1 defensive rating in the first halves of the playoffs, and I don't care that they were playing Miami.

In the regular season, they were fifth in defensive rating in the first half.

By Jay Money

I think the fact that the Cavs played around with their food in the last series sets them up for a bad spot in this game.

Jarrett Allen means a ton in this one, especially with Kristaps Porzingis' absence. With just Evan Mobley on the floor, the Cavs lack a premier rim defender.

The Celtics can score at all three levels, even without Kristaps, so I think Boston will score points in the paint if Allen is off the floor.

The Cavs will be running on fumes after a seven-game series — especially against a well-rested Celtics team.

By Michael Fiddle

This game is an under spot.

This line is floating in no man's land as a result of the Jarrett Allen news. We know he warmed up in both Games 6 and 7 against the Magic, and I expect him to be active even though he's a game-time decision right now.

There were three points of line movement, and there will be an opportunity to get a late over, but I think this is a solid position for the under. I have capped all the math out on Twitter.

By Sean Little

I have to back the Celtics big in this spot.

I have a lot of respect for Orlando and how it played in the first round, but I was more worried about the Cavs. We already talked about Jarrett Allen's status and the importance of him on the floor.

The Celtics covered the number in all four wins in the first half against the Heat. They've been showing up in the first 24 minutes. I was never worried about the Celtics starting the game; it was always the end of the game when it got tight.

I think the Celtics roll tonight with an early start and cruise to a Game 1 win.

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