Today's NBA best bets, odds, expert picks, player props: Jazz vs. Mavericks, more

 Today's NBA best bets, odds, expert picks, player props: Jazz vs. Mavericks, more

The NBA playoffs are continuing Monday with three more games available for bettors to focus on: Celtics vs Nets (-1), Raptors vs 76ers (8), and Jazz vs Mavericks (3). While the 76ers, Celtics, and Mavericks will all be looking to close their series, Luka Doncic is and has been favored by the Mavs with the series tied at just two games each. Let's first take a look at Monday's NBA odds and key betting trends before we place any bets.

One trend to be noted is that BetQL's NBA model has gone 15-6 (72%%) on O/U Picks rated three stars or higher in the last 14 days, for an overall return of $764 on $100 wagers.

NBA Playoffs - Best odds, expert picks, and betting trends Monday

Trends: This season was a disaster for Nets and it doesn’t look like it will get better. The Celtics are poised for a sweep. What was once intended to be the debut of Ben Simmons is now just another game in which Kyrie Irving or Kevin Durant will attempt to find their way.

The Celtics are 16-4 against teams with winning records this season on the road. Each game has felt more competitive than the last. Durant averages 22 points per game, shooting 36.5 percent from deep and committing 17 turnovers. Irving is averaging just 21.7 points per contest and shooting 33 percent from deep.

The Nets look like they are ready to take a vacation, while the Celtics have the game and the talent to reach the NBA Finals. It's hard to imagine a Boston win tonight and a sweep.

Top Player Prop Jayson Tatum 35+ (+1160) on DraftKings Tatum is scoring just under 30 points per game against Brooklyn in this series. Tatum's chance to win this series and put Brooklyn out its misery is more than reasonable. Tatum also scored 39 points in Game 3. Tatum's scoring is varied against a Nets team that has been struggling. He makes three triples each game and nearly nine free throws.

BetQL Staff Pick: Celtics -105 ML. The Nets are finished, plain and simply. They seem defeated and disillusioned, and Irving speaks of them still "jelling", it's obvious that they lack confidence in their abilities. Look at what's happening on the court, and forget about any trends or statistics. This team lacks chemistry. Durant appears like a shadow and the Celtics appear like a team capable of winning it all. Boston looks poised to take the Nets out their misery tonight so that we can all move past this terrible season in Brooklyn.

Raptors at 76ers (8), O/U 209.5

Trends: Joel Embiid's tolerance to pain will be the main question. Last game was a struggle for Embiid's right thumb, particularly early on. He shot just 7-for-16 at the field and scored 21 points. To close this series, the Sixers will need at minimum a decent effort from the MVP candidate.

The Raptors scored 34 points from Pascal Siakam in Game 4 and are currently 30-18 ATS. This is despite playing against a winning team this season. They hope to exploit the Embiid injuries again. Fred VanVleet has been out injured with a left hip flexor strain. This will make it more difficult for the Raptors. They are currently 23-14 ATS at home this season. It will be a tough task to win on the road and overcome VanVleet's absence. Is Apiece a Good Bet?