NBA betting: Five bets that stand out for Friday's playoff games - ESPN

The 2025 NBA playoffs continue Friday with three more Game 3s, starting with the Orlando Magic hosting the Boston Celtics (-3.5, 197.5). Boston leads the series 2-0.

Next, the Milwaukee Bucks (-5.5, 230.5) look to draw closer in the series against the Indiana Pacers, which took the first two games of the series. In the final game of the night, the Minnesota Timberwolves (-3.5, 207.5) are at home against the Los Angeles Lakers in a series that's knotted at 1-1.

Here are some of the bets that stand out for Friday's games.

Odds are as of publication time. For the most up-to-date odds, visit ESPN BET

T.J. McConnell over 12.5 points, rebounds, and assists (-125). The narrow spread suggests this will be a competitive game and McConnell has cleared this mark in eight of his last 10 games with Tyrese Haliburton on the floor. Although he's averaged just 17.3 minutes per game, McConnell's been extremely efficient. The Bucks have struggled defensively all series, and McConnell has eclipsed this line in five of six matchups against Milwaukee this season. — Eric Moody

Jaylen Brown over 34.5 points, rebounds and assists (-125). Jayson Tatum is doubtful for Game 3 against the Magic, which puts Brown in position to once again be the focal point of the Celtics' offense and play heavy minutes. Brown is more than capable of leading the charge on the road against Orlando. — Moody

Jaylen Brown over 23.5 points (-125). Like Moody, I like Brown with Tatum out. In the eight games Brown has played without Tatum this season (including playoffs), Brown has averaged 24.5 PPG. He has scored at least 24 points in five of the seven games where he played more than 22 minutes. And, as we saw in Game 2 when he dropped 36 points, Brown is back to the