NBA picks today: Expert selections, odds for 76ers-Hawks and Jazz-Clippers

Every day during the NBA Playoffs, The Athletic’s NBA writers will make their picks straight up. We put our picks and all series coverage, plus the latest odds, all in one place for fans to easily digest and follow. Our in-depth coverage from every team is linked below the picks. If you’d like a free year of The Athletic (or an extension!), BetMGM is running a special offer, which also includes $100 in bonus bets.

Game 6 – Philadelphia 76ers (-3) at Atlanta Hawks
Total: 221.5

In the short-term, Game 5 flipped this series on its head. In the long-term, it could go down as a franchise-altering game for either or both teams. The 76ers led by 25 points with less than 16 minutes left in the game. It should have been over. Then, Atlanta just blew away Philly down the stretch to stun the home crowd. The Hawks outscored Philly 51-23 to close the game.

The 76ers have blown big leads in the last two games, but are still favored in Game 6. The interesting contradiction of that is that Atlanta is favored in the series. The Hawks are -160 to advance and the specific series outcome with the most likely odds is Hawks in six (+115). The 76ers are +135 to win the next two games and advance to the conference finals.

Game 6 – Utah Jazz (-2) at Los Angeles Clippers
Total: 219.5

The Hawks’ surprise comeback win in Game 5 was followed by the Kawhi Leonard-less Clippers beating the Jazz in Utah. After going down 2-0, the Clips have now won three straight and are a game away from the conference finals. Paul George had 37 points, 16 rebounds and five assists, a performance that will enhance his playoff reputation.

Even after that road win, the Clippers are still without Leonard, which is why the Jazz are favored on the road facing elimination. The Clippers are -185 to advance with the Jazz at +150 to stage the comeback.

NBA Playoffs picks records

NBA Playoffs