NBA Playoffs picks, odds for Celtics-Hawks, Cavs-Knicks, Nuggets-Timberwolves, Kings-Warriors Game 4s

There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. There’s….

Dorothy only clicked her heels three times for a reason.

After sweeping the Hawks at home, the Celtics traveled to Atlanta and wilted to the 130 points put up against them. The Knicks split the first two games in Cleveland and returned home, and provided the raucous MSG crowd with plenty of good times. The Warriors have been “that guy you never have to worry about with your girlfriend” on the road this season and had the beam lit up twice in Sacramento. At home, the Warriors have clinked the bottles together asking everyone if they want to play, posting the third-best home record in the NBA. The trend was their friend as they dispatched the Kings in Game 3. Then there’s the Timberwolves. After getting spanked twice in Denver, well, Dorothy didn’t click her heels four times.

This is when things get real. The Celtics, Knicks and Kings can put a stranglehold on their series with a victory in Game 4. In the history of the NBA, only 13 teams have returned from a 3-1 deficit. As for the Timberwolves, what’s real is the vacation staring in their face.

During the NBA Playoffs, The Athletic’s writers will make their straight-up picks. You’ll find picks, coverage and the latest odds here. Our in-depth NBA coverage is linked below the picks. For live NBA odds from BetMGM, .

No. 5 Knicks vs. No. 4 Cavaliers

1 p.m. ET on ABC

What are the odds for the Knicks vs. Cavaliers?

Series: Knicks lead 2-1

Series odds: Knicks -200, Cavs +165

This series has brought a tear to Tom Thibodeau, as it’s been all about defense. Pat Riley and the 90s Knicks are currently smiling with pride.

There have only been two times when either team scored over 100 points. The Knicks scored 101 in Game 1, and the Cavs had 107 in Game 2.

It shouldn’t be too surprising since the teams were 26th and 30th in offensive pace during the regular season, while the Cavs boasted the league’s best defense.

Cleveland was 20-21 on the road while New York was 23-18 at home during the regular season. The Knicks were an impressive 24-17 on the road this season, so it would be daunting if the Cavs go down 3-1.

So far, the winner of each game has scored more fast break points and points in the paint.

Expert picks for Knicks vs. Cavaliers

No. 6 Warriors vs. No. 3 Kings

3:30 p.m. ET on ABC

What are the odds for the Warriors vs. Kings?

Series: Kings lead 2-1

Series odds: Warriors -120, Kings +100

Game 1 was a close affair, as the final score was 126-123 in favor of Sacramento. Both teams shot well (47.8% for the Warriors and 44.9% for the Kings). In the trenches was where the game was won, though. The Kings had 17 offensive rebounds and had a 60 to 44 points-in-the-paint advantage.

In Game 2, both teams shot well again (47.6% for the Warriors and 45.7% for the Kings). Once again, the Kings had a huge advantage with 54 points in the paint compared to only 40 for the Warriors.

In Game 3, Golden State buckled down, holding the Kings to 38% shooting from the field and only 38 points in the paint, compared to 40 for the Warriors.

It was an impressive win for the Warriors without Draymond Green. Now, they get him back, and if Golden State starts cooking and going on a run, how will the Kings respond? This is uncharted territory for them, while the Warriors are grizzled veterans.

Golden State was 33-8 at home but only 11-30 on the road during the regular season.

Expert picks for Warriors vs. Kings

No. 7 Hawks vs. No. 2 Celtics

7 p.m. ET on TNT

What are the odds for Hawks vs. Celtics?

Series: Celtics lead 2-1

Series odds: Celtics -2000, Hawks +1000

During the regular season, the Celtics boasted the second-best offensive rating in all of basketball. Scoring hasn’t been an issue and, in the first three games of this series, they have scored 112, 119 and 122 points while converting 47.7%, 55.8% and 48.9% of their shot attempts.

Boston also boasted the second-best defensive rating during the regular season and limited Atlanta to 38.8% and 42.6% shooting in the first two games. In Game 3, though, the Hawks went nuclear by draining 56% of their shots.

It happens. During the regular season, Boston allowed 20 teams to shoot at least 50% against them. They lost seven of those contests.

The Hawks haven’t been able to slow down the Celtics’ offense, and it’s unlikely they will. If they are going to win, it will be on the heels of their offense. Can they get hot? Absolutely. Can they shoot over 50%, leading them to three more victories?

*Shakes Magic 8 ball*

Outlook not so good.

Expert picks for Hawks vs. Celtics

No. 8 Timberwolves vs. No. 1 Nuggets

9:30 p.m. ET on TNT

What are the odds for the Timberwolves vs. Nuggets?

Series: Nuggets lead 3-0

Series odds: Nuggets -10000, Timberwolves +4000

The Nuggets had the best record in the Western Conference. They were fifth in offensive rating and 15th in defensive rating. In the three games this series, they have posted the fourth-best defensive rating out of the 16 teams in the playoffs.

Minnesota is outgunned and outmatched. Denver has outscored Minnesota with points in the paint in every game. In Game 3, the Timberwolves had a 35 to 13 free-throw advantage and still lost by nine points.

In honor of the Chick Hearn: This series is in the refrigerator. The door’s closed, the light’s out, the eggs are cooling, the butter’s getting hard and the jello’s jiggling.