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The Mavericks are huge underdogs to the Clippers. Most Mavericks fans believe the series is closer to a coin flip and that variance provides value. Lets take a look at some of the numbers and identify what some of the best bets might be.
Series Odds
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Putting $100 Bet on the Mavericks to win the series would net a pay out of $425
This is a solid bet in and of itself. Wagering on each individual game can be a risky proposition. You may feel the Mavericks will win the series, but trying to predict each game carries a tremendous amount of risk and can cost you money. Instead, put some money down on the Mavs to win the series and take the game to game variance out of the equation.
Series Game Spread
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Putting a $100 Bet on the Mavericks +1.5 would net a pay out of $230
This bet allows you to win money if the Mavericks win the series but allows you to hedge your bet. If the Mavs win or lose in a game 7, you win. This bet doesn’t provide a ton of upside but can serve as an emotional hedge should the series make it to a game 7.
Total Games Played in Series
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Putting a $100 dollar bet on the over would net a payout of $170
Even the pessimistic amongst us believes the Mavs can force a game 6. This bet allows you to play both sides. If the Mavs or Clippers win 4-2 or 4-3, you win.
Series Correct Score
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In my opinion, this presents the best opportunity to make money on a Maverick series win. I would put $100 down on the Mavericks to win 4-2 AND place an additional $100 bet on the Mavericks to win 4-3.
- Mavericks win in 6
$100 bet nets a payout of $1,050. Subtract the $100 from the additional bet and you net $950. That is equivalent to +425 odds
- Mavericks win in 7
$100 bet nets a payout of 900. Subtract the $100 from the additional bet and you net $800.
That is equivalent to +400
Keep in mind, betting the series straight up gave you +325 odds. This allows you to maximize profit if you believe the Mavericks will win the series. If you are in the minority that believe the Mavericks will sweep the Clippers or manage to beat them in 5, you are better off betting the series odds.
*All odds provided are from Bovada as of 5/18