Quick Recap:
• Record: 2-0
• Units: +2.0
• Best Win: Cavaliers -8.0 (+1.0u)
• Tough Loss: —
Bryan Bash delivered a perfect slate on May 3, 2026, finishing 2-0 on his NBA selections. Both plays cashed comfortably as favorites covered their spreads in decisive playoff victories.
Raptors at Cavaliers
Bash opened his card with the Cleveland Cavaliers -8.0 against the Toronto Raptors, and the pick Won as Cleveland closed out their first-round series with a 114-102 victory in Game 7. The Cavaliers covered the eight-point spread by four points, advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Jarrett Allen tied his playoff career high with 22 points and grabbed 19 rebounds to lead Cleveland’s dominant performance at home. Donovan Mitchell also contributed 22 points while James Harden added 18 in a series where the home team won all seven games. For Toronto, Scottie Barnes posted 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists in the losing effort.
The third quarter proved decisive for this cover. After Cleveland held a narrow 49-47 halftime advantage, the Cavaliers exploded for 38 points in the third quarter while limiting Toronto to just 19. That 19-point swing in the third frame effectively put the game—and the cover—out of reach. Cleveland’s dominance on the glass was also a major factor, as the Cavaliers out-rebounded Toronto 60-33, a staggering 27-rebound advantage that created numerous second-chance opportunities and controlled the pace of the game.
Magic at Pistons
Bash’s second selection featured the Detroit Pistons -8.0 hosting the Orlando Magic, and this pick also Won as Detroit cruised to a 116-94 victory. The Pistons covered the eight-point spread by 14 points, positioning themselves to face Cleveland in the second round.
Cade Cunningham orchestrated Detroit’s offensive attack with 32 points and 12 assists, while Paolo Banchero fought valiantly for Orlando with 38 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. Despite Banchero’s impressive individual performance, the Magic couldn’t keep pace with Detroit’s balanced attack.
The Pistons’ shooting efficiency was the story of this cover. Detroit shot an impressive 51.2% from the field and a scorching 48.5% from three-point range, numbers that proved impossible for Orlando to overcome. The Magic managed just 41.3% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc. Detroit also dominated the assist column with 30 helpers compared to Orlando’s 18, showcasing superior ball movement. The second quarter was particularly crucial, as Detroit outscored Orlando 40-27 to build a comfortable cushion that they never relinquished. The Pistons’ 41-33 rebounding advantage further sealed the comprehensive victory.
Bryan Bash’s perfect 2-0 performance on May 3rd was built on backing home favorites in playoff scenarios, both of which delivered convincing victories. The handicapper’s selections benefited from dominant third-quarter performances, superior rebounding, and efficient shooting, resulting in comfortable covers in both contests.
