WITH the Miami Heat becoming the first team moving on to the conference finals, the remaining semi-finalists will be looking to wrap up their games as quickly as possible. Multiple players and coaches have spoken out about life in the NBA bubble, and how the days are all blending, as they chance the glory of lifting an NBA championship. 

This week, there will only be three series to watch out for as we move deeper into the playoffs. However, there's still value to find within these match-ups as the data continues to pile up. 

Here are the top three picks for this week's games. 

Boston Celtics vs Toronto Raptors (Game 6) | September 9, 23:30 GMT

Leading the series 3-2, the Celtics can move on to face Miami in the conference finals with a win. For Toronto however, a loss abruptly ends their season. Over the last five games, the total points scored has never surpassed 210, making the under in tonight's game an educated gamble. It's also worth noting that the 'home' team has failed to secure the victory in all five previous matches. 

The Celtics enter this game knowing they have the star power and 'closers' to see them over the finish line. With Jayson Tatum's emergence as a borderline superstar, along with the All-Star scoring power of Kemba Walker, and dominant two-way wing Jaylen Brown, it's going to take a herculean effort from Toronto to keep this series alive. 

There will also be a worry for Raptors coach Nick Nurse as his most dominant big man in this series Serge Ibaka is listed as questionable heading into Game 6.

Serge Ibaka in a walking boot and is not sure he will play in Game 6. pic.twitter.com/YzDbPMNqhF

— Jeff Zillgitt (@JeffZillgitt) September 8, 2020

The smart choice here would be to back the Celtics. Their young core has been deep into the playoffs before, and while Toronto poses a threat, the Celtics will not want this game going to a game seven. 

Match odds (including overtime): Celtics (8/13) Raptors (27/20) 
Handicap: Celtics -3.5 (9/10) Raptors +3.5 (10/11)
Total points: Over 210 (9/10) Under 210 (10/11)
Tip: Celtics to win (8/13)

Clippers vs Denver Nuggets (Game 4) | September 10, 02:00 GMT

The LA Clippers are hitting their stride at precisely the right time. Paul George has put his early 'bubble form' behind him and is now scoring with precision and intent. The Clippers are currently leading the series 2-1 with the Nuggets refusing to roll over. 

Total points has only reached 220 once in their previous three meetings, making the under an attractive prospect. However, in a contest that lists its participants as Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Jamal Murray, and Nikola Jokic, there's every chance this could turn in to a shoot-out. 

Leonard is the man many credit with Toronto's success last season – he can put his team on his back at a moment's notice. The Nuggets will not fear this Clippers team though, as they boast the most in-form guard in Jamal Murray, who is averaging 27.4 points per game throughout the playoffs. 

If the Clippers win, they take a commanding 3-1 lead of the series, but if the Nuggets win, they can tie it up at 2-2 with it being anybody's ball game. You can't do much better than giving the Clippers the advantage here; they boast a championship-winning coach in Doc Rivers and have one of the best players on the plane in Kawhi Leonard. 

Match odds (including overtime): Nuggets (3/1) Clippers (1/4)
Handicap: Nuggets +8 (23/25) Clippers -8 (22/25)
Total points: Over 220.5 (9/10) Under 220.5 (10/11)
Tip: Kawli Leonard to record a double-double (31/20)
 

Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers (Game 4) | September 11, 00:10

The stylistic match-up in this series is the highlight of the playoffs so far. Houston operates a five-out offense (where all players lineup beyond the three-point line), while the Lakers run a traditional 'two-big' lineup buoyed by the presence of LeBron James at small forward and Anthony Davis at the power forward slot. 

The other team's offensive strength exacerbates each team's defensive weakness. A five-out offense predicates a small lineup, which alludes to issues when guarding the paint, while a traditional big lineup will generally struggle to contain opposing point guards on the perimeter. 

Much like the Clippers and Nuggets, this series has only seen its contestants total more than 220 points on one occasion, again making the under the most attractive prospect here. 

The return of Rajon Rondo has improved the Lakers perimeter defense while also providing them with a battle-tested ball-handler down the stretch. In contrast, the Rockets are currently riding out a cold-stretch from point guard Russell Westbrook. 

Four of the league's best players are in this series, with two of the top five in the association wearing Lakers gold. When LeBron James gets this deep into the playoffs, you're foolish to do anything other than expect his team's victory: he's shown as much throughout his illustrious career. 

With a potential all-LA conference finals on the horizon, the Lakers will be doing everything in their power to blitz through this round and move on to earning bragging rights back home. 

Match odds (including overtime): Rockets (17/10) Lakers (12/25)
Handicap: Rockets +5 (10/11) Lakers -5 (9/10)
Total points: Over 220.5 (22/25) Under 220.5 (10/11)
Tip: Lakers to win and under 220.5 points (19/10)