NBA Playoffs Round 2 BEST BETS

The first round of the NBA playoffs didn’t disappoint, giving us three Game 7s and three Game 6s along with some amazing storylines. Even though the Western Conference side of the bracket leaves something to be desired for the semifinals, the return of Anthony Edwards and LeBron continuing his underdog run should be enough to get us through.

On the East side, we get NY vs. Philly — KAT vs. Embiid — which should be absolute scenes. On the other end, we have a gritty series between Cleveland and Detroit, who both just won Game 7s at home.

I’ll be giving my best bet in each series.

 

Knicks vs. Sixers

The Sixers are here, and I’m pretty sure no one — not even people related to 76ers players — expected them to be. No one would’ve batted an eye if Embiid didn’t return all series and Philly lost 4–1 to the Celtics like expected.

But Philly had other plans.

Embiid not only came back, but he also played at a very high level alongside Tyrese Maxey, who stepped in as the closer in Game 7, hitting clutch baskets and free throws to seal it. Paul George did his job, and VJ Edgecombe is an absolute dog — a 30-point effort in Boston and some incredible defensive reps against Jaylen Brown late in Game 7.

The Knicks, on the other hand, are supposed to be here — but it got sketchy for a bit. They fell down 2–1 to the Hawks and got absolutely FRIED by CJ McCollum. But the way they bounced back is worth mentioning: stringing together three well-rounded, DOMINANT wins in a row and proving they were the better, more experienced team.

New York is -280 to win this series, and while that’s a lot of respect, I understand it. Still, I’m not expecting Philly to go down without a fight. I’m not sure I’m picking them to win, but at minimum they push this to 6–7 games.

Best Bet: Over 5.5 Games (-132)

 

Cavs vs. Pistons

I’m abnormally excited for this series. I don’t know if it’s because I’ve spent time in both cities and know they’re great sports towns that have experienced way more pain than joy, or if I’m just excited to see how these teams respond after shaky Round 1 performances.

Cade and the Pistons fell down 3–1 to the 8-seed Magic and needed a Game 6 meltdown from Orlando — missing 27 straight shots — just to stay alive. Cleveland, meanwhile, got pushed to the BRINK by an inexperienced Toronto team that held double-digit leads in Game 7.

After a huge third quarter from Jarrett Allen, the Cavs pulled away — but it didn’t inspire confidence.

I’m expecting a more polished version of Detroit now that they’ve gotten the monkey off their back and finally won a playoff series for the first time in forever.

I have to stand on business here — I can’t back James Harden in the playoffs. Donovan Mitchell didn’t look engaged, and this team lacks the depth of past Cavs squads.

Best Bet: Pistons to Win Series (-120)

 

Lakers vs. Thunder

There’s not much to say here — we know who’s winning, and it probably won’t be close.

LeBron turning back the clock against Houston was incredible, but this Lakers roster is ROUGH. Honestly, it’s impressive they’re even here.

I don’t think the GOAT gets swept, though.

Best Bet: Thunder 4–1 (+210)

 

Spurs vs. Timberwolves

The Timberwolves deserve respect. Even after losing Donte DiVincenzo for the year and Ant for most of the series, they still pulled off an improbable Game 6 win behind Jaden McDaniels, who talked the talk and walked the walk.

Now, as I’m writing this, reports say Anthony Edwards could return for Game 1 — WAY sooner than expected. The line already moved from 12.5 to 8.5 because of it, which feels like a discount.

I’m not a fan of rushing Ant back, and I don’t think it changes the outcome of this series. I know people are worried about Spurs playoff experience, but they’ve got too many dudes — and Minnesota is just too banged up.

Best Bet: Spurs to Sweep (+250)