2024 NBA Playoff Series Prices and Picks

NBA Playoff Series Prices and Picks

The play-in games end on Friday, so I’m going to skip the first-round seeds featuring the first seeds. Let’s face it, Oklahoma City and Boston should be able to handle business. As far as the other series, let’s take a look.

(props and odds from Draft Kings)

4)Cleveland vs. 5)Orlando

Cleveland -195 Orlando +165

Analysis: These teams split four games this season. Cleveland has more experience, but they lost four of their last six games heading into this series. They are also very banged up with Donovan Mitchell, Caris LeVert and Darius Garland all listed as questionable with various injuries. Orlando has Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner to lead the way. Watch out for Jalen Suggs, who is capable of putting up 20 points, when you are looking at props.

Take Orlando +165. EXACT GAMES: Series in Six games +210

3)Minnesota vs. 6)Phoenix

Phoenix -130 Minnesota +110

Analysis: Phoenix has covered nine straight in this series and has wo all three games this season. This is a tough series and a lot depends on the health of Karl-Anthony Towns. The 7-foot power forward underwent surgery on his left knee on March 12 and returned in a month. He scored 22 points in two games with 10 assists, but also committed eight turnovers. Anthony Edwards is going to get his, but he’s facing Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, who is finally healthy and shooting lights out. In his last five games, Beal has made 19 of his last 26 three-pointers. Another player to check for in three-point props and points props.

Take Phoenix -130 EXACT GAMES: Series in 5 +320

2)Denver vs. 7)LA Lakers

Denver -310 LA Lakers +250

Analysis: There’s no value in taking Denver, who has won eight straight games in this series and has covered the last five. The injuries are a concern with the Lakers not having Christian Wood (knee) and Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) at the beginning of the season, though Vanderbilt could play if the Lakers advance. Another concern for Los Angeles is the health of center Anthony Davis and whether he can sustain a long series due to back spasms. In their win over New Orleans on Tuesday, Davis had 20 points and 15 rebounds, but shot just 6-of-16. He was also torched by Zion Williamson, who had 40 points before leaving the game due to an injured hamstring.

EXACT GAMES: 4 games +450 CORRECT SCORE: Denver 4-0 +500

4)LA Clippers vs. 5)Dallas

Dallas -125 LA Clippers +105

Analysis: Another series and another key player who may not play. Kawhi Leonard (knee) could return at some point and is getting closer, but they might have to play without him. During the season, the Clippers took two of the games. Kyrie Irvin did not play in one of the losses. Irving (hamstring) and Luka Doncic (ankle) are banged up, but both should play. If Leonard plays and is healthy, I’d lean towards the Clippers. However, it’s Luka’s time.

Take Dallas -125. EXACT GAMES: 6 games +190

3)Milwaukee vs. 6)Indiana

Milwaukee -110 Indiana -110

Analysis: Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is out for this series. Dame Lillard is dealing with a groin injury, but should play. I’d be looking at pros for Lillard, who will need to carry this team offensively. The Bucks also need to slow the pace down against the faster Pacers. Indiana actually won three of the four meetings this season. The Bucks lost six of their last eight games. Doc Rivers didn’t exactly enhance their chances after taking over at mid-season. Indiana has won four of their last five games. The addition of Pascal Siakam is going to be the difference in this series. He understands what it takes to win in the playoffs.

Take Indiana -110 EXACT GAMES: 6 games +190

2)New York Knicks vs. 7)Philadelphia

Philadelphia -115 NY Knicks -105

Analysis: The Sixers are the healthier team, but Joel Embiid (knee) struggled with his mobility in Philly’s comeback win over Miami in the play-in game. New York won three of the four games this season in this series. They playing without power forward Julius Randle (shoulder) who are out for the season. However, center Mitchell Robinson (ankle) and center Isaiah Hartenstein (Achilles) are battling injuries and will likely be restricted in terms of minutes. The Knicks added OG Anunoby for a series like this.

Take NY Knicks -105 EXACT GAMES: 7 games +190