NBA Playoff Matchups Preview
The NBA playoff matchups are set after a fight to the finish for seedings in the Western Conference.
Here’s a look at the opening-round series, prices for each series, the NBA championship futures odds and more.
The NBA playoff matchups are:
Eastern Conference Odds
Chicago vs. Indiana: Bulls -4000 to win the series, Pacers +2000 at Bodog
The Bulls are +250 at Bodog to win the NBA title and come into this first-round meeting with a ton of expectations and pressure. Derrick Rose has proved he can lift this team during the regular season, but can he stay cool under the playoff spotlight? Chicago went 3-1 SU and ATS against Indiana this season, but lost a 115-108 overtime battle in their most recent meeting.
Miami vs. Philadelphia: Heat -2000 to win the series, 76ers +1200 at Bodog
The Heat handled the Sixers in their three meetings this season, winning by an average of more than 10 points while covering the spread in two of those games. Miami, which is set at +350 to win the NBA championship, has been able to rest its weary stars and should be prepared for an extended playoff run.
Boston vs. New York: Celtics -400 to win the series, Knicks +300 at Bodog
These clubs fought it out in the final game of the schedule, already knowing they would be facing each other in the first round. Boston is priced at +700 to win the NBA title, while New York heads into the opening round at +4,000, having lost all four contests against the Celtics this season (going 2-2 ATS).
Orlando vs. Atlanta: Magic -400 to win the series, Hawks +300 at Bodog
The Magic may be in trouble in the opening round, having lost three of their four meetings with the Hawks this year. That’s probably a big reason why Orlando is priced at +2,000 to win the NBA championship. Atlanta covered the spread in all four of those games and is a longshot to win the title at +20,000.
Western Conference Series Odds
San Antonio vs. Memphis: Odds shortly at 5Dimes.com
The Spurs, who enter the postseason at +450 to win the NBA title, may have been careless in the final game of the season. Guard Manu Ginobili suffered an elbow injury, leaving his status up in the air against the Grizzlies. San Antonio split its four meetings with Memphis this season, going 0-4 against the spread.
Los Angeles vs. New Orleans: Odds shortly at 5Dimes.com
The Lakers needed overtime against the Kings to clinch the No. 2 seed in the West. Los Angeles, which is a +200 favorite to win its third straight title, got good news regarding Andrew Bynum’s tender knee and is expected to have the center against New Orleans in the opening round. The defending champs went 4-0 versus the Hornets this season, posting a 3-1 ATS mark.
Dallas vs. Portland: Odds shortly at 5Dimes.com
Dallas, which is set at +2,000 to win the NBA championship, split its four meeting with Portland this year, going just 1-3 ATS. Many sharps are eying the Blazers in the first round, and they are set at +5,000 to win the title.
Oklahoma City vs. Denver: Odds shortly at 5Dimes.com
These teams played just last week, with the Thunder edging the Nuggets for the third time in four meetings this season. Oklahoma City is set at +1,200 to win the NBA title and showed it could hang in the postseason against the Lakers last year. Denver, which has been one of the hottest teams down the stretch, is priced at +3,000.