2024 NBA Playoffs Betting Preview: Odds, Schedule & Prediction for Every Round 1 Matchup

We are analyzing the odds and schedule for the 2024 NBA playoffs, providing insights on the top NBA odds and predictions for each Round 1 matchup from the leading sports betting sites.

The Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers will face off again on Saturday in one of the first-round matchups of the NBA playoffs, six months into the 2023-24 season. The playoffs are set to begin this weekend.

The Nuggets are the defending champions heading into the postseason, but the Boston Celtics are leading the NBA championship odds race after a strong regular season performance. Both teams are among the top contenders in what is considered one of the most competitive fields in recent memory.

Now that all eight matchups have been determined following the conclusion of the 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament, we have gathered the top odds and made our predictions for each first-round series. Before placing any bets on the 2024 NBA playoffs, be sure to check out our top NBA picks for each series, along with the odds provided by our NBA betting sites.

2024 NBA Western Conference standings, playoff schedule

Western Conference standings

Western Conference Round 1 schedule

Thunder (1) vs. Pelicans (8)

This first-round series is unique as it includes two teams ranked in the top six in net rating during the regular season. The Pelicans emerged victorious in the first meeting, but the Thunder responded with wins in January and March. Notably, the Thunder secured a decisive 107-83 win in March when Zion Williamson was absent due to a hamstring injury he sustained during the play-in tournament, potentially ruling him out for the entire series.

Thunder vs. Pelicans odds

Despite holding the top seed in the West, the Thunder have +1600 odds to win the NBA Finals, suggesting a 5.88% probability of victory. Placing a $10 bet at those odds would result in a total payout of $170, including the initial wager.

The Pelicans’ chances of winning the title at +13000 odds would result in a $1,300 profit, reflecting a 0.76% chance of winning. However, these odds significantly decreased after the announcement that Williamson is expected to sit out for at least the next two weeks due to a hamstring injury.

Thunder vs. Pelicans series player props

As of Saturday, there were no player props available for the first-round series between the Thunder and Pelicans. This could be because of Zion Williamson’s uncertain status or the short turnaround from Friday’s play-in game to Sunday’s Game 1.

Thunder vs. Pelicans prediction

In my NBA Play-In Tournament power rankings, I discussed how the Pelicans were one of the most overlooked teams in the league. They had a top-six net rating in the regular season and featured impactful players throughout their roster.

Williamson, who could have been a difficult matchup for the Thunder’s small frontcourt, is one of the players who may not be available for this series. If he is unable to play, I am concerned about whether Ingram and McCollum will be able to provide enough offensive firepower to lead the team to victory in a seven-game series.

If Williamson returns in the latter stages of the first round, it could lead to a potential upset victory for New Orleans. However, I have doubts about whether the supporting players can contribute enough to prolong the series and keep that chance alive.

Top choice: Thunder to win by at least 2.5 games, with odds of -110 at Caesars.

Up To $1,500 Back In Bonus Bets

The bonus bets will expire within 7 days. This offer is valid for new customers only. Other terms and conditions may also apply.

Claim $1,500

Underscoreg Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or casino betting site. 21+. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly

Thunder vs. Pelicans series schedule

Nuggets (2) vs. Lakers (7)

After meeting in the Western Conference Finals a year prior, the Nuggets and Lakers had three matchups in the 2023-24 NBA regular season. Denver emerged victorious in all three games, with an average winning margin of 10 points. Their March 2 victory saw them defeat the Lakers 124-114, thanks to Nikola Jokic’s impressive 35-point performance. Jokic was considered the clear favorite in the NBA MVP odds to secure his third MVP trophy in four seasons.

Nuggets vs. Lakers odds

The Nuggets have the lowest odds of winning the championship in the Western Conference for Round 1. Their +300 odds give them a 25% chance of winning back-to-back championships. If you bet $10 on the Nuggets to win, you could win $30.

The Lakers are considered unlikely to win their second title with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, despite winning the 2020 “bubble” crown. They have odds of +2900, giving them a 3.33% chance of winning the Larry O’Brien Trophy this year. A $10 bet on them would return a profit of $290 if they do win.

Nuggets vs. Lakers series player props

It’s no shock that Jokic is the frontrunner to top the series in both points and assists, with Davis ahead of him in rebounding. It’s difficult to go against the likely MVP in any of these categories, particularly the assist odds at BetMGM, given his impressive performance in last year’s four-game series with nearly a 28-point triple double average.

D’Angelo Russell is the frontrunner for Los Angeles to make the most 3-pointers, but his playing time could be limited if he doesn’t improve defensively. Therefore, Jamal Murray or Michael Porter Jr. from Denver may be better options, as they both have odds around +200 in our top sportsbooks.

Nuggets vs. Lakers prediction

The 2023 Western Conference Finals between the Nuggets and Lakers was anticipated to be a challenging matchup for the No. 1 seed in the West, facing off against one of the NBA’s top teams. However, Jokic and Murray dominated offensively, leading their team to a clean sweep and ultimately becoming the champions.

Despite the close margins in the four games, Los Angeles was unable to contain Jokic or protect Russell, making him a potential target for Murray in this series. If or when he is taken out of the game, the Lakers’ depth will be challenged against one of the top rosters in the NBA.

Darvin Ham’s team has won 22 out of their last 32 games since inserting Rui Hachimura into the starting lineup. However, Jokic dominated the young forward (and others) in their previous series. The two-time MVP has guided Denver to eight consecutive victories against Los Angeles, making it unlikely for LeBron James and his team to win more than one game in this year’s rematch.

Top choice: Less than 5.5 games in total (+120 odds from BetMGM)

Up To $1,500 Back In Bonus Bets

Bonus bets must be used within 7 days of receipt. This offer is only available to new customers. Further terms and conditions may apply.

Claim $1,500

Underscoreg Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or casino betting site. 21+. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly

Nuggets vs. Lakers series schedule

Timberwolves (3) vs. Suns (6)

The Timberwolves achieved their second-ever season with at least 50 wins, coming in just one game behind the top record in the Western Conference. However, they suffered three double-digit losses to the Suns, including a 125-106 defeat at home on the last day of the regular season, setting the stage for their upcoming playoff matchup.

Timberwolves vs. Suns odds

Both of these teams are ranked fifth and sixth on our list of top live betting sites as they prepare to face off in the first round. Both teams are looking to win their first championship in franchise history.

The Suns are the favored team with +2000 odds, giving them a 4.76% chance of winning the championship. A $10 bet on them would result in a $200 profit. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, have +2500 odds, suggesting a 3.85% chance of winning. A $10 bet on them would pay out $250.

Timberwolves vs. Suns series player props

For the Timberwolves to secure a surprise victory against the sixth-seeded Suns, they will rely heavily on leading scorer Anthony Edwards to have a standout series. This may prove challenging for the fourth-year guard, as he only averaged 14.3 points on 31% shooting – with just 27.3% from beyond the arc – in the three losses against Phoenix this season.

Therefore, it may be more advantageous to consider placing bets on Devin Booker or Kevin Durant, who collectively scored an average of 60.3 points in their recent playoff series against the Nuggets in 2023. Additionally, it is recommended to monitor Minnesota point guard Mike Conley, as his assist odds at BetMGM appear to be the most promising bet available.

Timberwolves vs. Suns prediction

Minnesota should be recognized for achieving its second-best season in history and almost securing the top seed in the West. However, their reward is a challenging matchup against the Suns, who dominated them in the regular season series with a combined 47-point advantage. The final win for Phoenix capped off a strong 10-4 run to close out the regular season.

The Timberwolves are known for having the top defense in the NBA thanks to Rudy Gobert, who is favored to win his fourth NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. Their strong defensive performance is largely due to Gobert’s ability to protect the paint and block shots. However, the Suns have two exceptional mid-range shooters who have a track record of scoring well in the playoffs.

Edwards has the ability to excel in this series as well, but he has faced challenges all season against Phoenix’s disruptive length on the perimeter. If he fails to find a solution for handling double teams in this series, his team could be headed for a premature elimination.

Top choice: Bet on the Suns to win the series by at least 1.5 games, with odds at +135 through BetMGM.

Up To $1,500 Back In Bonus Bets

Bonus bets must be used within 7 days of receiving them. This offer is available to new customers only and is subject to additional terms and conditions.

Claim $1,500

Underscoreg Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or casino betting site. 21+. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly

Timberwolves vs. Suns series schedule

Clippers (4) vs. Mavericks (5)

The Clippers and Mavericks are set to meet for the third time in five years in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Los Angeles has won the previous two series and two out of three matchups this season. However, the teams have not played each other since Dec. 20, almost two months before Dallas made significant changes to its starting lineup at the trade deadline.

Clippers vs. Mavericks odds

These two teams, other than the Nuggets, have the lowest title odds in the Western Conference. The Clippers have the best odds at +1500, which gives them a 6.25% chance of winning and a $150 payout on a $10 bet. The Mavericks have a 5.88% chance with their +1600 odds, resulting in a $160 return on a $10 wager.

It is worth noting that Dallas is the favored team to win Game 1 and the series, despite having slightly higher odds in the futures market. This may be due to oddsmakers’ uncertainty about Kawhi Leonard’s health and their concerns about the Clippers making a deep playoff run if he remains healthy.

Clippers vs. Mavericks series player props

Luka Doncic stands out as the sole player in any first-round series to be favored in all four series player prop markets, even at minus-odds. This highlights his exceptional performance for the Mavericks this year, positioning him as a strong contender for a runner-up finish in the NBA MVP race.

According to our top sports betting apps, Leonard is the most likely among the Clippers’ stars to lead in scoring for this series. However, he has not played since March and may not last the entire series even if he returns for Game 1. Despite this uncertainty, he remains a tempting dark horse if he can make a comeback and unleash his playoff prowess.

Clippers vs. Mavericks prediction

Los Angeles appeared to be the top team in the Western Conference in the first half of the year following the addition of controversial star James Harden early in the season. However, the Clippers struggled after the All-Star break due to a decline in Leonard’s performance, ultimately leading to him missing the final eight games of the regular season.

On the other hand, the Mavericks made changes to their frontcourt during the trade deadline, transitioning from a fast-paced shooting team to a defensive powerhouse. They finished the year with a 16-4 record, giving up the fewest points per 100 possessions in the NBA (107.2). This was a significant advantage considering they also have two of the best scorers in the league in Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

It’s unfortunate that the top two teams in this region must compete against each other in the opening round, especially with Leonard not fully recovered. However, even if Leonard was in top form, Dallas is a formidable team in the West and should be able to secure victory in less than seven games.

Top choice: Mavericks to win series by at least 1.5 games (-1.5) at odds of +130 on bet365.

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Claim $150

Underscoreg Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or casino betting site. 21+. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly

Clippers vs. Mavericks series schedule

2024 NBA Eastern Conference standings, playoff schedule

Eastern Conference standings

Eastern Conference Round 1 schedule

Celtics (1) vs. Heat (8)

Having faced off in three of the last four Eastern Conference Finals, including the past two, the Celtics and Heat will now meet in the first round of this year’s playoffs. Although Miami emerged victorious in last year’s ECF, Boston swept the season series and has been the top team in the NBA during the regular season.

Celtics vs. Heat odds

The Celtics are considered the favorites to win the championship in Round 1, with odds of +160 suggesting a 38.46% chance of victory. A $10 wager on the Celtics would result in a $26 payout, compared to a potential $2,400 payout for the Heat with odds indicating a 0.41% chance of winning.

Celtics vs. Heat series player props

After consistently performing at a near-MVP level for years, Jayson Tatum is the clear frontrunner to lead this series in scoring. He is also expected to lead the Celtics in assists and three-pointers. It’s likely that Tatum is eager for the opportunity to make a statement against the team that eliminated him in a humiliating manner in 2023.

With Jimmy Butler expected to be sidelined for the series, Tyler Herro of the Miami Heat has emerged as the primary scoring option for the No. 8 seed in the East. Herro has been consistently scoring at least 24 points in each of the two play-in games, making him a reliable source of offense for Miami. While he is likely to lead the team in scoring, it would take an extraordinary performance for him to outscore all players in the entire series.

Celtics vs. Heat prediction

I have been a strong supporter of the Heat in recent years, and it has paid off during the playoffs. Butler has consistently raised his performance, particularly against the Celtics.

Given the star forward’s probable absence in Round 1, my confidence in what remains is faltering. Bam Adebayo has shown inconsistency in the playoffs, and while Tyler Herro excels offensively, he often struggles defensively.

If the Heat were not up against a formidable opponent like Boston, who dominated the regular season following a defeat by Miami in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals, the outcome might be different. This matchup is filled with revenge and retribution.

Top choice: Celtics to win by at least 3.5 games (offered at +105 odds on DraftKings)

Up To $1,500 Back In Bonus Bets

Bonus bets must be used within 7 days of being awarded. This offer is only available to new customers. Please refer to the additional terms and conditions for complete details.

Claim $1,500

Underscoreg Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or casino betting site. 21+. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly

Celtics vs. Heat series schedule

Knicks (2) vs. 76ers (7)

The Knicks won three out of four games against the 76ers in the regular season, but only one of those wins occurred when Joel Embiid was playing. The reigning MVP missed 31 of the 76ers’ final 36 regular-season games due to a left knee injury. Although he sat out the regular-season finale after tweaking his surgically repaired knee, Embiid returned on Wednesday to assist the Sixers in defeating the Miami Heat in the play-in tournament.

Knicks vs. 76ers odds

Despite having the second-best record in the East, the Knicks are ranked fourth in the conference with +4000 title odds, giving them a 2.44% chance of winning and paying out $400 on a $10 bet. In comparison, the Sixers have a 5.56% chance of winning based on their +1700 odds, which would pay $170 on a $10 wager.

Surprisingly, despite the 76ers being considered one of the favorites to win the East and NBA Finals, this series is priced as a dead heat. This shows confidence in Philadelphia’s potential if Embiid is able to stay healthy, a question that still lingers as Round 1 approaches.

Knicks vs. 76ers series player props

Initially, the odds for this market were not available. However, oddsmakers have now set the odds for Joel Embiid, who seems to be in good health and is favored to lead in rebounds and is the second choice to lead in scoring for Game 1 and beyond. He is just behind Knicks’ Jalen Brunson, who is also the favorite for assists.

With Embiid’s health status up in the air, I believe Maxey has a good chance to be the top scorer in this series. You can get odds as high as +1600 through DraftKings. Even if Embiid does play the entire series, Maxey is still a solid bet considering the big man’s performance since his return.

Knicks vs. 76ers prediction

Throughout the 2023-24 season, we have witnessed all of these teams showcase flashes of elite potential. The big question now is, which team do you have faith in to perform in the opening round of the playoffs?

The 76ers had a dominant 31-8 record with Embiid playing in the regular season, which would have been the best in the NBA over a full season. However, they struggled without him, going 16-27, including two losses to New York after the All-Star break. They narrowly defeated Miami on Wednesday despite Embiid shooting just 6-for-17.

Conversely, the Knicks have an impressive record of 20-3 with OG Anunoby on the court, winning 8 out of 9 games since Julius Randle’s season-ending injury. In my NBA Play-In Tournament power rankings, I have doubts about Joel Embiid’s ability to stay healthy in the playoffs after years of injury struggles, making me favor New York in what promises to be an intriguing series.

Top choice: Bet on the Knicks to win the series at -105 odds with BetMGM.

Up To $1,500 Back In Bonus Bets

Bonus bets must be used within 7 days of receiving them. This offer is only available to new customers. Please review all terms and conditions for further information.

Claim $1,500

Underscoreg Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or casino betting site. 21+. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly

Knicks vs. 76ers series schedule

Bucks (3) vs. Pacers (6)

In their five matchups this season, the Pacers emerged victorious in four games against their Central Division rivals. They outscored their opponents by a total of 32 points. The only defeat came on Dec. 13, in a heated game where Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 64 points for the Bucks in a 140-126 win. After the game, Antetokounmpo was seen chasing Indiana personnel into the tunnel, seemingly in pursuit of the game ball.

Bucks vs. Pacers odds

The Bucks are still considered top contenders for the championship with +800 odds, giving them an 11.1% chance of winning and potentially earning $80 on a $10 bet. On the other hand, the Pacers are seen as underdogs with +10000 odds, offering a $1,000 payout on a $10 bet, but only giving them a 0.99% chance of securing their first title.

Nevertheless, oddsmakers consider this series to be almost evenly matched, especially since Antetokounmpo’s availability for the first round is uncertain. The Bucks have confirmed that he will not play in Game 1, and there is a possibility that he may not be able to participate in the entire series.

Bucks vs. Pacers series player props

These props can only be found on bet365, as other sportsbooks may be hesitant due to the uncertain status of Antetokounmpo. Despite his injury concerns and recent inconsistent play, Lillard is still the favorite to lead in scoring in this series.

I am considering Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton as a potential dark horse to lead this series in scoring (+600 odds on bet365). Haliburton will need to have a standout series to help Indiana as an underdog in Round 1. Also, keep an eye on his performance in the 3-point market, where star guard Lillard is currently the favorite.

Bucks vs. Pacers prediction

The Bucks’ only victory against the Pacers this season occurred when Antetokounmpo scored the most points in franchise history, highlighting his crucial presence in the series and the team’s slim chances for a title without him.

The Bucks are getting ready for the series without Antetokounmpo (calf) and he won’t be playing in Game 1. When Antetokounmpo was not on the court this season, they were outscored by 39 points in 53 minutes against Indiana. Milwaukee’s other key players like Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton have been struggling to find their groove since Doc Rivers took over as head coach midseason.

I have doubts that even if Antetokounmpo comes back, his performance after the injury may not be strong enough to lead a struggling team to victory. The Pacers have consistently outperformed the Bucks in net rating this season, and I believe they have a strong chance of winning the series.

Top pick: Bet on the Pacers to win the series with +100 odds at BetMGM.

Up To $1,500 Back In Bonus Bets

Bonus bets must be used within 7 days of receiving them. This offer is limited to new customers only and is subject to additional terms and conditions.

Claim $1,500

Underscoreg Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or casino betting site. 21+. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly

Bucks vs. Pacers series schedule

Cavaliers (4) vs. Magic (5)

In the 2023-24 season, these two teams split their series, with three of the four games being won by double-digit margins. Cleveland had the largest victory, beating Orlando 126-99 on Jan. 22. However, the Magic had the final laugh with a 116-109 win on Feb. 22, while Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell was sidelined with a knee injury.

Cavaliers vs. Magic odds

If you enjoy betting on underdogs, you’ll be intrigued by this series featuring two teams that are often underestimated in the betting world. The Cavaliers have +6000 odds to win the title, giving them a 1.64% chance of victory and a potential $600 payout on a $10 bet. Meanwhile, the Magic have +20000 odds, indicating a 0.50% chance of winning and the possibility of turning a $10 bet into a $2,000 profit if they claim their first championship.

Cavaliers vs. Magic series player props

Despite sitting out 16 of Cleveland’s last 24 games and missing a total of 27 games due to various injuries, Mitchell is still the top choice to lead in scoring and 3-pointers made in this series. He scored a total of 62 points in his last two starts of the season, bouncing back from scoring less than 20 points in seven of his previous nine games.

This could be a breakout game for Magic forward Paolo Banchero, who is currently the favorite among Magic players to top the leaderboard in points, rebounds, and assists. Banchero scored 42 points against the Cavaliers in their initial matchup on Dec. 6, but was limited to 20 points or less in their subsequent three games.

Cavaliers vs. Magic prediction

Cleveland strategically tanked in their season finale by resting key players and emptying their bench in the fourth quarter, resulting in a blown double-digit lead to set up a matchup with Orlando. It remains to be seen if this risky move will pay off against the tough and physical Orlando team in the playoffs for J.B. Bickerstaff and his team.

The Cavaliers have faced challenges with injuries to their starting lineup throughout the season. Despite the expectation of a healthier roster for Game 1, they have struggled with a record of 12 losses in their final 19 games and the lowest net rating (minus-3.6) among all playoff teams since the All-Star break. They have been an average team overall, with below-average offensive performance even when all five starters are present on the court.

This presents a significant challenge for the Magic, whose top-three defense relies on size and physicality, similar to the Knicks team that nearly swept Cleveland in the playoffs last year. While both teams struggle with scoring, I have faith in Jamahl Mosley and the determined Orlando squad to seek revenge against the struggling Cavaliers.

Top choice: Bet on the Magic to win the series at +165 odds on bet365.

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Claim $150

Underscoreg Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or casino betting site. 21+. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly

Cavaliers vs. Magic series schedule

How to bet on the NBA playoffs

Betting on basketball is thrilling year-round, but placing a wager during the NBA playoffs is particularly rewarding. With shortened rotations and star players shining even brighter, it’s an exciting time to test your luck.

In contrast to the regular season, where effort can vary from game to game, the postseason is characterized by increased intensity. This often leads to lower-scoring games, a focus on halfcourt offense and physical defense, and a need to hit difficult shots for points rather than relying on easy transition baskets. Young, athletic teams may struggle to adjust to the demands of the postseason, while teams with experienced playoff veterans tend to exceed expectations if they are in good health.

By the way, it’s important to constantly monitor the injury report. Even though star players seldom take breaks during the postseason, the toll of carrying their team throughout the regular season can catch up to them, resulting in some missing crucial games that could potentially impact the outcome of an entire playoff series.

NBA championship odds

Updated odds as of April 18th:

To learn more about the current NBA championship odds and this year’s title race, be sure to read our analysis.

Here are our best NBA betting sites

• Caesars Promo Code: SBRBONUS1000 | Read our Caesars Review
• BetMGM Bonus Code: SBRBONUS | Read our BetMGM Review
• bet365 Bonus Code: SBRBONUS | Read our bet365 Review
• BetRivers Promo Code: SBRBONUS | Read our BetRivers Review
• FanDuel Promo Code | Read our FanDuel Review
• DraftKings Promo Code | Read our DraftKings Review

If you are over 21 and have a gambling problem, please call 1-800-GAMBLER. Bonuses cannot be used in Ontario.

Related pages

• Best Sports Betting Sites | Best Underscoreg Promos (U.S. only)