NBA Playoff Picks
The guys (@GamblingPodcast) are giving out their NBA Playoff predictions in their latest NBA Playoff picks podcast. They’re joined by Munaf ‘The Machine’ Manji (@SportsNerd824) and Scott Reichel (@ReichelRadio) from The NBA Gambling Podcast.
(5:14) Heat (-5.5) vs Bulls
The Bulls pulled off a major comeback against the Raptors to make it to this game. The Heat looked pretty bad against the Hawks and continued to be awful against the spread at home. Laying 5.5 points in this one seems like a lot based on the way the two teams played. The Bulls beat the Heat straight up three times this year.
(11:20) Timberwolves (-5.5) vs Thunder
Rudy Gobert may be back for this game but he is battling an injury. Whether or not he is back may be indifferent to the Timberwolves, but they did prove they have plenty of issues to figure out for how they collapsed against the Lakers. The Thunder looked good in their win and have all year and have most likely the best duo in Shai and Giddey.
(18:56) 76ers (-8.5) vs Nets
The 76ers are -900 to win the series which is likely but that doesn’t mean they can’t lose Game 1. The Nets have good metrics compared to the league after the trade deadline especially from behind the arc. An interesting bet to consider is Nets win first game and the 76ers win the series.
(27:37) Celtics (-9) vs Hawks
Boston is very good, and Atlanta really isn’t that good. They played well against the Heat but they won’t have enough to keep up with the Celtics. Boston has been resting for quite some time and could be rusty, Atlanta could hang around in game one. Consider the over as both teams put up points.
(35:11) Cavs (-5.5) vs Knicks
For the series the Cavs are -200 which seems a little too high. The Knicks have had their number head-to-head this year and have a better bench than the Cavs. In addition, the Knicks also have better playoff experience than the Cavs. Many can agree that this will be a series that goes to 7 games with each game being very close.
(45:58) Warriors (-1.5) vs Kings
Despite the Kings being a higher seed, they are the underdog to win this series. The Warriors are never a team you can count out but they were a very bad road team against the spread. While the Kings have a had historic year it seems they might have hit a little wall towards the end of the year. From the outside looking in, if you have to trust one of the teams it would be the Warriors.
(55:41) Grizzlies (-3.5) vs Lakers
This is the first time LeBron James is an underdog in the first round of a playoff series. The series is tough to bet on but leaning towards Lakers seem safer due to their dominant duo when healthy. One issue with the Lakers is how DLo plays as he looked horrible in the play-in game.
(1:05:15) Suns (-6.5) vs Clippers
The Clippers are +370 for the series against a re-tooled Suns team with the addition of Kevin Durant. Defensively, the Clippers lack good on-ball defenders which are imperative to try and slow down a team like the Suns.
(1:12:45) NBA Playoff Best Bets
Kramer Game 1 Lock: Memphis
Kramer Series Lock: Boston and Phoenix Both Sweep
Kramer Dog: Knicks ML
Sean Game 1 Lock: Memphis -3.5
Sean Series Lock: Philly -2.5 games
Sean Dog: Clippers +370
Scott Game 1 Lock: Under 214.5 in 76ers vs Nets
Scott Series Lock: Knicks +1.5 games at +130
Scott Dog: Kings to win Game 1, Warriors to win Series at +300
Scott Bonus Dog: Knicks ML
Munaf Game 1 Lock: Suns -6.5
Munaf Series Lock: Under 5.5 Games in Suns/Clippers
Munaf Dog: Warriors in 6 games at +190
Podcast Transcription
