Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs are now underway and boy are there some exciting matchups! Action on Wednesday should be fantastic as we’re greeted with a double-header beginning from 9am (AEDT). As always, we bring you our analysis and best bets for the games below.
Also, make sure to head over to our NBA Tips regularly, as we’ll be providing free tips for all the major games in the NBA post-season!
NBA Playoffs Betting Tips: Wednesday, May 8th 2024
Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics
TD Garden, 9:00am (AEST)
Series Score: Series tied at 0-0
The Cavaliers managed to come out on top in their epic first round series against the plucky Magic which went the distance. In the end, homecourt advantage proved to be key as the home side won all seven games in the series. In important lineup news for the Cavs, Jarrett Allen is currently listed as questionable, while all other key pieces are expected to suit up. Elsewhere, the Celtics had a relatively easy path through to the second round as they accounted for the Heat who were without Jimmy Butler. The Celtics did drop Game 2 at home as the huge favourites, but they quickly atoned with a hattrick of wins to seal the deal. Kristaps Porzingis remains out for the Celtics although they have a completely healthy roster KP aside. It’s no surprise to see the Celtics listed as the hot favourites to take out Game 1, although the Cavs are battle-hardened and will fancy their chances of causing an upset first up against a side that hasn’t played for a full week. With that in mind, I can see the Cavs starting fast and doing enough to cover the huge spread.
Cleveland Cavaliers +11.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Dallas Mavericks at OKC Thunder
Paycom Center, 11:30am AEDT
Series Score: Series tied at 0-0
Despite being the lower seed and dropping the opening game of their first round matchup against the Clippers, the Mavericks were able to gain control to win four of the last five games and eliminate the Clippers in six. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving each had a fantastic series, although the former is under a slight injury cloud and is currently listed as probably for Wednesday’s clash with the Thunder. Speaking of the Thunder, they were arguably the most dominant of any team in the playoffs in the first round, destroying the Pelicans, who were without Zion Williamson throughout, 4-0. The only downside to their easy triumph is their young core is yet to truly be battle tested in an important game against top tier opposition, which is exactly what the Mavs represent. No doubt, the Thunder have the better overall roster in this second round matchup, but the playoff experience of both Doncic and Irving cannot be underestimated, especially first up. With that said, taking the Mavericks to cover the spread looms as a solid bet.
Dallas Mavericks +3.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
