The NBA regular season came to a close last night and the playoff match ups are now set. The Western Conference is jam packed with strong talent, while the East is really being looked at as either the Heat or Pacers to win. That said there are a lot of interesting series set to take place. Let’s look at the odds for the series winner in each case.
Round 1 Series Odds – Eastern Conference
These series odds are all taken from BetOnline. Visit BetOnline.ag to bet on any of these playoff series.
(1) Indiana Pacers vs (8) Atlanta Hawks
Indiana Pacers -720
Atlanta Hawks +560
The Pacers weren’t great down the stretch and they also lost a lot of games in March. These might be the reasons they aren’t nearly the favourites that the Spurs are in the West. Atlanta on the other hand finished strong, but they are still a below average team and I don’t think they should be a match for the Pacers.
(2) Miami Heat vs (7) Charlotte Bobcats
BetOnline didn’t have odds up for this series yet. I can only assume it’s because the Heat are such big favourites they don’t even want to take bets. The Heat should win this series hands down and will be going for another ring to add to their collection.
(3) Toronto Raptors vs (6) Brooklyn Nets
Toronto Raptors +118
Brooklyn Nets -138
This is the only series out of the 8 where the team with home court advantage is the underdog. Some say the Brooklyn Nets threw their last two games to avoid the Bulls and set up this match up with the Raptors. Be careful what you wish for though because the Raps have been one of the best teams in the league through the last half of the season.
(4) Chicago Bulls vs (5) Washington Wizards
Chicago Bulls -270
Washington Wizards +230
The Bulls are happy to not be playing the Nets in the first round and also to stay away from the Miami Heat section of the bracket. The Wizards will be no push over however. They’ve won 4 straight and will have confidence coming into this series with the Bulls.
Western Conference
(1) San Antonio Spurs vs (8) Dallas Mavericks
San Antonio Spurs -1500
Dallas Mavericks +1040
Every year it’s the same thing. All the so called “experts” say this is the year the Spurs will slow down and become too old to compete. And every year they finish with the most wins in the league after a clinical season. The Spurs have been here before and I expect a deep run from these old men.
(2) OKC Thunder vs (7) Memphis Grizzlies
OKC Thunder -550
Memphis Grizzlies +445
Every series in the West will be difficult because of the quality of even the teams at the bottom. This is one of those series. That said Kevin Durant should be able to score enough points to get past teh Grizz and into the next round.
(3) LA Clippers vs (6) Golden State Warriors
LA Clippers -420
Golden State Warriors +350
This could be the Clippers take the next step with their strong young core. Golden State won just 6 fewer games than the Clippers during the season though so they can’t be taken lightly. That said I think the Clippers should advance fairly easily.
(4) Houston Rockets vs (5) Portland Trailblazers
Houston Rockets -190
Portland Trailblazers +165
I actually like the Trailblazers in this one as fairly big dogs. I think this series really could go either way, but the Trailblazers are coming in with confidence after winning their last 5 games down the stretch. Take the added money with the Blazers.
Tagged With : NBA First Round • NBA Playoffs • Odds • Series Winners
Atlanta looks to be the biggest long-shot this year, but just imagine the payday if they hit.