It's about that time...
After months of concern about whether or not the season would ever conclude, the NBA Playoffs FINALLY start tomorrow, Monday August 17th.
Now, you can bet on individual games, of course...but I have the most fun putting money on who I think will win the series, rather than just the game. This way, I become attached to the team I bet on over the 4-7 game series and have real emotions whether they advance or are eliminated.
all lines taken from Bovada
Jazz (+255) vs Nuggets
Michael Porter Jr really came alive in the bubble and even made the all-bubble 2nd team! He is the offense the Nuggets were in desperate need of and if he's legit they should be able to beat the Jazz. I don't really think his offense can be sustained into the playoffs and I expect Gobert to finally get over the hump and stop having problems guarding Jokic. If it becomes a bucket for a bucket game between Spida Mitchell and MPJ...gimme the Jazz at +255 for sure. Good value.
Nets vs Raptors (-2200)
If the Nets fielded a team of their injured players, but healthy, they'd be a favorite (if not the favorite) to come out of the East. Durant, Kyrie, Dinwiddie and more are out and the Nets are basically a G league team. The Raptors should make quick work of them because uhh...the Raptors are really REALLY good.
76ers vs Celtics (-440)
Damn, this would have been an AMAZING 1st round series if Ben Simmons wasn't out. The Celtics have been rolling, Kemba looks about as healthy as he can be at this point and Tatum is just waiting for his moment to pop on the biggest stage. Embiid is just too inconsistent to bet on him to lead the Sixers to an upset so give me Celtics for sure.
Mavs vs Clippers (-650)
The Mavs have a historic offense led by the young phenom Luka Doncic. Will it be enough to get past the most talented and deepest team in the league? I think the Clippers wing defenders (led by Kawhi and PG) is too strong and will be able to at least contain Luka. Clips are my favorite to win the Championship...they not going out round 1.
Magic vs Bucks (-10000)
Wow this is a boring series...Magic suck, Bucks have the best player in the league. What more do I need to say?
Pacers vs Heat (-300)
TJ Warren has only dropped buckets during his time in the bubble and he gets to meet up with his best bud Jimmy Butler in the 1st round. This could be a low-key SUPER entertaining series, but I don't think the Pacers have enough to stay with the Heat in 7 games. If Vic was totally healthy then maybe, but I'm pretty set on the Heat staying focused and getting the job done.
Rockets (-150) vs Thunder
I just feel bad for Harden in the playoffs at this point. he can't catch a break. I still think they can beat the Thunder without Russ, but damn Harden will have to do a lot. I don't think Shai and Dennis are quite there to pull an upset.
Blazers vs Lakers (-550)
Dame vs The King. Dame, the bubble MVP, has been on an entirely different planet these last few weeks. He'll stay floating, but the talent around him isn't good enough to beat Bron Bron, AD and company.
If you were to parlay all of that...
Nice penny.
Good luck betting! Questions? Comment!