The Stage is Set, Let the NBA Playoffs Commence!

After a long grueling season filled with Covid-19 Health and Safety Protocols, multiple back-to-backs- a month, and injuries the NBA playoffs are finally here. Usually, I would be getting excited to see my Boston Celtics go on a run. However, with Jaylen Brown out and a meeting with the Nets in the first round, I have focused on more important things. That important thing you may ask? The NBA Playoff first-round series prices.

I would focus on finals futures these playoffs but I do not see a lot of value out there. I truly believe it is going to be a chalk NBA Finals this year. In the end, I think it will be the Lakers looking to defend their crown versus the Nets. Both teams have multiple stars and this would make for one of the most anticipated Finals matchups of all time.

Forget about that though the focus here is the first round and I believe there is true value out there. I am going to look at my four favorite series prices giving my best-educated pick for each. The odds I am getting are from Bovada so please do not yell at me if you have are different odds. Also, I am by no means a sharp. I love gambling and I am informed but please follow at your own discretion. I do not take offense to people fading me if you want! LET THE GAMBLING GAMES BEGIN!

Knicks (even) versus Hawks (-120)

Two teams who many would not have guessed would be in the NBA playoffs this year face off as the New York Knicks face of against the Atlanta Hawks. The Knicks coached by Tom Thibodeau known for his tenacious defensive coaching tactics. The Knicks defense is one of the most improved in the league finishing top five in many major defensive categories. They are also led by Julius Randle who agreed upon by most in the media to be the NBA’s Most Improved Player this year, truly blossoming into a star. Additionally, they have RJ Barrett, Derrick Rose, Immanuel Quickley, and many more.

The Hawks have done a lot of improvement as well this offseason adding Bogdan Bogdanović and Danillo Gallinari. Both of them are lethal from three and good overall scorers giving the Hawks a nice boost to an offense led by dynamic point guard Trae Young. The Hawks have given Atlanta hope again this year and are the favorites in this series given an impressive end to the season. This should be a great series and I truly think this is going seven games. At the end of the day though I like the Knicks. They are the home team in the series, are the underdogs, and this year are 3-0 vs the Hawks this season and seem to have their number. Take the value and New York at even.

The Pick: Knicks

Lakers (-145) versus Suns (+125)

I hate LeBron James so much and I want him to lose this matchup so badly. But, I am a realist and with him and Anthony Davis playing they can beat any team. The question is with their health only as they are possibly the best duo in the league. Davis and LeBron are both great offensive and defensive threats scoring 20+ points each and the Lakers follow their lead having one of the strongest defenses in the league. LeBron is 14-0 as well in first-round matchups however the Suns are no joke.

The Suns are the 2nd seed in the Western Conference for a reason. They have arguably the best backcourt in the league with MVP candidate Chris Paul and All-Star Devin Booker. Phoenix is one of two teams (Utah Jazz) this season with 50 wins and ever since Chris Paul came the culture changed as well. They are 14-6 in their last 20 games and have been strong all year long. Coach of the Year Finalist Monty Williams has turned the Suns around into a legitimate playoff candidate. They also have a strong big man in Ayton who is averaging a double-double this season.

Overall this is a tough decision and I wish I could pick the Suns but I cannot. I strongly think this series goes seven games and will be exciting. Who knows anything can happen when you have a team as talented as Phoenix. However, I think LeBron and Anthony Davis will prove to be too much for them to handle. Take the Lakers -145 here truly great value for LeBron in a first-round matchup.

The Pick: Lakers

Heat (+230) versus Bucks (-280)

A matchup of last season’s NBA playoffs the Heat vs the Bucks. This series in my eyes is going to be the best first-round series in the east. The Heat led by Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo has been here before and is not new to the pressure. After embarrassing the Bucks last year in a five-game gentleman’s sweep, Giannis and co are no longer sleeping on the Heat.

Adding Jrue Holliday this offseason and adding veteran leadership with P.J. Tucker has helped define the culture in Milwaukee this year. They are a tough hard-nosed team that plays both ends of the court and MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo leads by example. The Bucks are going to need Khris Middleton to show up this series if they want any chance as last year he was very quiet in the bubble not making too much of an impact.

Butler and Bam are the starts of this Heat team but they are so much more than that. Having three-point sharpshooters like Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson as well as a playmaking point guard in Goran Dragić. Their offense has scorers everywhere and their defense is lethal being top five in opponents PPG this season.

Giannis talked about the series and said he does not know if things will change from last year but I believe he was trying to stay humble and not give the Heat any ammo. Overall I think this series is going to be great and go seven games. I will take the Heat strictly based on the value as +230 is great value for this team. They are not scared of the Bucks and they are ready to go to war.

The Pick: Heat

Nuggets (-105) versus Blazers (-115)

Dame and the Blazers versus Jokić and the Nuggets. My initial reaction was that I wanted to take the Nuggets. They have the MVP who is averaging 26 PPG, 11 RPG, and 8 APG posting career numbers. He is not alone as he has a great core with Michael Porter Jr. who has become a great scorer and has become a MIP candidate along with Aaron Gordon who has helped bolster their frontcourt. Sadly they are missing star point guard Jamal Murray for the NBA Playoffs.

Then you look at the Blazers led by Damian Lillard, averaging close to 30 PPG this year, and co-star CJ McCollum, averaging 23 PPG. They have good depth as well with Enes Kanter, Carmelo Anthony, and Normal Powell, who all have given the Blazers much-needed secondary scoring. Dame is used to these moments and will be ready to give it his all versus the Nuggets.

In this matchup, I am going to take the Blazers. I believe so much in “Dame Time” and believe that he truly is one of the best performers in the NBA playoffs. If Jamal Murray was available I would have taken the Nuggets but I believe they are going to miss his scoring a lot. He was their catalyst during their bubble run and without him, I do not like their odds.

The Pick: Blazers

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