The 2024-25 NBA playoffs are set to tip off on Tuesday with the play-in tournament, followed by the first round on Saturday. Winners of each best-of-seven series will advance to the conference semifinals.
Before the postseason action begins, what are the most compelling bets to consider? Which teams present themselves as potentially underestimated and overlooked contenders?
NBA betting authorities Andre Snellings, Eric Moody, Eric Karabell, Jim McCormick, and Steve Alexander share their insights on the bets and teams they are closely monitoring.
Top Single Bet Before the Playoffs?
Oklahoma City Thunder to win the NBA Championship (+170): “My preseason prediction was a Thunder championship, and my conviction remains unchanged. They are a youthful, skilled, and healthy team, boasting remarkable depth for a playoff contender. Their journey over the past half-decade culminates now. OKC`s second unit rivals many teams` starting lineups.” — Alexander
Los Angeles Lakers to win the NBA Championship (+1400): “When focused, especially with LeBron James and Luka Doncic leading the charge, the Lakers are formidable. Despite having the fourth-best championship odds, the playoff pedigree of these stars makes them my pick.” — Moody
Donovan Mitchell to win Eastern Conference Finals MVP (+275): “I consider the Cavaliers at least joint favorites with the Celtics to win the conference, possibly outright favorites given Jaylen Brown`s knee issue and Kristaps Porzingis` inconsistent recent play. A Cavaliers Eastern Conference title would undoubtedly be driven by Mitchell, particularly against Boston. He has averaged 33.7 points in his last 10 games against the Celtics.” — Snellings
California to be the NBA Championship Winning State (+1000): “This is an intriguing and creative wager. The late-season form of all three California contenders impressed me. The Clippers` finish suggests Kawhi Leonard`s health management is paying dividends, and James Harden is in All-NBA conversation. The Warriors, despite play-in participation, look dangerous again. The Lakers have rediscovered offensive dynamism. Considering the Lakers` +1400 title odds and the Warriors` strong conference odds, this bet offers multiple paths to profit.” — McCormick
Boston Celtics to win the NBA championship (+180): “Despite the Cavaliers` superior regular season record, the Celtics consistently have stronger playoff odds for a reason. They have proven themselves before, and until they are eliminated, betting on the Celtics, even at these odds, is a prudent choice.” — Karabell
Favorite Long-Shot Bet?
Los Angeles Lakers to win the NBA championship (+1400): “This is a tempting option. Any team with LeBron and Luka deserves respect. While Anthony Davis` defense is a loss, their `quarterback` duo is elite. Austin Reaves` improved play, along with Jaxson Hayes, Rui Hachimura, and Dorian Finney-Smith, provides interior support. The Lakers may lack depth on paper, but Doncic and LeBron bring an element of destiny.” — Alexander
Cleveland Cavaliers to win the NBA championship (+600): “My long-shot championship picks are mostly in the West, making it hard to choose one. However, the Cavaliers are one of two Eastern teams with a real chance, and the only long shot among them. They are a 64-win team with a significant scoring margin, typical of championship contenders. The Celtics, the East`s other power, have player health concerns. At 6-1 odds, the Cavs are a capable long-shot champion.” — Snellings
Lakers to make the NBA Finals (+600): “I maintain objectivity regarding the Lakers. However, their playmaking potential is undeniable. While defensive cohesion is essential, their ability to generate offense in close games is clear, even in a competitive Western Conference.” — McCormick
Denver Nuggets to win the NBA championship (+3000): “Ultimately, Nikola Jokic`s consistent triple-doubles minimize the impact of coaching changes. This is a seasoned roster, and the recent coaching change could even galvanize the team. Don`t be surprised if Jokic leads them to the title.” — Karabell
Best Bet Among Top Championship Favorites (OKC, Boston, Cleveland)?
Cleveland Cavaliers: “The Eastern Conference path to the Finals is less daunting. Cleveland finished the regular season with the top offensive rating and eighth-best defensive rating. Donovan Mitchell is expected to be ready for the playoffs despite a recent ankle sprain. The Cavaliers have good depth, strong shooting, All-Star guards, and elite defensive bigs in Mobley and Allen.” — Moody
Cavaliers: “Primarily due to the odds. I still foresee a Thunder-Celtics Finals, but betting favorites offers limited returns. Among the top three, the Cavaliers are the most appealing bet.” — Karabell
Oklahoma City Thunder: “Their offensive and defensive balance is reminiscent of the San Antonio Spurs dynasty. While the Warriors had strong defenses, they relied heavily on a unique player to cover multiple roles. The Thunder`s defense is built on collective length, athleticism, youth, and toughness. Teams with the Thunder`s level of dominance often finish strong. While the Celtics and Cavaliers are excellent, I believe the Thunder are poised to establish a new standard.” — McCormick
Most Undervalued Playoff Team?
New York Knicks: “The Knicks are overlooked in the East behind the Cavaliers and Celtics, understandable given their 0-8 record against them this season. However, with Jalen Brunson and supporting talent, they can defeat any playoff team. Their +1000 odds to win the East are attractive. Recent No. 3 seeds reaching the Finals (Warriors 2022, Bucks 2021) both won the championship.” — Moody
LA Clippers: “The Clippers have been quietly impressive, fielding multiple All-Stars. Kawhi Leonard is healthy and playing at a high level, Norman Powell has emerged, Harden is performing well, Ivica Zubac is underrated, and Kris Dunn is a defensive asset. Derrick Jones Jr. adds bench depth. If Harden performs in the playoffs, the Clippers could be a surprise contender.” — Alexander
Milwaukee Bucks: “A first-round exit for Giannis and the Bucks is possible. But if Damian Lillard returns in Round 1 and the Bucks make a run, it wouldn`t be shocking. The odds suggest otherwise, but they are tempting for a long shot.” — Karabell
Finals MVP Bet Right Now?
Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers (+2800): “Attention is focused on the Thunder, Celtics, and Cavaliers MVP candidates. But Doncic at these odds, after leading the Mavericks to the Finals previously, is too good to ignore. If the Lakers go all the way, Doncic will be central to their success. He averages impressive playoff stats: 30.9 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 8.0 assists.” — Moody
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder (+175): “While Jokic`s triple-double season is historic, Gilgeous-Alexander should win regular-season MVP given OKC`s league-leading record and his stats. Finals MVP usually comes from the winning team, and I expect the Thunder to win the title, making him the likely MVP.” — Alexander
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics (+1600): “Brown earned NBA Finals MVP last season and Eastern Finals MVP. His odds might be slightly lower due to a knee injury, but most players are dealing with issues. The Celtics have been champions before, and Brown has been a key part. Let`s not overcomplicate it.” — Karabell
Any Other Liked Bets?
Houston Rockets to win the championship (+8000): “For a sleeper pick with $100 to spare, I`d choose the Rockets to win it all (or the West: +2500). They are a young team mirroring the Thunder`s trajectory from a season or two ago. Ime Udoka is an excellent coach, and they have talented young players like Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith, plus veteran Fred VanVleet. They play strong defense, can score against anyone, are well-coached, and their odds are very appealing for a sleeper.” — Alexander
California to be the NBA Championship Winning State (+1000): “This bet is appealing because the Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, and Kings are all in the playoffs. The Lakers are the strongest contenders in this group, but the postseason is unpredictable. The Warriors, like the Lakers, have championship experience.” — Moody
