The 2024-25 NBA playoffs are set to tip off with the play-in tournament on Tuesday, followed by the first round commencing on Saturday. Teams will battle in best-of-seven series to advance through the conference semifinals and beyond.
As the playoffs approach, the burning questions for bettors are: Which wagers offer the best value before the action begins? And which teams might be underestimated, presenting lucrative opportunities?
To provide insights, we`ve consulted NBA betting experts Andre Snellings, Eric Moody, Eric Karabell, Jim McCormick, and Steve Alexander, asking for their top picks and teams to watch.
Top Single Bet Before the Playoffs
Oklahoma City Thunder to win the NBA Championship (+170): Steve Alexander is confident in his preseason prediction of the Thunder winning it all. He highlights their youth, talent, health, and exceptional depth, arguing they are built for this moment after years of development. Alexander emphasizes OKC`s strong second unit, comparable to many teams` starters.
“I predicted the Thunder would win it all before the season started and nothing I saw over the last five months has changed my mind. They`re young. They`re talented. They`re healthy. And they`re as deep as any team playing in the postseason. They`ve been working up to this challenge for the last five years and the future is now. OKC`s second unit is as good as half the league`s starters.” – Steve Alexander
Los Angeles Lakers to win the NBA Championship (+1400): Eric Moody is betting on the Lakers, citing their potential when fully focused, especially with LeBron James and Luka Doncic leading the charge. Despite having the fourth-best championship odds, Moody believes the playoff experience of these stars makes the Lakers a strong bet.
“When everyone is locked in, especially LeBron James and Luka Doncic, the Lakers are a tough team to beat. Los Angeles has the fourth-best odds to win the championship, and considering the playoff track record of both stars, I`m backing them.” – Eric Moody
Donovan Mitchell to win Eastern Conference Finals MVP (+275): Andre Snellings sees the Cavaliers as co-favorites, or even outright favorites, in the Eastern Conference, especially given injury concerns for Boston`s Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis. Snellings argues that a Cavaliers` Eastern Conference Finals victory would be driven by Mitchell`s performance, particularly against the Celtics, against whom he has impressive recent stats.
“The Cavaliers are, in my opinion, at least co-favorites with the Celtics to win the conference. And the argument can be made that they should be favorites by themselves with the news that Jaylen Brown is dealing with a knee injury and Kristaps Porzingis hasn`t played more than four consecutive games since the beginning of February. If the Cavs win the Eastern Conference Finals, it would be because Mitchell led the way … particularly against the Celtics. In his last 10 games against the Celtics, Mitchell has averaged 33.7 PPG on 49.0 FG% and 40.9 3P%.” – Andre Snellings
California is the NBA Championship Winning State (+1000): Jim McCormick highlights an intriguing bet on a California team winning the championship. He`s impressed by the late-season form of the Clippers, Warriors, and Lakers. McCormick notes the Clippers` improved health with Kawhi Leonard, James Harden`s strong play, the Warriors` resurgence, and the Lakers` offensive firepower. He believes this bet offers multiple paths to winning given the individual odds of these teams.
“This is a unique angle and a fun play put together by oddsmakers. The premise here is that I was wholly impressed with the finish by all three of these California contenders. The Clippers` finish to the season revealed Kawhi Leonard`s patience with his body appears to have paid off, while James Harden is legitimately involved in third-team All-NBA discussions. The Warriors somehow look entirely dangerous again, even as they face a play-in scenario. The Lakers meanwhile, suddenly have gobs of creation in both transition and the half-court. The Lakers alone have title odds of +1400 and the Warriors have the third-shortest conference title odds, so this fun bet creates more paths to payoff.” – Jim McCormick
Boston Celtics to win the NBA championship (+180): Eric Karabell favors the Celtics, despite the Cavaliers` strong regular season. He points to the Celtics` consistent playoff odds and past success, suggesting they are the safest bet until proven otherwise.
“Sure, the Cavaliers had the better regular season, but there is a good reason why the Celtics have consistently boasted better odds for the playoffs. They`ve done it before, and until the Celtics get knocked off, even at low odds, betting the Celtics seems wise.” – Eric Karabell
Favorite Long-Shot Bets
Los Angeles Lakers to win the NBA championship (+1400): Steve Alexander reiterates his Lakers` championship pick as a compelling long shot. He emphasizes the LeBron-Doncic duo and the contributions of Austin Reaves and supporting players, acknowledging their defensive questions but highlighting the star power.
“This one is enticing to me. Any team featuring LeBron and Luka cannot be taken lightly, and while they lost the defense of Anthony Davis, they have two of the best `quarterbacks` in the league. Austin Reaves has taken his game to another level, and Jaxson Hayes, Rui Hachimura and Dorian Finney-Smith can help keep things real inside. The Lakers aren`t deep enough to win it all on paper, but Doncic and LeBron have karma working on their side.” – Steve Alexander
Cleveland Cavaliers to win the NBA championship (+600): Andre Snellings identifies the Cavaliers as his Eastern Conference long-shot pick. He notes their impressive regular season record and scoring margin, indicators of championship potential. He also points to the Celtics` injury concerns, making the Cavaliers a strong long-shot bet in the East.
“All of my darkhorse championship favorites are in the West, but there are just too many to bet on any one in particular. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are one of only two teams in the East with a legit chance to win, and the only of the two that would qualify as a long-shot bet. The Cavaliers are a 64-win team with a +9.5 PPG average scoring margin, marks that correlate with teams capable of winning a championship. And the other power in the East, the Celtics, have injury issues to some of their best players. At 6-1 odds, the Cavs are a long shot fully capable of winning the championship.” – Andre Snellings
Lakers to make the NBA Finals (+600): Jim McCormick, while not explicitly favoring the Lakers, sees their playmaking ability as a major asset in the playoffs. He acknowledges defensive questions but believes their offensive talent gives them a chance to navigate a competitive Western Conference.
“I would like to state that I am not partial to the Lakers. This said, I honestly see contending potential in a team that has this level of playmaking. The defense will have to align in ways that only Voltron could hope, but the recipe for finding buckets in tight games is absolutely present amid what is a difficult Western field to read past the young Thunder.” – Jim McCormick
Denver Nuggets to win the NBA championship (+3000): Eric Karabell picks the Nuggets as a long shot, highlighting Nikola Jokic`s dominant play and the team`s experience. He suggests the coaching change might even motivate the team, and Jokic could carry them to the title.
“Bottom line, the Nuggets have Nikola Jokic firing off nightly triple-doubles, so not sure it matters who calls the timeouts and the inbound plays. This is an experienced roster, and the odd, late firing of the head coach only serves to motivate the players. Don`t be surprised if Jokic carries them all the way.” – Eric Karabell
Best Bet Among Championship Favorites
Cleveland Cavaliers: Eric Moody favors the Cavaliers among the top contenders (Thunder, Celtics, Cavaliers) due to a potentially easier path in the Eastern Conference. He emphasizes their strong offense and defense, Donovan Mitchell`s expected return from injury, and their depth and shooting ability.
“The road to the NBA Finals isn`t as daunting in the Eastern Conference, and this Cleveland team finished the regular season ranked first in offensive rating and eighth in defensive rating. Donovan Mitchell is also expected to be ready for the Cavaliers` playoff run, despite missing the last four games of the regular season with a sprained ankle. Cleveland has adequate depth and shoots the ball well, has All-Star guards and elite, defensive-minded bigs in Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.” – Eric Moody
Cavaliers: Eric Karabell also leans towards the Cavaliers, primarily due to the better odds compared to the Thunder and Celtics. While still predicting a Thunder-Celtics Finals, he sees the Cavaliers as the best value bet among the favorites.
“But only because of the odds. I still think a Thunder-Celtics Finals is pending, but it is hard to win big money with the favorites. To answer the direct question, of the Big 3, the Cavaliers are the team to bet on.” – Eric Karabell
Oklahoma City Thunder: Jim McCormick strongly backs the Thunder, comparing their balanced offense and defense to the San Antonio Spurs dynasty. He highlights their collective strength, youth, athleticism, and length, believing they are poised to establish a new standard in the league. He sees them as superior to the Celtics and Cavaliers in terms of overall dominance.
“We haven`t seen a team with this level of offensive and defensive balance since the prime San Antonio Spurs. Yes, the Warriors` dynasty often sustained elite defensive ratings, but also relied on a unique undersized demon named to handle multiple roles. The Thunder team doesn`t apply dominant defense based on a singular force, but rather a collective of length, athleticism, youth, toughness, and did we mention length or youth? I just find that teams that sustain the level of dominance the Thunder have when at full power often find a way to finish the job. The Celtics and Cavaliers are great teams, yet I believe this Thunder group is about to set an entirely new benchmark in the league.” – Jim McCormick
Undervalued Playoff Teams
New York Knicks: Eric Moody considers the Knicks undervalued in the East, despite their record against the Cavaliers and Celtics. He points to their talent, led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, and historical precedent of No. 3 seeds reaching and winning the Finals.
“New York is an afterthought in the East behind the Cavaliers and Celtics, and it makes sense considering the Knicks are 0-8 against both teams this season. But with Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and other talent around them, this team has the potential to beat anyone in a playoff series. The Knicks have the third-best odds to win the East at +1000. The last two No. 3 seeds to reach the Finals, the Warriors in 2022 and the Bucks in 2021, both won the championship.” – Eric Moody
LA Clippers: Steve Alexander sees the Clippers as a potential Cinderella story. He highlights their quiet success throughout the season, the health of Kawhi Leonard, Norman Powell`s emergence, James Harden`s contributions, and solid role players, suggesting they could surprise in the playoffs if Harden performs well.
“The Clippers have quietly played well all season while putting a bunch of All-Stars on the court at one time. Kawhi Leonard has had a dream (and healthy) season, Norman Powell has come into his own, Harden is rolling, Ivica Zubac is an under-the-radar talent and Kris Dunn is a defensive specialist. Derrick Jones Jr. helps firm things up off the bench and the Clippers could be a Cinderella story if Harden shows up for the playoffs for once.” – Steve Alexander
Milwaukee Bucks: Eric Karabell suggests the Bucks as an undervalued team with high upside. While acknowledging the possibility of a first-round exit, he notes the potential for a deep run if Damian Lillard returns and the team clicks, making them an intriguing long shot.
“Perhaps Giannis Antetokounmpo and pals are out in the first round. That would not be a surprise. Or perhaps Damian Lillard returns in Round 1 and the Bucks make a run, then knock off the top East teams. Would that be surprising? The odds say so, but man, those are fat odds to bet on.” – Eric Karabell
Finals MVP Bets
Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers (+2800): Eric Moody favors Doncic as a Finals MVP long shot. He notes the focus on other stars and the high odds for Doncic, who has Finals experience. Moody believes if the Lakers go all the way, Doncic will be the primary reason, citing his impressive playoff career stats.
“A lot of eyes are on the Thunder, Celtics, and Cavaliers and their respective superstars as Finals MVP candidates. But seeing these odds on a player like Doncic, who carried the Mavericks to the Finals last year, is too good to pass up. If the Lakers go all the way, Doncic will be a major reason why. He`s averaged 30.9 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game in his playoff career.” – Eric Moody
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder (+175): Steve Alexander backs Gilgeous-Alexander for Finals MVP, aligning with his Thunder championship prediction. He argues that Gilgeous-Alexander deserves the regular-season MVP and, if the Thunder win the title, he`s the most likely Finals MVP.
“While Jokic has had an incredible season, becoming the first center to ever average a triple-double, Gilgeous-Alexander should win the regular-season MVP based on OKC`s league-best 68-win season and his ridiculous stat lines. The Finals MVP should come from the team who wins it all, and since I feel fairly confident that the Thunder are going to be hoisting the Larry O`Brien trophy, he`s the only player on the Thunder capable of winning the MVP award.” – Steve Alexander
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics (+1600): Eric Karabell picks Jaylen Brown for Finals MVP, referencing his previous Eastern Conference Finals MVP award and the Celtics` championship pedigree. He acknowledges injury concerns but suggests Brown has already proven himself and shouldn`t be overlooked.
“Brown didn`t just earn NBA Finals MVP honors last season, as he also took the award in the Eastern Finals. Perhaps the odds are a bit muted due to a knee injury, but most players are probably dealing with something. These Celtics have already done it. Brown has already done it. Let`s not overthink things.” – Eric Karabell
Additional Bets
Houston Rockets to win the championship (+8000): Steve Alexander offers the Rockets as a deep sleeper bet. He sees parallels to the Thunder`s recent trajectory, praising coach Ime Udoka, their young talent (Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, etc.), veteran leadership, and strong defense and offense. He finds their long odds enticing.
“If I had a spare $100 to throw on a sleeper, I`d put it on the Rockets — the No. 2 seed in the West — to win it all (or the West: +2500). They`re young and seem to be where the Thunder were a season or two ago. Ime Udoka is a great coach, they have outstanding young players like Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith, and the veteran Fred VanVleet, who will have to step up his game for the playoffs. They play defense, can score on anyone and are well-coached, and the odds make them a very enticing play as a sleeper play.” – Steve Alexander
California is the NBA Championship Winning State (+1000): Eric Moody reiterates the California championship state bet as appealing due to the presence of the Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, and Kings in the postseason, emphasizing the Lakers and Warriors` championship experience and the potential for playoff surprises.
“This bet caught my attention because the Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, and Kings are all in the postseason. The Lakers are the most legitimate contenders in this group, but the postseason is full of surprises. The Warriors, like the Lakers, have championship pedigree.” – Eric Moody
