The first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs is full of juicy matchups and intriguing betting prices on who advances. We’ve hand-picked the three best NBA playoff series to bet on right here. Keep on reading for our picks that we’re confident will pay out!
What: 2024 NBA Playoffs First Round
When: Starts April 20
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Pick
The T-Wolves are actually the higher-seeded team here at the No. 3 seed, yet are betting underdogs against the Suns. Here’s how the best NBA betting sites have pegged the series price for Minnesota vs. Phoenix:
| Team |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | -130 | -130 | -130 |
| Minnesota | +110 | +110 | +110 |
On the surface, this might feel like oddsmakers are overrating the names on the Suns' roster. There’s zero question about it Phoenix has way more star power than their counterparts behind a dynamic trio of Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker. With the three on the floor, the Suns put up a whopping 123.3 points per 100 possessions. The issue for them was actually keeping them together and healthy. The trio only played 41 games together.
But here’s why the Suns are betting favorites: not only is the “Big 3” healthy for now, but they’re playing unbelievably well. Phoenix finished the season going 7-3, just avoiding the play-in game and getting extra rest — what they need with this injury-laden roster. But even more, two of those late-season victories came against this same Minnesota team they’re now matched up with.
On April 5, Phoenix won a matchup 97-87. Then nine days later, the Suns closed the regular season by stomping the T-Wolves 125-106 on the road. It’s not like Minnesota was resting starters in the finale either. That was a straight whooping.
three best NBA playoff series to bet on
All this is to say momentum is high for Phoenix. We’re betting that carries them to a first-round victory. Minnesota’s turnaround has been a fun 2023-24 storyline, but they lack the big-game experience to pull out a series win here.
Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Betting Pick
There are a lot of variables when betting on Indiana vs. Milwaukee. Variables because both teams’ leading players are far from 100 percent healthy. We’ll get to that shortly, but let’s take a quick look at the current Pacers-Bucks series odds:
| Team | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | -115 | -115 | -115 |
| Indiana | -105 | -105 | -105 |
No. 3 seed Milwaukee is expected to be without the services of Giannis Antetokounmpo, at least for the first few series games. Trusty NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski said the team is hopeful Antetokounmpo could return later in the series — if it gets there. That’s a big if because Indiana won the season series 4-1 (all games were before they acquired Pascal Siakam too).
Then again, it’s hard to gauge those five games cause so much has changed with both teams. The Bucks switched head coaches, and for the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton hasn’t been the same since a midseason hamstring injury.
But hey, we’re betting men and we have to pick despite all the unknowns. Pacers are our pick. Antetokounmpo’s injury will derail the Bucks, and even if he comes back, say, Game 3, he will be hobbled and not his usual self. Milwaukee’s disappointing season crash lands this round, bank on it!
Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Clippers Betting Pick
The Mavericks are marginal betting favorites over the Clippers, but here again, it’s super close. Here’s how the betting odds stand:
| Team | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas | -135 | -135 | -135 |
| LA Clippers | +115 | +115 | +115 |
There are a lot of massive names in this series — Kawhi Leonard, Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Paul George, and Russ Westbrook, among others. The issue is, only Doncic is still playing like a superstar on a regular basis. The others are either routinely hurt or just coasting.
To us, this series largely comes down to who’s entering the playoffs hotter. That answer is quite clearly Dallas. The Mavs lost two meaningless regular-season games down the stretch but before that, went 16-2. That stretch was the most impressive league-wide. All the while, Los Angeles bounced around at .500 most of the post-All-Star break period.
The Mavericks get our dollars here. They not only have the momentum, but frankly, they have the best and most consistent player on the floor in Doncic. Clippers are monumental postseason underachievers, and we expect more of the same out of ‘em.
How To Bet On 2024 NBA Playoffs?
The NBA playoffs run for the next two months. That’s a whole lot of time to bet on the NBA playoffs and make money off it. If you need a one-stop shop for all playoff betting, then we recommend one of the betting sites below. Per our latest sportsbook reviews, these are the “best of the best” for NBA action.
Here’s the best part about using these bookies though: they offer lucrative sign-up bonuses. By bonuses, we’re talking about hundreds to thousands of dollars in free play. That’s a whole lot of money to bet on the NBA playoffs for the next month or so using “house money.” See the table underneath for a list of our favorite offers on the table right now. Leverage anyone right away by clicking the “play now” button.
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