The NBA Playoffs have just kicked off, and we’re only a few games into the NBA postseason series, but we’re already seeing some interesting movements in the NBA Playoff series odds.
If you’re ready to get in on the action, let’s check out the latest NBA playoffs odds.
NBA Playoffs Series Odds
Let’s begin by checking out who is playing and each team’s odds of making it to the second round.
- Milwaukee Bucks (-450) vs Miami Heat (+360)
- Boston Celtics (-9000) vs. Atlanta Hawks (+2750)
- Philadelphia 76ers (-5000) vs Brooklyn Nets (+2000)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (-135) vs NY Knicks (+115)
- Denver Nuggets (-2500) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (+1150)
- Memphis Grizzlies (+140) vs LA Lakers (-160)
- Sacramento Kings (-175) vs Golden State Warriors (+155)
- Phoenix Suns (-310) vs LA Clippers (+260)
(NBA Playoff odds courtesy of BetOnline)
Sites with the Best NBA Playoff Series Odds
- BetOnline: Best overall
- Bovada: Best NBA daily specials
- BUSR: Excellent 1st half lines
- MyBookie: Best conference champions odds
- Everygame: Great NBA series prices
- XBet: Best for 1st quarter betting
- Thunderpick: Best for crypto betting
- BetUS: Top pick for live betting
- Sportsbetting: Best series props
NBA Playoffs Overview
The NBA 2023 postseason comes with a few interesting storylines. For instance, the Golden State Warriors are looking to win their fifth title in the last nine years.
To the surprise of many, Steve Kerr’s squad defied the odds in 2022 to take the honors after they barreled through the first three rounds and eventually defeated the Celtics in the finals four games to two. Golden State is the only lower-seeded team to be favored in the opening round.
Of course, many fans will be watching to see how Lebron and the Lakers fare as a slight underdog. It will also be interesting to see how the Celtics perform after their monster season.
They will certainly be looking to redeem themselves after falling short in last year’s finals. Even though they are massive favorites in their opening series against Atlanta, the Hawks aren’t going to roll over.
Check out these basketball betting guides:
Eastern Conference Matchups
Boston Celtics (-9000) vs Atlanta Hawks (+2750)
This is going to be a very lop-sided series, according to the bookmakers who have listed the Celtics at -9000 to take the series. After a shocking run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, the Hawks have been mediocre at best. While they did reach the postseason last year, they were no match for the Heat, who took the series 4-1.
Taking the Celtics at -9000 does not offer much value at all. However, betting on them ATS for each game might be a more profitable way. Boston was one of the top teams ATS during the regular season, going 45-36-1. On the flip side, the Hawks were one of the worst teams ATS going just 36-46. They also struggled mightily on the road.
>> Bet on Celtics to win the series at BetOnline
Philadelphia 76ers (-5000) vs Brooklyn Nets (+2000)
This matchup might not seem as one-sided as the Celtics vs. Hawks series, but it looks like an easy win for the 76ers nevertheless. Joel Embiid and his 33.1 points per game will make things very difficult for the Nets, while James Harden will only add to Brooklyn’s misery.
This will be Philly’s sixth consecutive playoff appearance. They are 4-1 in their previous five first-round appearances. Brooklyn has made the playoffs in each of the last 4 years, but they have only made it past the first round once.
If you are thinking about backing Philly, we suggest playing them ATS game by game instead of taking them to win the series at an unpalatable -5000.
>> Put your money on the 76ers winning the NBA Playoff series at Bovada
Cleveland Cavaliers (-135) vs NY Knicks (+115)
The New York Knicks enter their first-round series versus the Cavaliers as a +176 underdog. If you want an upset, this one could fit the bill. For starters, the Knicks went 3-1 SU and ATS against the Cavs this season.
While Cleveland was one of the best home teams this year, going 31-10 SU, the Knicks were one of the more solid road teams going 24-17. This is arguably the best Knicks team we have seen in a decade.
Of course, this was Cleveland’s best year post-LeBron. They have been somewhat of a defensive juggernaut and have what it takes to shut down opponents. With that said, the Knicks have the edge in bench depth, making them a live dog in this series. NY at +176 has a lot of value.
>> Head to BUSR for the best odds of the Cavs winning the series
Milwaukee Bucks (-450) vs Miami Heat (+360)
Expectations are once again high as Giannis and the Bucks embark on yet another playoff run. They have made it out of the first round in the last four consecutive years and won it all in 2021. The team has proven to win at home and on the road. This year, the Bucks led the league in road wins with 26. They were also among the top ATS earners with a record 44-36-2.
Meanwhile, the Heat has been quite inconsistent down the stretch and they have certainly taken a few steps back from where they were last year. These two teams met in the first round two years ago, and it was a 4-0 bloodbath in favor of the Bucks. This series merits spread bets by the game on the Bucks.
>> Think the Bucks will win the series? Place your bet at MyBookie
Western Conference Matchups
Denver Nuggets (-2500) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (+1150)
With the league’s top player, Nikola Jokic, many people are looking at Denver as a team that needs to finish it now. Despite putting together some very solid seasons over the past few years, they have all ended in disappointment.
Denver certainly needs to atone for last year’s one-and-done against an admittedly tough Warriors team.
As for the Timberwolves, they should consider themselves lucky to be here. They have made it to the playoffs just twice since 2004. They got bounced in the first round both times. Since 1989, Minnesota has put up a dismal playoff series record of 2-10.
They have only made it into the second round once, which was way back in 2004. Minnesota split their season series with the Nuggets, which should give them some confidence. Still, they are quite overmatched in terms of talent and depth. We’ll play Denver ATS in each game.
>> Put your money on the Nuggets winning the NBA Playoffs at Everygame
Memphis Grizzlies (+140) vs LA Lakers (-160)
This is the most evenly-matched series on the board, as the Grizzlies come into it as a slight +140 underdog. The Lakers have been solid underdogs, SU and ATS, over the past few months. While the Grizz have been racking up the wins as a favorite lately, their recent ATS record as a fave leaves much to be desired.
That said, the W’s count and Memphis have recorded 11 of them in their last 12 and 17 in their last 20. Sure, LA took the season series 2-1, but it’s hard to bet against a team on such a roll, especially at -130.
>> Bet on the Lakers to emerge as the NBA Playoff Series champion at Thunderpick
Sacramento Kings (-175) vs Golden State Warriors (+155)
This one has a stench to it. Even though the Kings won the Pacific Division, they haven’t played well in recent weeks. Nevertheless, they finished the season with four more wins than their first-round opponent, the defending champs, the Golden State Warriors.
So, how is a lower-seeded team such a significant favorite? The Warriors have won four championships recently, while the Kings have languished in the basement. This will be Sacramento’s first playoff appearance in 17 years. Playoff experience 100% favors the Warriors.
What makes this one interesting is that Sacramento and Golden State have two of the best offenses in the league and two of the most porous defenses. This is a tasty recipe for Overs. Golden State took the season series 3-1, and we expect them to win this series handily.
>> Place your bet on the Kings to win the series at BetUS
Phoenix Suns (-310) vs LA Clippers (+260)
The Phoenix Suns are still looking for their first NBA title. It doesn’t seem to matter how well they do in the regular season, they just can’t get it done when it matters. After winning 51 games in 2020-21, they made it to the big dance only to get outclassed by the Bucks. Last year, they won a staggering 64 games only to be bounced by the Mavs in the Semifinals.
After a couple of deep runs in 2020 and 2021, the Clippers regressed in 2022, failing to make the playoffs. Like the Suns, LA is still trying to capture its first NBA title. Some might think the odds are a little off considering where these teams rank regarding offense and defense.
Even with the injury to Paul George, the Clippers deserve a little more respect against a team with such a track record of futility. LA at +260 is a bargain.
>> Think the Suns have what it takes to win? Place your bet at Sportsbetting
Odds to Win the NBA Championship
- Milwaukee Bucks +275
- Boston Celtics +350
- Phoenix Suns +550
- Philadelphia 76ers +750
- Denver Nuggets +800
- Los Angeles Lakers +850
- G.S. Warriors +1200
- Memphis Grizzlies +3000
- Los Angeles Clippers +3000
- Sacramento Kings +3000
- Cleveland Cavaliers +5000
- NY Knicks +6500
- Miami Heat +12500
- Minnesota Timberwolves +50000
- Atlanta Hawks +50000
- Brooklyn Nets +50000
(NBA Finals Odds courtesy of Bovada)
NBA Playoff Betting Tips
A lot of bettors like making series bets. However, the prices are sometimes too steep to offer value. We can see that in this year’s first round with teams like Milwaukee and Boston. Many experienced bettors cannot justify laying -450 or -9000, even if those bets look like “locks.”
As such, those who want to bet on those matchups should consider playing each game against the spread. This is especially true if the favorite has been a strong ATS. Of course, don’t forget that certain variables make for strong Over/Under bets.
One thing about all professional sports is that upsets are common. Don’t be afraid to back underdogs if you can make a good case. You should also pay attention to head-to-head histories and revenge situations.
Of course, you must know about key injuries and how teams play away from home. For instance, the Denver Nuggets lost 29 games this year. They lost 22 of those on the road.
We can also tell you that betting with your heart isn’t the best way. You need to look at each matchup objectively and be able to justify your selection. And finally, always look for the most advantageous odds. This is particularly true regarding futures like betting on the NBA championship.
For instance, one sportsbook might have the LA Lakers to win it all at +1400, while another has them listed at +2100. This makes a huge difference in your potential profits. This is why so many experienced bettors have accounts with multiple sportsbooks. Another benefit of having multiple betting accounts is that they give you more bonuses and promotions.
Best Sites for NBA Playoff Betting
Let’s look at the top online betting sites for the NBA playoffs.
1. BetOnline – Best NBA Playoff Series Odds Overall
Millions of serious sports bettors have used BetOnline since the site went live in 2004. One of the reasons why BetOnline has remained so popular is that the site offers some of the fastest payouts on the planet. If you are a basketball fan, make sure to check out Bovada’s NBA finals MVP odds.
Withdrawals are typically processed within a couple of hours so that you can collect your winnings as quickly as possible. The sportsbook currently offers a 50% welcome bonus of up to $1,000. You can make a lot of playoff bets with that!!
>> Find the best odds for the NBA Playoff Series at BetOnline
2. Bovada – Best Betting Site for NBA Daily Specials
Bovada is an established and reputable bookmaker that has offered NBA odds since its launch in 2004. Customers love that the bookmaker’s NBA betting menus are so deep. They also love that the site supports various payment options, including cryptocurrency. Open a new account today, and you can claim up to $750 that you can use to bet on the NBA playoff odds.
>> Place your NBA Playoff bets at Bovada
3. MyBookie – Top NBA Sportsbook for Halftime Betting
Launched in 2014, MyBookie is one of the newer sites on our list. However, it offers some of the most competitive NBA odds around, and they cover a vast array of NBA betting markets. Perhaps the most attractive aspect of MyBookie is the availability of live streaming.
This is particularly helpful for live bettors who must be right on top of the action. You can claim up to $1,000 in NBA betting cash if you open a new account and make your first deposit.
>> Join MyBookie and place your 1st half bets on the next game
4. BetUS – Best Conference Champions Odds of all NBA Betting Sites
Having gone live in 1994, BetUS is one of the oldest online bookmakers on earth. They are a perennial favorite among bettors who want access to the most comprehensive NBA betting menus and competitive odds.
The site even supports cryptocurrency, and the withdrawal times are quite fast. Sign up today for a 125% welcome bonus worth up to $3,125 – it also has some of the best NBA MVP odds that we could find online.
>> Bet on your favorite team to win the conference championship at BetUS
5. Everygame – Best NBA Sportsbook with Excellent NBA Series Prices
Everygame was established in 1996 and has become one of the world’s premier basketball betting sites. In addition to offering fair odds on a huge selection of NBA playoff wagering opportunities, the site also covers dozens of other leagues that operate all over the globe.
If you are looking for competitive NBA series prices, you should check out Everygame. The site currently offers up to $750 when you sign up and make your first deposit.
>> Sign up at Everygame and grab up to $750 worth of welcome bonus
Guide to Betting on the NBA Playoffs Series
Who Is Favored To Win the NBA Playoffs?
As we enter the first round, the odds-on favorite to win it all is the Milwaukee Bucks, who are listed at +275.
What Are the Current Odds for the NBA Finals?
Entering the playoffs, the NBA championship odds are:
- Milwaukee Bucks +275
- Boston Celtics +350
- Phoenix Suns +550
- Philadelphia 76ers +750
- Denver Nuggets +800
- LA Lakers +850
- G.S. Warriors +1200
- Memphis Grizzlies +3000
- LA Clippers +3000
- Sacramento Kings +3000
- Cleveland Cavaliers +5000
- NY Knicks +6500
- Miami Heat +12500
- Minnesota Timberwolves +50000
- Atlanta Hawks +50000
- Brooklyn Nets +50000
What Is the Home Winning Percentage in NBA Playoffs?
The home winning percentage in the first and second rounds hovers around 75% and jumps to about 80% in the finals.
Other betting guides worth checking out:
Does Your Team Have a Chance to Win the NBA Playoffs Series?
There’s no more exciting time of year for basketball fans than when the NBA playoffs get underway, and we hope our guide has made it more likely that you do more than just lose money on the games this year.
No matter which teams you like or which favorites you intend to fade, we’d recommend doing most of your betting at BetOnline. It’s one of the most respected sportsbooks in the industry for a reason, and right now, they have excellent bonus offers for both regular and cryptocurrency users.
Don’t limit yourself to a single sportsbook, though — sharp bettors have accounts at several online bookies to make line shopping easier.
After all, you’ll want to be able to cash in quickly the moment you see Russell Westbrook start doing Russell Westbrook things (regardless of whether those things are helping his team or the opponents).
Have fun and good luck!
DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Online gambling comes with risks. There’s no guarantee of financial gain, so you should only gamble with what you can afford to lose.
While gambling can be fun, it can also be addictive. If you or anyone you know suffer from a gambling addiction problem, we recommend you call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 to speak with an advisor. Please remember that our guides and all gambling sites are 18+. Also, check with local laws if online gambling is legal in your area.
For free online gambling addiction resources, visit these organizations:
