The NBA Playoffs bring a different rhythm than the regular season — tighter rotations, slower pace, more game planning, and a heightened sense of urgency. Sportsbooks respond in kind, offering a variety of intriguing series markets: series winner, correct score, spreads, top individual performers, and more.
Let’s dive into the best value bets from Round 1, using odds from DraftKings Sportsbook.
Knicks vs. Pistons – Detroit +1.5 Series Spread (+135)
Don’t let the Pistons’ inexperience fool you — this is a team with swagger and grit. Cade Cunningham is a bona fide star, and there’s a good chance he’s the best player in the series. Detroit surged post-All-Star before an end-of-season dip, and they’ll enter this matchup hungry.
The Knicks, meanwhile, ranked 18th in net rating after the break and are dealing with roster flaws even as Jalen Brunson returns to form. Detroit’s physicality, ability to hunt mismatches, and strong home-court energy make them a sneaky bet to win at least three games.
If you’re high on Detroit’s momentum and Cunningham’s impact, this spread bet gives great value.
Timberwolves vs. Lakers – Lakers to Win 4-2 (+500)
The Lakers might be a 6-seed, but with LeBron James and a resurgent Luka Dončić (yes, the alt-reality version in purple and gold), they’re a playoff team nobody wants to face.
The Timberwolves are balanced and dangerous, but Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle will be tested by LA’s floor spacing and playoff tempo. This is likely a back-and-forth series, but the Lakers’ ability to close — and LeBron’s control of crunch time — gives them the edge.
A 4-2 Lakers win allows room for Minnesota to steal a couple, but ultimately LA closes it in six.
Nuggets vs. Clippers – Exactly 7 Games (+190)
This might be the best series of the entire first round. The Clippers have depth, experience, and Kawhi Leonard’s elite two-way play. Denver has Nikola Jokić and home-court — and that alone makes this a heavyweight matchup.
Rather than guessing the winner, betting the series to go the distance offers better value. Both teams are evenly matched, and this feels destined to come down to the wire.
Pacers vs. Bucks – Pacers to Win 4-2 (+475)
With Dame Lillard likely out, the Pacers have a clear edge in depth and playmaking. Giannis will be Giannis, but Indiana’s pace, shooting, and Haliburton’s command of the offense should overwhelm Milwaukee over a seven-game series.
Giannis might carry the Bucks to a couple wins, but without Lillard, Milwaukee’s ceiling is capped — and Indiana is ready to capitalize.
Celtics vs. Magic – Celtics to Win 4-0 (+105)
Boston is the defending champ, playing like it. Orlando has an elite defense, but their offense has cratered since December. The Magic can’t shoot, don’t move the ball well, and can’t keep up with Boston’s firepower.
Boston has blown out teams like this all year. This has sweep written all over it.
Rockets vs. Warriors – Warriors to Win 4-3 (+550)
Steph. Draymond. Jimmy. Game 7 on the road? No problem.
Yes, the Rockets are young and hungry. Yes, Game 1 in Houston might go their way. But the Warriors have the postseason poise and now a retooled defense that ranked best in the league after adding Butler.
Curry and Butler know how to close. It might take seven, but trust the vets to finish the job.
Final Thoughts:
The beauty of Round 1 betting lies in the variety. Whether you’re playing it safe with a series spread or chasing big value on exact outcomes, there’s opportunity — especially if you know how these teams match up over seven games.
Let us know which series bets you’re riding with — and which favorites you think might be on upset watch.
And check out these articles too:
Key Factors to Consider When Betting the NBA Playoffs
X Factor Players in the NBA Playoffs
Thunder vs the Field and Where is the value?
How to Bet on NBA Futures During the Season
Five Tips for Betting on NBA Game Totals
NBA Playoff Preview – the Athletic
NBA Playoff Play-In Preview nba.com
NBA Playoff Play-In Preview CBS Sports
NBA Playoff Play-In Preview VSIN
