Steve Starr
- BetOnline has updated 2021 NBA Playoffs First Round Series Odds after the opening games of basketball’s postseason
- The Nets and 76ers are massive favorites in their Round 1 matchups after respective Game 1 victories
- Luka Dončić triple-doubled in the Mavericks’ Game 1 win over the Clippers
While it came to no one’s surprise that LeBron James’ COVID-19 protocol violations didn’t land him a suspension in the first round of the NBA playoffs, the ease at which the Phoenix Suns cruised to a Game 1 victory over the Lakers was eye-opening.
With the opening games of basketball’s postseason in the books, let’s look at updated odds for the Round 1 matchups and make our picks on who might advance to the Eastern and Western Conference Semi-Finals. And, as we head towards the NBA Finals in July, be sure to review these tips for betting on basketball.
2021 NBA Playoff Series Odds
 |
|
| Lakers Series Prices | -104 |
| Suns Series Prices | -116 |
| Celtics Series Prices | +1200 |
| Nets Series Prices | -2750 |
| Mavericks Series Prices | +139 |
| Clippers Series Prices | -159 |
| Wizards Series Prices | +950 |
| 76ERS Series Prices | -1800 |
| Hawks Series Prices | -260 |
| Knicks Series Prices | +220 |
| Grizzlies Series Prices | +280 |
| Jazz Series Prices | -350 |
Can the Lakers bounce back?
Phoenix is a slight -116 favorite to defeat the defending champion Lakers in round 1 following their 99-90 victory in game 1 of their seven-game series. While it’s difficult to get a read on the health of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, we believe the Purple & Gold can still squeak out the series in seven games.
Los Angeles’ other team, the Clippers (-159), also dropped the first game of their series, falling 113-103 to Dallas. While the Mavericks have a thin roster outside of Luka Dončić, they might be incapable of stopping the Slovenian superstar, who triple-doubled with 31 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in game 1. Take Mark Cuban’s boys at +139 to finish the job against the perennially-choking Clippers.
Luka Doncic had his 3rd career playoff triple-double.
No other Mavericks player has even had one in the playoffs pic.twitter.com/aFTbnDXO6j
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 22, 2021
The Utah Jazz (-350) are still expected to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies (+280) in their first-round showdown. While the Jazz were without Donovan Mitchell in their game 1 loss at home, there’s apparently a huge rift between the star guard and French center Rudy Gobert, who famously gave him the coronavirus last year before the shutdown.
Our guess is they still beat the Grizz in six games, but don’t expect the Jazz to make their first NBA Finals since Karl Malone and John Stockton were downed by Michael Jordan’s Bulls in consecutive seasons in the late nineties.
Nets and 76ers win Game 1
Brooklyn is massive -2750 chalk to beat Boston after a 104-93 game 1 win. The Nets began the second half with 18-4 run, turning a six-point deficit into an eight-point lead with Kevin Durant (9), James Harden (6) and Kyrie Irving (3) accounting for all 18 points.
The 76ers (-1800) had far more difficulty in their Game 1 victory over Washington, which has been one of the hottest teams in the NBA after the All-Star break, but Philadelphia should advance in no more than five games.
Kyrie dropped Fournier 👀
(via @BrooklynNets)pic.twitter.com/ZPtlwPgnaR
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 23, 2021
Basketball in New York City was alive and well until Trae Young killed it. The Hawks young superstar hit a floater with 0.9 seconds left on the clock to score Atlanta a 107-105 win in game 1. Considering how good the Knicks have been defensively under Coach of the Year candidate Tom Thibodeau, however, we expect New York to bounce back in Game 2 on Wednesday.
Bet the Knicks at +220 to win a hard-fought 7-game series.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
