The NBA Playoffs field is set! For 12 teams, that means it’s time to start gearing up for a run at the Larry O’Brien Trophy. For eight others, they have to fight their way into the playoff bracket via the Play-In Tournament.
The Charlotte Hornets lived to fight another day with their victory on Tuesday night, while the Phoenix Suns blew a fourth-quarter lead against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Hornets await the loser of tonight’s clash between the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers, while the Suns will take on the winner of the Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Clippers.
Let’s dive into the betting lines, offering our sage advice on the best bets to make in both contests!
Eastern Conference 7th vs 8th
Orlando Magic vs Philadelphia 76ers
Moneyline: ORL +105 | PHI -125
Spread: ORL +1.5 (-105) | PHI -1.5 (-115)
Total: 224.5 Over (-110) | Under (-110)
The Sixers lost some ground late in the season, potentially costing themselves a spot in the playoff bracket. Philadelphia dropped three of its last five, falling one win shy of the sixth-seeded Atlanta Hawks. Their penance is a Play-In Tournament showdown versus the Orlando Magic on Wednesday.
Most concerningly, the 76ers’ offense has lost its rhythm toward the end of the regular season. After sitting in the top half of the league with 115.9 points per game throughout the campaign, the Sixers mustered just 105.6 points per game across the five-game sample. Moreover, they were held below 105 points in all but one of those contests. With lingering defensive concerns, we have serious apprehensions about their ability to secure the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference bracket.
We have no such concerns with Orlando. The Magic have been on the rise of late, winning five of their last six to close out the campaign. Over that stretch, they averaged 124.3 points per game, relying on improved offensive efficiency to bolster their scoring potential. Orlando can turn to Desmond Bane for scoring from range, turning the ball over to Paolo Banchero for a more robust interior scoring.
The difference in this matchup will be the Magic’s supporting cast. They had six different players average double-digits in scoring this season, with any one of their starters taking over when needed. Without Joel Embiid, the 76ers are forced to rely on Tyrese Maxey, with a limited offensive ceiling if he’s defended or runs cold.
Orlando will be up to the task in the City of Brotherly Love. We’re taking the Magicians to cash as road underdogs.
Best Bet: Magic +105
Western Conference 9th vs 10th
Golden State Warriors vs LA Clippers
Moneyline: GSW +175 | LAC -210
Spread: GSW +5.5 (-110) | LAC -5.5 (-110)
Total: 221.5 Over (-105) | Under (-115)
The sun is setting on the Golden State Warriors empire. A former dynasty, the Dubs look like a shell of their former selves. Still, with 37 wins on the season, they were able to secure the final berth in the Play-In Tournament. Unfortunately, they will meet their demise against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena.
Golden State’s issues are exemplified across its recent schedule. With just three wins over their last 10 games, the Warriors’ defensive concerns have come back into the spotlight. In terms of defensive efficiency, they rank in the bottom half of the league on the season, giving up a 48.0% opponent field goal percentage and 116.3 points per 100 possessions. Those shortcomings were amplified late, with their last three opponents scoring on 51.2% of shot attempts. Not surprisingly, the Warriors dropped all three decisions.
As is the case every season, Kawhi Leonard’s name has been removed from the injury report just in time for the playoffs. The forward has been rounding into playoff form late, averaging 25.6 points per game over his last five. Further, he has recorded no fewer than 20 points in any one of those contests while averaging north of 31 minutes per game.
Leonard’s resurgence coincides with the Clippers’ recent successful run. LA has won three of its previous five, including a 115-110 triumph in the regular season finale. In that game, the Clippers shot 47.0% from the field, without Leonard in the lineup. Expect a more robust performance from Los Angeles, with Leonard putting the Clippers on his back when it matters most.
The Warriors’ season went off the rails when Jimmy Butler went down with a season-ending ACL injury in January. Since then, they have struggled to compete on a nightly basis. If not for the teams tanking beneath them, the Dubs would have been happy for a spot in the draft lottery instead of the Play-In Tournament. With LA operating at full capacity, we predict a convincing win at home.
Best Bet: Clippers -5.5 -110
New to sports betting? First, explore our Introduction to Sports Betting. Then check out our recommendations at Flip The Switch for online sportsbooks, along with offers to get started. And if you’re not an avid sports fan, you can still find some fun and unusual bets to enjoy!
