Playoff pro hoops are back! After a grueling regular season, the NBA playoffs are here, and it’s not looking like it was a year ago. For the first time since many folks can remember, LeBron isn’t leading an Eastern Conference team, and for the first time since 2005, James won’t even be in the playoffs. The NBA betting lines on the series are showing plenty of opportunities, let’s take a look at some of them.
NBA Series Prices & Analysis
2019 PLAYOFF INTRO#RunAsOne pic.twitter.com/BN70RBIXeG
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 15, 2019
Nuggets vs. Spurs
Analysis: The Nuggets jumped right back in the saddle after a disappointing season last year. With players like Nikola Jokic, and a great mix of a supporting cast, the Nuggets are pretty well positioned in this series. However, Denver is a young team and nobody knows how they’ll fare under the pressure of the playoffs.
San Antonio fought tooth and nail to get to the playoffs after starting the season without their famed Big Three of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker. The addition of DeMar DeRozan and a trio of other new starters they now find themselves in the postseason for an NBA-record tying 22nd time. Because of the player’s lack of experience, the Spurs have had to keep them on the court throughout the regular season. This could lessen the impact that their greenhorn players might have in the playoffs.
Rockets vs. Jazz
Analysis: After coming close but no cigar in last year’s West finals, the Rockets took a long time to recover. But, when James Harden stepped up to the plate, he led his team back to life. Harden practically had the full weight of the responsibility for his team for a time, but with Chris Paul and Clint Capela returning from injury after an extended period, and the addition of some quality players like Austin Rivers, Kenneth Faried, and Iman Shumpert, Houston is back to form.
The Jazz started the season slowly but picked up steam to close it out with a bang. The turning point for Utah was their epic 21-point comeback for a 106-93 win over the Magic on Jan. 9. The Jazz has been on the up-and-up since that time led by Donovan Mitchell and a solid defense. Utah went 18-6 after the All-Star break, which was the NBA's third-best record in that span, but will it be enough to stop the Rockets juggernaut? We’ll see.
Raptors vs. Magic
The Raptors trading for Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James heading to the West gave hope for a Toronto trip to the NBA finals. Even when Leonard and Kyle Lowry were benched for an extended period, the Raptors still got the job done. Toronto had the gall to sweep the mighty Warriors in the regular season, and they could ride the momentum far into the playoffs. With grizzled veterans like Leonard and young bloods like Pascal Siakam, the Raptors are a dangerous team.
Orlando stepped on the gas pedal in January to clinch the Southeast Division championship and a spot in the playoffs. The Magic rained on the Miami Heat’s parade on March 26 and chucked their chance to win the Southeast crown. With players of the likes of First-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic and hard-nosed defense, the Magic can stop any opposing team cold. Orlando is hitting their defensive numbers on the mark, and they’re deadly effective at shutting down opponents.
76ers vs. Nets
There was shocking movement in the 76ers’ roster this season. But, the addition of Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris seems to have panned out. The Phantastic 5 -- Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, JJ Redick, Butler, and Harris — are crazy-good. But, Philadelphia seems to struggle at shooting and doesn’t have a strong bench.
It’s been a Cinderella-ride to the playoffs for the Brooklyn Nets. Led by first-time All-Star D’Angelo Russell, Brooklyn put their name back on the competition list and earned them a spot in the playoffs. If Russell can keep his performance up, the Nets have a big shot at taking out the 76ers.
