The NBA playoffs tip off on Saturday and now that we know the matchups, the betting odds for the series have been posted by BetDSI. Here is a look at the Eastern Conference series and the prices for the matchups.
Toronto Raptors vs. Washington Wizards
Series Price: Celtics -750
The Raptors stormed to the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 59-23, while the Wizards snagged the last spot with a 43-39 record. This matchup will be focused on the backcourt as DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry of the Raptors will go up against John Wall and Bradley Beal of the Wizards. Toronto was fourth in points scored and tied for sixth in points allowed; the Wizards were 13th and 15th in those categories, respectively. Toronto’s bench has been excellent this season and could give them a huge edge in this series. The two split four meetings this season, with one win each at home and away.
Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Series Price: Celtics -150
The Celtics had a 55-27 record to finish second, and the Bucks were 44-38. Boston limps into the playoffs as Kyrie Irving is out for the season with a knee injury, and now they have to lean on a defense that was third in the NBA in points allowed. That defense is going to be hard-pressed to contain Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, who blossomed into an MVP candidate and averaged 33.5 points and 10.8 rebounds against the Celtics this season. Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum has been excellent as a rookie for Boston and could be their go-to offensive player. The two teams split four games this season, with one win each home and away.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat
Series Price: 76ers -500
The 76ers surged to the third seed and finished the season on a 16-game winning streak, while the Heat are 44-38. Philadelphia will probably be without Joel Embiid for the first game, at least, because of a facial injury, but the 76ers have been rolling along without because of Ben Simmons, who came close to averaging a triple-double in his rookie season and is probably the Rookie of the Year favorite. The Heat don’t have Philadelphia’s talent, but they’re fourth in points allowed and they’re very well-coached by Erik Spoelstra. These two met four times in February and March, splitting the games with the home team winning in all four.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers
Series Price: Cavaliers -500
The Cavaliers finished 50-32 on the season, while Indiana were two games behind at 48-34. LeBron James had another MVP-type season in his 15th campaign, but the Cavaliers aren’t a balanced team, ranking fifth in points scored, but 26th in points allowed. The Pacers are one of the best stories from this past NBA season and Victor Oladipo will probably be the Most Improved Player in the league. Indiana ranked ninth in points allowed and they gave the Cavaliers some trouble during the regular season, winning three of their four meetings, including both games in Cleveland. However, Cleveland has been to the Finals in three straight seasons (James has been to seven in a row himself) and know how to navigate the postseason.
