The NBA playoffs in its 2023/24 season are in full swing, and after several games, we have some favorite teams to advance to the next phase of this season. We have enjoyed some intense and exciting games, which clearly show that the best teams in the league are in these defining instances.
For now, we have the Bucks and Pacers even at 1-1 after the two games played at Fiserv Forum. Cleveland leads the series 2-1 against the Magic, the Knicks are 2-1 against the Sixers, while Denver has the Lakers in check with a solid 3-0 record. Similarly, the Clippers and Dallas have the series tied 1-1, Minnesota beats the Suns 2-0, and the Thunder also lead their series against the Pelicans 2-0. Finally, the Celtics, the big favorites in the East, have the series tied 1-1 against the Miami Heat.
As we can see, except for a few exceptions, we have a lot of parity in these series, so anything can happen. However, everything indicates that the first team to say goodbye to these NBA playoffs will be LeBron James’ Lakers.
Now, here is an update of what has happened so far in some of the series of these NBA playoffs.
2024 NBA Playoffs: Pacers vs. Bucks
When and Where?
Friday, April 26, 5:00 pm ET at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Moneyline odds:
Pacers 1.66
Bucks 2.19
Where can I watch it?
The Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks have the series tied 1-1 after the first two games played at Fiserv Forum. Now, the series shifts to Bankers Life Fieldhouse, home of the Pacers, where Indiana will try to win both games to put the Bucks on the ropes.
In the first game of the series, Milwaukee relied on the talents of Middleton and Damian Lillard in the absence of Giannis Antetokoumpo and managed to overcome the Pacers with a score of 109-94. Middleton scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Lillard came down with 35 points.
Game 2 of the series was completely different, as the Pacers unleashed their full potential from Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner, and Andrew Nembhard to strike back and take the 125-108 victory.
There is no doubt that Anteto’s absence is lethal for this Bucks team, as the Greek is the main spearhead of the team both on offense and defense. Right now, there is no exact date for his return, but should be in this series against the Pacers.
Now, for this third game, we hope the Pacers can take the victory at home.
Pacers vs. Bucks Betting Pick: Pacers
2024 NBA Playoffs: Pelicans vs. Thunder
When and Where?
Saturday, April 27, 3:30 pm ET at the Smoothie King Center
Moneyline odds:
Pelicans 8.00
Thunder 1.07
Where can I watch it?
The Thunder are one of the favorites to go as far as possible in these playoffs, and they have proven it in the series against the Pelicans. After two games played, the OKC Thunder leads the series with an excellent overall score of 2-0.
The series began with an exceptional game at the Paycom Center, home of the Thunder, where we enjoyed a spectacular give-and-take from start to finish. The duel was even at 43-43 at halftime. However, in the closing stages, the Thunder relied on the great plays of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams to take the win 94-92.
Then, in the second game of the series, things got much better for the home team, as Gilgeous-Alexander (33 points) was helped by Chet Holmgren (26 points) and Jalen Williams (21 points) to lead the team to a convincing 124-92 victory.
For the Pelicans, the teamwork has been working as a whole, and they need to stop Gilgeous-Alexander and company if they want to stay alive in this series.
Now, for this third game of this key, we have our prediction is a win for the Thunder.
Pelicans vs. Thunder Betting Pick: Thunder
2024 NBA Playoffs: Heat vs. Celtics
When and Where?
Saturday, April 27, 6:00 pm ET at the Kaseya Center
Moneyline odds:
Heat 6.60
Celtics 1.05
Where can I watch it?
The most anticipated series of these playoffs has not disappointed us, as Miami and Boston have given us two exceptional games in this series opener. With both games played at the TD Garden, the Celtics started on the right foot by winning the first game, but the Heat reacted and hit back in the second.
In the first duel, we enjoyed a basketball lesson given by Jayson Tatum and Derrick White, who combined for 43 points to lead Boston to victory with an excellent score of 114-94. In this game, Butler’s absence weighed heavily at all times, as the Florida team looked lost both on offense and defense.
However, things changed in the second game, as Bam Adebayo (21 points), Tyler Herro (24 points), and Caleb Martin (21 points),easily overcame the Celtics’ defense and achieved a very good victory by 111-101. There is no doubt that Miami got the job done by winning a game at TD Garden. However, they will now have to withstand the onslaught of the most consistent team in the NBA this 2023/24 season.
For this game 3 of the Heat-Celtics series, our prediction is a Boston win.
Heat vs. Celtics Betting Pick: Celtics
2024 NBA Playoffs: Lakers vs. Nuggets
When and Where?
Saturday, April 27, 8:00 pm ET at the Crypto.com Arena
Moneyline odds:
Lakers 16.00
Nuggets 1.008
Where can I watch it?
Finally, the Nuggets have the Lakers in check in this series because, after three games, Denver has managed to win them all, demonstrating that their mission is to go as far as possible in these playoffs.
In the first two games at Ball Arena, home of the Nuggets, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. combined to give a tremendous blow to these Lakers of LeBron and Davis who, without a doubt, are very unsettled at the moment. The first game ended in a 114-103 win for Denver.
Then, in the second encounter, things stayed the same as Jokic (27 points), Porter Jr. (22 points), and Murray (20 points) combined to lead the Nuggets to a 101-99 victory.
Finally, in the first game played at Crypto.com Arena, home of the Lakers, LeBron (26 points) and Anthony Davis (33 points), could do nothing to prevent Denver’s approaches. This time, the Nuggets’ lethal trio was joined by Aaron Gordon, who scored 29 points and led his team to a 112-105 victory.
Although the Nuggets won the first three games of the series comfortably, we expect the Lakers to react and avoid a sweep in game 4Â of the series.
Lakers vs. Nuggets Betting Pick: Lakers
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