The 2024 NBA Playoffs tipoff today, with a loaded slate of four marquee matchups. After an offseason that included star player movement and highly touted draft picks; and a season that included pivotal trades and the crowning of the first-ever in-season tournament champion, the race to crown the 2024 NBA champion begins.
NBA Eastern Conference Game 1: Orlando Magic @ Cleveland Cavaliers
1:00 pm EST; ESPN
Cleveland Cavaliers -4.5; Total 206.5
The first game of the 2024 NBA Playoffs will have the (4) Cleveland Cavaliers squaring off against the (5) Orlando Magic at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio.
The Cavs find themselves back in the playoffs after a disappointing first-round exit a year ago to the New York Knicks. Despite going on a stretch where the Cavaliers won 17 out of 18 games, the team has cooled off, and once again rumors on Donovan Mitchell’s future have resurfaced.
The Orlando Magic are in the playoffs after being one of the NBA’s surprise teams this season. The Magic have the fourth youngest roster in the NBA this season, and this young and naive group looks to make some noise in the first round.
Led by former first overall pick Paolo Banchero, the Magic will look to use their size and athleticism to give the Cavs trouble in what should be a slugfest. Every year we see a young budding star break out onto the scene in the playoffs, and this year I think that will be Paolo Banchero.
Best Bet: Paolo Banchero over 34.5 points + rebounds + assists -115 at FanDuel
NBA Western Conference Game 1: Phoenix Suns @ Minnesota Timberwolves
3:30 pm EST; ESPN
Minnesota Timberwolves -2; Total 214.5
The first Western conference game of the day includes the (6) Phoenix Suns traveling to the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota to face off against the (3) Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Suns finished the season strong with a 7-3 record despite having the toughest strength of schedule in the NBA during that run. The Suns have also had the Timberwolves number, winning all 3 matchups this season.
The Timberwolves finish the season as the 3 seed after going 56-26. The Timberwolves’ young core of Anthony Edwards and Karl Anthony Towns looks to finally be reaching their potential, and Rudy Gobert has finally found his role on the team.
Despite the Suns’ hot finish to the season, and the Timberwolves’ struggles in this matchup, I do believe the Timberwolves will get the best of them in game 1. The Timberwolves finished the season with the best defensive rating in the NBA, and the 3rd best home record at 30-11. There is much more pressure on the Timberwolves to maintain their home-court advantage, and I believe they rise to the occasion today.
Best Bet: Minnesota Timberwolves Moneyline -120 at BetMGM
NBA Eastern Conference Game 1: Philadelphia 76ers @ New York Knicks
6:00 pm EST; ESPN
New York Knicks -3.5; Total 208
A matchup of two storied Eastern Conference franchises tips off this afternoon when the (7) Philadelphia 76ers travel to the Madison Square Garden in New York City to play the (2) New York Knicks.
The New York Knicks enter this matchup after arguably their best season since the Patrick Ewing era, as the Knicks finished 50-32 locking up the 2 seed in the East.
Winners of the Eastern Conference play-in, The Philadelphia 76ers find themselves in the playoffs after a season riddled with injuries. Star big man Joel Embiid is back in the lineup after missing the bulk of the season, however, he still doesn’t appear to be 100% healthy.
The Knicks will be riding high with the momentum they currently have, mixed with a wild crowd at MSG. We’ve seen Jalen Brunson show up big time in the playoffs before, and the 76ers don’t have a good matchup in the backcourt. Tyrese Maxey is not a great defender, and Brunson will be able to draw fouls on Kyle Lowry with ease. I expect a big game out of the Knicks star.
Best Bet: Jalen Brunson over 41.5 points + rebounds + assists -110 at BetMGM
NBA Western Conference Game 1: Los Angeles Lakers @ Denver Nuggets
8:30 pm EST; ABC
Denver Nuggets -7; Total 227
In a rematch of the 2023 Western Conference finals the (7) Los Angeles Lakers will travel to Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado to face off against the (2) Denver Nuggets.
The 2023 NBA champion Denver Nuggets will look to defend the title in 2024. The Nuggets bring back most of the same core from a season ago and will rally behind MVP Nikola Jokic.
The Los Angeles Lakers enter this game after winning the Western Conference play-in game for a second straight season. The Lakers will look to redeem themselves after getting swept by the Nuggets a season ago. The Lakers spent their offseason adding role players who will look to contribute to stopping Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis will be healthy and well-rested, unlike last year. Looking at the betting markets, 7 points is just too much for this matchup and I think the Lakers will keep their momentum rolling and cover this number.
Best Bet: Los Angeles Lakers +7 -108 at FanDuel
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