NBA Playoff Preview 2024: Updated Bracket, First-Round Matchup, & Best Series Bets

This 2023-24 NBA playoff preview and best first-round bets are brought to you by BetOnline. BetOnline is a market leader in sports betting, offering various options from the 2024 basketball season to the UFC and everything in between.

The 2023-24 regular season is officially in the rearview, meaning basketball enthusiasts can focus on what matters: the NBA playoffs. The Play-In Tournament wraps up on Friday with the first-round series beginning on Saturday, meaning it won’t be much longer before a team is hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

The Squad getting ready to VIBE & watch the NBA Playoffs 🍻🏀 https://t.co/tuFJAfs7Dc pic.twitter.com/nNRNtBd0sT

— Betting News (@YourBettingNews) April 15, 2024

Even though the first-round matchups aren’t officially finalized at the time of writing, it’s never too early to get in on the NBA postseason action. Here’s a look at the latest NBA playoff bracket, as well as the best bets for each of the eight first-round series.

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NBA Playoff Preview 2024: Updated Playoff Bracket

With two more Play-In Tournament games remaining, the first-round matchups have yet to be finalized. Nevertheless, here’s what Round 1 of the 2023-24 NBA postseason would look like if it began on Thursday:

NBA Eastern Conference Round 1

• 1. Boston Celtics (64-18) vs. 8. Miami Heat (46-36) or Chicago Bulls (39-43)
• 2. New York Knicks (50-32)  vs. 7. Philadelphia 76ers (47-35)
• 3. Milwaukee Bucks (49-33) vs. 6. Indiana Pacers (47-35)
• 4. Cleveland Cavaliers (48-34) vs. 5. Orlando Magic (47-35)

NBA Western Conference Round 1

• 1. Oklahoma City Thunder (57-25) vs. No. 8 New Orleans Pelicans (49-33) or Sacramento Kings (46-36)
• 2. Denver Nuggets (57-25) vs. 7. Los Angeles Lakers (47-35)
• 3. Minnesota Timberwolves (56-26) vs. 6. Phoenix Suns (49-33)
• 4. LA Clippers (51-31) vs. 5. Dallas Mavericks (50-32)

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NBA Playoff Preview 2024: Eastern Conference First-Round Series Predictions & Odds

1. Celtics vs 8. Heat or Bulls Odds & Picks

• Series odds: Celtics (TBD) | Heat/Bulls (TBD)
• Most likely correct score: TBD

Considering how the 2024 Play-In Tournament is still ongoing at the time of writing, odds for this upcoming series are unavailable. Having said that, I can tell you right now that the Celtics will sweep either the Heat or Bulls.

The Celtics were the best team throughout the regular season, so I have a tough time imagining them having a tough time with either the Heat or Bulls. After all, Miami has taken a big hit now that Jimmy Butler is sidelined for the next few weeks while Chicago likely would’ve been in offseason mode had it not faced the lowly Atlanta Hawks.

Considering how the C’s were a perfect 6-0 SU against the Heat and Bulls this season, look for Joe Mazzulla’s squad to pull off a first-round sweep.

Celtics vs. Heat/Bulls Series Prediction: BOS 4-0 (TBD)

2. Knicks vs 7. 76ers Odds & Picks

• Series odds: Knicks (-105) | 76ers (-115)
• Most likely correct score: 76ers 4-2 (+350)

Even though the Knicks are the East’s No. 2 seed, they’re slight underdogs ahead of their series with the 76ers. Although I could see New York advancing, I’m taking Philadelphia to win this series.

The only reason why the 76ers were even in the Play-In Tournament was because Joel Embiid missed a chunk of the season. He’s helped Philadelphia turn things around since returning at the end of March, proven by the Sixers’ 8-0 SU record in the last eight games. They’re now 31-8 SU (79.5%) when he plays this season compared to being 16-27 SU (37.2%). when he’s absent.

The Knicks are good, but let’s not forget that they’ll be without Julius Randle for the entire NBA postseason. Without his presence, it’s going to be tough for New York to slow Embiid down in the paint.

There aren’t any props available, so stick with the 76ers winning outright.

Knicks vs. 76ers Series Prediction: PHI Outright (-115)

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3. Bucks vs 6. Pacers Odds & Picks

• Series odds: Bucks (-125) | Pacers (+105)
• Most likely correct score: Bucks 4-3 (+375)

Eastern Conference basketball fans are excited to see this series between the Bucks and Pacers. Despite being the higher seed, Milwaukee struggled against Indiana throughout the campaign, dropping four of the five meetings between the two teams.

Normally, I’d be all aboard the Bucks train, but that’s tough to do with Giannis Antetokounmpo slated to miss the beginning of Round 1 with a calf injury. He’s easily Milwaukee’s best player, highlighted by the Bucks going 1-4 SU in the last five games that he’s missed.

After manhandling the Bucks during the regular season, I see the Pacers winning this series and doing so in six games. Milwaukee won’t go down without a fight but all signs point to Indiana advancing.

Bucks vs. Pacers Series Prediction: IND 4-2 (+475)

4. Cavaliers vs 5. Magic Odds & Picks

• Series odds: Cavaliers (-205) | Magic (+175)
• Most likely correct score: Cavaliers 4-1 (+350)

The regular-season series between these teams was as even as could be as the Cavaliers and Magic won two games apiece. They’re now set to engage in a seven-game playoff series where Cleveland is the clear-cut favorite.

Having said that, don’t underestimate the Magic just yet. Orlando has one of the best defenses in the Association and is capable of stifling even the best offenses. Fortunately for the underdogs, the Cavaliers’ attack has been inconsistent lately as they average 108.7 PPG (23rd) across their last 13 outings — even being held to fewer than 100 points three times during that stretch.

With that in mind, it’s best to take a neutral approach, so let’s take this series to go seven games. After how evenly matched these squads were during the regular season, I won’t be surprised if they need a Game 7 to decide this series.

Cavaliers vs. Magic Series Prediction: Number of Games — 7 (+225)

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NBA Best Bets and Picks Tonight

Looking to get in on even more NBA picks today? Check out our NBA Picks page for consensus picks and odds for every 2023-24 playoff game.

You can also check out:

• NBA betting odds
• NBA news, futures betting, and best bets predictions
• How to bet on the NBA
• 2024 NBA MVP Odds & Picks

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NBA Playoff Preview 2024: Western Conference First-Round Series Predictions & Odds

1. Thunder vs 8. Pelicans or Kings Odds & Picks

• Series odds: Thunder (TBD) | Pelicans/Kings (TBD)
• Most likely correct score: TBD

Again, odds and markets for this series haven’t been finalized as the NBA Play-In Tournament is still underway. However, that won’t stop me from expecting the Thunder to win this series.

Oklahoma City boasts a young roster, but that doesn’t mean it’s incapable of postseason success. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is easily a top-10 player in the league (potentially top 5) and is surrounded by a terrific cast made up of the likes of Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Lu Dort. The young players’ chemistry with one another is a key reason why the Thunder have seen so much success.

At the same time, the Thunder did go a combined 4-3 SU against the Pelicans and Kings this year, so I don’t see a sweep happening. Instead, take OKC to win in five.

Thunder vs. Pelicans/Kings Series Prediction: OKC 4-1 (TBD)

2. Nuggets vs 7. Lakers Odds & Picks

• Series odds: Nuggets (-375) | Lakers (+300)
• Most likely correct score: Nuggets 4-1 (+270)

This series is a rematch from last year’s Western Conference Finals. The Lakers didn’t stand a chance that time around as the Nuggets swept them in four games en route to winning the 2022-23 NBA Championship.

Unfortunately, things haven’t exactly improved for Los Angeles. The Lakers dropped all three 2023-24 regular-season meetings against the Nuggets, getting outscored by an average of 10.0 PPG along the way. As a result, Los Angeles has now lost eight consecutive meetings to Denver.

While LeBron James & Co. should never be underestimated, it’s hard to doubt the Nuggets. I see the Lakers winning one game, but it likely won’t be more than that.

Nuggets vs. Lakers Series Prediction: DEN 4-1 (+270)

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3. Timberwolves vs 6. Suns Odds & Picks

• Series odds: Timberwolves (+113) | Suns (-133)
• Most likely correct score: MIN/PHX 4-2 (+375)

The Timberwolves enter this series as the higher seed, but it’s the Suns who are favored to win. After all, Phoenix was flawless against Minnesota during the regular season, going 3-0 SU with a plus-15.7 average scoring margin.

Hell, the Suns even beat the T-wolves by 19 points in their final regular-season outing.

Phoenix hasn’t been perfect, but there’s a reason why it owns the NBA’s fourth-best winning percentage since Dec. 27 (66.0%). The Suns are one of the best teams when Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal are all playing. Fortunately for them, the trio is healthy to begin the playoffs. The Timberwolves are good, too, but it’s clear that the opposition has their number.

I see the Timberwolves and Suns splitting the first two tilts at Target Center before the latter takes control once the series moves to Phoenix. In other words, look for the Suns to lead 2-1 after the first three games.

Timberwolves vs. Suns Series Prediction: Series Score After 3 Games — PHX 2-1 (+150)

4. Clippers vs 5. Mavericks Odds & Picks

• Series odds: Clippers (+122) | Mavericks (-142)
• Most likely correct score: Mavericks 4-2 (+350)

These two teams clashed three times during the regular season with the Clippers beating the Mavericks twice. Nevertheless, winning this series could be difficult for Tyron Lue’s team as LA is currently missing Kawhi Leonard, who’s sidelined with a knee injury. Although the team is preparing for Leonard to play, Lue still doesn’t have a timetable for a return.

As for my series prediction, I’m going to stay neutral by backing it to go seven games. It looks like Leonard is close to returning, which will likely shift the odds closer to the Clippers’ favor. The Mavericks are still a tremendously talented team, led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, but a healthy Clippers roster certainly makes the series more even.

Regardless of who emerges victorious, they’ll likely have to work for a series victory by going the distance.

Clippers vs. Mavericks Series Prediction: Number of Games — 7 (+195)

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NBA Playoffs 2023-24 FAQ

When are the 2023-24 NBA Playoffs?

• The 2023-24 NBA playoffs are scheduled to begin on Saturday, April 20, and should be wrapped up by Sunday, June 23.

Where are the 2023-24 NBA Finals?

• The location of the 2023-24 NBA Finals will be determined once there is only one team remaining from each conference in the playoffs.

How can I watch the 2023-24 NBA Playoffs?

• Every game of the 2023-24 NBA postseason will be airing on ABC, TNT, ESPN, and NBA TV.

Where can I bet on the 2023-24 NBA Playoffs?

• Basketball bettors can wager on this year’s NBA playoffs and championship odds on the majority of online sportsbooks, including the following that Betting News highly recommends:

• Trusted Online Sportsbooks
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