NBA Playoff Betting: How to bet the first-round matchups

Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics
Series Prices: Atlanta +750, Boston -1200

Boston is looking to get back to the NBA Finals. Atlanta has some momentum, having looked really sharp in beating Miami on Wednesday night. Is that enough to steal the first game and then see what happens? I want to say yes, but I am not sure I want to go out on a limb and back Trae Young to channel his inner Steph Curry for a series against a really good team. It would be bold, but I just can't get there (or I would be kicking myself if I did and they got swept). I am not as high on Boston as some other folks but Atlanta just doesn't have the right mix to trip them up. Another 5-game series win here, for Boston.

The Celtics are favored by nine points this afternoon. I see this game as similar to the one above. It will be obvious which is the better team, but in the first game of a playoff series we often see a wrinkle or two that creates some advantages. Boston could be a little sluggish too as they start their pursuit. Take Atlanta and the points. 

New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Series Price: New York +150, Cleveland -180

I think the Cavs are underrated coming into this series. They have great counters for the Knicks best players and have proven they are among the hardest teams to score against in the NBA. Best of all, Donovan Mitchell gives them a closer they have lacked since you know who. He and Darius Garland might be the best backcourt in the NBA and if you think that is true, or close to it, then they have a great chance to make a long playoff run. They will have a dud in this series and are not as good on the road but they will win when they are supposed to. Back the Cavaliers in 6, with a price that is sort of worth paying. 

As the series favorite and at home, Cleveland is favored this evening. That makes sense. The Cavs have been better at home all season and I think they are going to be sharp to start the series. At some point the Knicks might get Julius Randle back but I am not expecting him today and his lack of scoring and confidence is going to be obvious. Jalen Brunson cannot do it all on his own. Cleveland is a home favorite to back. 

Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings
Series Price: Golden State -275, Sacramento +225

All season long the Kings have been a moneymaker for me. They have been a treat to watch as they not only broke their playoff drought, but took the Pacific Division. This is going to be a real test. The Warriors deserve all of the respect they are receiving for their experience but I was still surprised to see them be favored, at this price, in a series they start on the road. This is the toughest call of the first round and no matter which way I go I am not going to feel totally comfortable. I am leaning to the Kings in 7.

The Warriors are -1 this evening. There is a lot to like about that line but if I am going to say the Kings can get the series, I have to like them in Game 1, right? This one is going to be a great indicator of whether they can really hang with the champs, I am admittedly a little nervous. Take the home side. Probably best to go ML too to get the extra playoff versus +1.