The NBA Playoffs officially begin on Saturday with 4 round 1 games. We have 2 Eastern Conference games and 2 Western Conference games, the first three games will be broadcasted on ESPN, with the nightcap (Lakers at Nuggets) on ABC.
Here is a look at the full schedule and opening odds for all four games:
1:10 PM: Orlando Magic at Cleveland Cavaliers (-4.5) - Over/Under 207.5
3:30 PM: Phoenix Suns at Minnesota Timberwolves (-2) - Over/Under 214
6:10 PM: Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks (-3) - Over/Under 209
8:40 PM: LA Lakers at Denver Nuggets (-7.5) - Over/Under 224
We have to give a big shoutout to DraftKings who, according to the player props odds tool at EatWatchBet, has the best available odds for 3 of our 4 player prop picks for Saturday.
New players can follow the link below to get $200 in bonus bets at DraftKings with any $5+ wager on Saturday's NBA Playoff action.
Porter secured two double-doubles in three games against the Lakers this season, with his one miss coming with 8 boards. Looking back at the series last season where MPJ played in four games, he secured three double-doubles while Denver took care of the Lakers en route to a title.
On 3+ nights of rest (6 games this season), the forward averaged 9.3 boards per contest which is above his season average by a large margin. Look for history to repeat itself here as MPJ looks to take the spotlight off the other Porter who is now banned from the league. Play this prop above +300.
Best Available Odds: +285 at DraftKings
In his first playoff game against a Cavs team that has defended him well all season, it’s tough to expect Franz to reach this PRA mark even though he’s going to make an impact in this series.
He hasn’t reached the 20-point mark against Cleveland in 4 matchups and against teams that rank in the top half of the league in PnR ball handlers and points at the rim, Wagner was under the 20-point line in 15 of 20 matchups.
Shooting 28% from beyond the arc on the road, all signs are pointing down for the German wing.
Best Available Odds: -115 at DraftKings
The 3-point king for the Suns this season looks to continue his hot stretch of shooting into this First Round matchup with the Wolves. Allen has made 3/4/3 from beyond the arc in three games against Minnesota this campaign while making 3.2 3P per game on 43% shooting post-All-Star break.
While the Wolves will focus on stopping the three-headed trio of Beal/Booker/Durant, Allen should fly under the radar as a key scorer this series starting with Game 1.
Best Available Odds: -111 at Caesars
The legend of Josh Hart will continue into the postseason as the Knicks host Philly at MSG in what should be the most electric atmosphere of Saturday night’s slate.
Hart had one triple-double, two double-doubles, and one game where he missed the double-double mark by just one point in four games against Philly this season.
Due to playing close to 40 minutes in this contest, the stars are aligning for Hart to be the x-factor on both ends for the Knicks. Josh averaged a double-double post-ASB, so these odds around the even range is a prop we have to take.
Best Available Odds: -105 at DraftKings