Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Second Round Matchups

Eight teams remain after a drama-filled first round of the NBA playoffs. Several stars were sent packing, controversial foul calls dominated headlines, and the Western Conference delivered two thrilling Game 7s – both won by the Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets.

Three of the four Conference Semifinal matchups had clear favorites entering Game 1. But road underdogs flipped the script early: the Knicks, Pacers, and Nuggets all stole series-opening wins over the Celtics, Cavaliers, and Thunder.

Cavaliers vs. Pacers – Series to Go 7 Games (+162 at FanDuel)

There’s reportedly “significant concern” over Darius Garland’s availability, and both Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter are also banged up. Injuries threaten to derail what was a strong regular season for Cleveland.

Dropping Game 1 at home means the Cavs now need to win four of the next six—including at least one in Indiana. That’s no easy task.

The Pacers were impressive in the first round and looked sharp again in Game 1, led by another standout performance from Tyrese Haliburton. Since January 1, Indiana has ranked top-10 in both offense and defense.

While it’s tempting to back the Pacers outright, betting the series to go seven is a vote of confidence in Cleveland’s resilience—especially if Garland returns soon. At full strength, the Cavs can still compete. But asking them to win twice in Indianapolis is a tall order.

Celtics vs. Knicks – Boston to Win 4-2 (+270 at DraftKings)

Boston blew a 20-point lead in Game 1. Jalen Brunson got scorching hot late, and Jayson Tatum forced tough shots down the stretch. Those things might happen again—but it’s unlikely the Celtics will miss 45 threes again (an NBA playoff record).

The Knicks shot over 45% from deep, and Boston shot just 25%. Despite that disparity, New York still needed overtime to win—and got outrebounded by 10 at TD Garden.

Game 1 tilted in the Knicks’ favor, but the shooting numbers scream “outlier.” Boston’s defense should stabilize, and their offense should normalize. The Celtics may slip again at MSG, but they’re still a much deeper and more complete team. Look for them to wrap this in six.

Celtics vs. Knicks – Jayson Tatum to Lead Series in Assists (+155 at FanDuel)

Tatum had the second-most assists in Game 1—only Mikal Bridges had more, which feels like an outlier. More importantly, Tatum now has a slight edge over Brunson in the assist race.

He’s averaging 10.8 potential assists per game in the playoffs, right behind Brunson. Boston’s elite perimeter defenders can disrupt Brunson, reducing his assist chances. If Tatum maintains this playmaking role, he’s a solid bet to lead the series in assists.

Thunder vs. Nuggets – Series to Go 7 Games (+198 at FanDuel)

Denver looked vulnerable early in the first round but bounced back with four wins in five games—including a Game 1 win in OKC.

The Thunder squandered a double-digit lead, while Jokic dropped a monstrous 42-22-6 line. Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon stepped up, and the Nuggets’ playoff experience showed.

Denver’s path to the Western Conference Finals depends on winning all three home games. That’s doable, but fatigue could become a factor as the series drags on. Still, if Game 1 proved anything, it’s that the Nuggets won’t fold easily.

This has the makings of a back-and-forth series. Game 7 feels like a realistic outcome.

Timberwolves vs. Warriors – Over 5.5 Games (-155 at DraftKings)

Yes, the Warriors are older and coming off a taxing seven-game series. The quick turnaround and tight schedule favor Minnesota, with only one rest day between each game until Game 6.

Still, the trio of Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green should be good for at least two wins. The Timberwolves dispatched the Lakers, but Golden State offers a much stiffer defensive challenge.

Minnesota’s half-court offense wasn’t stellar in Round 1, and their size advantage may not bother the Warriors as much as expected—this team has battled bigger lineups before.

Expect a fight. This shouldn’t be over in five.

Timberwolves vs. Warriors – Steph Curry to Lead Series in Assists (+185 at DraftKings)

Houston trapped, blitzed, and doubled Curry in Round 1. He still averaged eight assists per game and led the Warriors in total dimes by a wide margin.

Minnesota might try a similar approach, especially after Curry lit them up during the regular season. Anthony Edwards averaged 6.2 assists in Round 1, but he’s prone to going iso-heavy—especially against a disciplined defense.

Jimmy Butler could rival Curry in assists, but if the Timberwolves defend him straight-up, Curry’s playmaking edge should hold. This bet offers solid value.

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