The Eastern Conference has reached its final four, and we’ve got a couple of interesting series’ to preview. All of the higher seeds in the East advanced to the second round of the NBA Playoffs, which means we’ve got as good of a second round as we could hope for. With game one of the second round tipping off on Sunday afternoon, let’s preview the two tilts.
Odds provided by the DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change.
Series winner: Cavs (-425) Pacers (+330)
Series spread: Cavs -1.5 games (-170) Pacers +1.5 games (+140)
Tyler’s pick: Cavs in 6
Perhaps I’m being too harsh on the Cavs here, as they really didn’t need to expend much effort to get past the Miami Heat in round one. However, the Pacers have proven to be a bear to play against due to their unique offensive system and high tempo. The Cavs are the better team here and I think they’ll eventually get this thing done, but I respect Rick Carlisle and Indiana too much to not think they won’t steal a couple games here.
Series props:
- Evan Mobley to lead series in rebounds (+130)
- Cavs to be up 2-1 after game 3 (+115)
- Cavs in 5 (+285)
- Cavs in 6 (+450)
I like Mobley in this spot, as Jarrett Allen will draw the attention of Myles Turner and the Pacers’ center. Against Pascal Siakam, I think ample opportunities await Evan Mobley on the glass. As far as how the series will go, I don’t think we’re in for a sweep, nor do I think we’re in for a seven game thriller. With that in mind, it’s better to take the Cavs to get this done in five or six, compared to taking the series spread. The Cavs should be comfortable in an up and down series, which the Pacers will try to get into.
David’s pick: Cavs in 6
This is going to be a fantastic series. Both teams have an offense that thrives on spacing and shooting. Both teams have great guard play, shot-blocking big men, and coaches with tenure in the playoffs. Unfortunately, Indiana does not have enough defense to contain the Cavaliers’ weapons for seven games. I think the Pacers put up a good fight, but ultimately, Cleveland’s weapons will be too much for Indiana to handle.
Series props:
- Indiana +1.5 games (+140)
- Darius Garland to average 25+ points (+2500)
- Over 5.5 games (-115)
I like this to be a longer, fast-paced series. There will be a lot of points scored. Garland has a great opportunity, with a lot of attention going to Mobley and Mitchell. He may draw the Haliburton matchup, which will undoubtedly allow him to get a lot of shots up. Indiana will be able to get two games off of coaching alone, so the over on 5.5 games and the spread for Indiana seem too easy.
(2) Boston Celtics vs (3) New York Knicks
Series winner: Celtics (-800) Knicks (+550)
Series spread: Celtics -2.5 games (-130) Knicks +2.5 games (+110)
Tyler’s pick: Celtics in 5
The Celtics have won each of their last 5 playoff series’ in 5 games or less, and I don’t see any reason why that would change now. To be honest, I’d be more shocked if this series went six games compared to if it was a Celtics sweep. The Knicks could’ve very easily lost to the Detroit Pistons in their first round matchup, and Jalen Brunson’s ankle didn’t get any better the longer that series went. The Knicks struggled mightily against the NBA’s best this season, and the Celtics definitely qualify for that title. This should be quick.
Series props:
- Jayson Tatum to lead the series in rebounds (+390)
- Celtics -2.5 games (-130)
With all due respect to Karl-Anthony Towns, he is not the most feared rebounder in the world. Beyond that, the Celtics are uniquely positioned to get him in foul trouble by getting him in switches. As we know, it’s hard to rebound the basketball when you are sitting on the bench. With that, I’ll take Tatum to lead the series in rebounds. If not for the wrist injury against the Orlando Magic, he would’ve led that series in boards, and I expect him to be active there again.
David’s pick: Celtics in 7
The Celtics are heavily favored in this series, but I do not see why. When New York traded for Karl-Anthony Towns in October, my initial thought was how well they matched up with Boston. Sure, the Jalen Brunson matchup is still tough. But they have the wing depth to make life tough for Boston’s top scorers, and Towns can create the mismatch to match Kristaps Porzingis. I still think the Celtics are better, but the Knicks will turn a lot of heads. With a potential game seven in Boston, I find it hard to believe the Celtics would lose that.
Series props:
- Knicks +2.5 games (+110)
- Celtics to win 4-3 (+500)
- Jalen Brunson to lead the series in scoring (+110)
The Knicks will push this series to at least six games. I think it will go seven, but taking +2.5 games instead of +1.5 accounts for some variability. The Celtics should ultimately win that game seven. Brunson not being favored to lead the series in scoring is puzzling, considering the Celtics’ willingness to share and the volume of shots Brunson gets.
