NBA Playoffs: Round 1 Predictions, Expert Picks & Betting Odds

The NBA Playoffs are upon us once again and this year is shaping up to be a tightly contested showcase! Is Luka the missing piece to help Lebron lead the Lakers to the promised land? Can Jaylen's Brown return bolster the Celtics to defend their throne? Will an MVP-calibre season from SGA help OKC make a run to the Finals? Our experts have been hard at work crunching the numbers on each match-up to help you get the edge you need to bring home some wins!

🏀 Eastern Conference

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Miami Heat

Preview: The Cleveland Cavaliers enter the 2025 NBA Playoffs as the top seed in the East and are set to battle the Miami Heat in a high-stakes first-round clash. Cleveland took two of three games from the Heat during the regular season, with Donovan Mitchell averaging a sharp 24 points and 5.3 assists, while Evan Mobley chipped in with a solid double-double line of 14 points and 10.3 boards per outing. Miami, on the other hand, clawed their way into the postseason despite a rocky 37–45 finish, navigating through the Play-In Tournament with gutsy wins over the Bulls and Hawks—capped by a gritty OT thriller. With Game 1 tipping off in Cleveland, all eyes will be on whether the Cavs' dominance can hold up against a battle-tested Heat squad hungry to play spoiler.

Prediction: Cavaliers win 4–1

Why: The Cavaliers, as the top seed, have demonstrated consistent performance throughout the season. Their balanced offense and strong defense should give them the upper hand against the 8th seed Heat.

(2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Orlando Magic

Preview: ​The Boston Celtics, aiming to become the NBA's first back-to-back champions since the 2017–18 Warriors, begin their 2025 playoff campaign against the Orlando Magic. Despite finishing as the East's No. 2 seed, the Celtics face challenges with key players like Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday managing injuries. Jayson Tatum leads a team known for its league-leading three-point shooting and depth. The Magic, entering as the No. 7 seed after a Play-In victory over Atlanta, boast a top-tier defense but struggle offensively, ranking last in the league with a 31.8% three-point shooting percentage.

Prediction: Celtics win 4–1

Why: The Celtics, aiming to defend their title, possess a deep roster and playoff experience. They regain their superstar SF, Jaylen Green, at the perfect time to make another championship run. While the Magic have shown promise, Boston’s cohesion and talent are likely to prevail.

(3) New York Knicks vs. (6) Detroit Pistons

Preview: The New York Knicks enter the Playoffs as the East’s No. 3 seed after a 51–31 season, powered by Jalen Brunson’s stellar play and key midseason boosts from Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges. But they’ll have their hands full with the surging No. 6 seed Detroit Pistons, who tripled their win total from last year to finish 44–38. Cade Cunningham has stepped into full superstar mode, while Malik Beasley’s scoring punch off the bench has made Detroit one of the league’s most exciting young squads. The Pistons took the season series 3–1, setting the stage for a fiery first-round clash where youth meets playoff-tested grit.

Prediction: Knicks win 4–2

Why: The Knicks’ playoff experience and home-court advantage should help them overcome the Pistons, who, despite a remarkable season turnaround, may find the postseason intensity challenging.

(4) Indiana Pacers vs. (5) Milwaukee Bucks

Preview: The Pacers and Bucks are set to reignite their rivalry in a spicy first-round showdown, with Indiana earning home-court after a 50–32 season. Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam lead the Pacers into the playoffs with momentum, despite dropping three of four to Milwaukee during the regular season. The Bucks finished just two games behind at 48–34 and come in red-hot, winning six of their last eight—but they’ll be without Damian Lillard in Game 1. That puts even more pressure on Giannis Antetokounmpo, who’s been in MVP form, to carry the load. With Game 1 tipping off Saturday afternoon, expect fireworks from two teams that absolutely do not like each other.

Prediction: Pacers win 4–3

Why: This matchup is expected to be closely contested. The Pacers’ dynamic offense and home-court advantage could be the deciding factors against the Bucks.

🏀 Western Conference

(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies

Preview: The top-seeded Thunder (68–14) roll into the 2025 playoffs with sky-high expectations and a league-best net rating that even tops the legendary ’96 Bulls. MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been unstoppable, while OKC’s defense and depth have made them the team to beat. Waiting for them? The battle-tested Memphis Grizzlies, fresh off a Play-In Tournament surge and fired up behind Ja Morant’s explosive return. The Grizz may be underdogs, but they’ve got the swagger and grit to make things interesting. Game 1 tips off Sunday, and if there’s one thing we know—it’s about to get wild in the West.

Prediction: Thunder win 4–0

Why: The Thunder have had a dominant season, and their depth and versatility should allow them to handle the Grizzlies efficiently.

(2) Houston Rockets vs. (7) Golden State Warriors

Preview: The upstart Houston Rockets are ready to crash the party. As the No. 2 seed, they’ve stormed into the playoffs with elite defense, fearless energy, and a young core that’s out to prove they’re not just ahead of schedule—they’re here to take over. Standing in their way? The playoff-tested Warriors, led by Steph Curry, who just hit a ridiculous milestone as the first player to knock down 4,000 career threes and topped the league in free-throw shooting at 93.3%. Golden State is red-hot after going 14–3 since adding Jimmy Butler, but Houston’s got momentum, swagger, and nothing to lose. Game 1 is set for Sunday—and if the Rockets light the fuse early, this could be the start of a changing of the guard in the West.

Prediction: Rockets win 4–3

Why: While the Warriors bring playoff experience, the Rockets’ strong defense and home-court advantage might give them the edge in a tightly contested series.

(3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves

Preview: It’s superstar showdown time in the West as the Lakers and Timberwolves gear up for a blockbuster first-round series. The Lakers are riding high after a 50–32 season and the blockbuster addition of Luka Dončić, who makes his purple-and-gold playoff debut alongside the ageless LeBron James. Minnesota split the season series 2–2 and brings serious firepower of their own—Anthony Edwards is averaging 25.6 points and looks ready for a breakout, while Rudy Gobert anchors a defense that can frustrate anyone. But the Wolves ranked just 23rd in clutch-time net rating, and they’ll need to be flawless down the stretch to keep up with LA’s closing power. Game 1 tips off Saturday at Crypto.com Arena—and with star power oozing from both sides, expect fireworks from the jump.

Prediction: Lakers win 4–2

Why: With the addition of Luka Dončić, the Lakers have bolstered their lineup. Their offensive firepower and experience could be too much for the Timberwolves.

(4) Denver Nuggets vs. (5) Los Angeles Clippers

Preview: Buckle up—this Nuggets vs. Clippers series might be the spiciest first-round matchup in the West. Denver enters as the 4-seed behind another monster season from Nikola Jokić, who finished top three in points, rebounds, assists, and steals while splashing nearly 42% from deep. But just days before the playoffs, the Nuggets shocked the league by firing long-time coach Michael Malone, handing the reins to assistant David Adelman. On the flip side, the 5-seed Clippers are surging—winners of 18 of their last 21—with Kawhi Leonard looking locked in and James Harden turning back the clock. Ivica Zubac has stepped up in a big way, anchoring a defense that ranks top five in the league. These teams split the season series 2–2, and with star power everywhere and storylines galore, this one has all the makings of a classic. Game 1 can’t come soon enough.

Prediction: Clippers win 4–2

Why: The Clippers’ depth and recent form might give them the advantage over the Nuggets, especially if they can exploit matchups effectively.

Top Tips 💸🤑

• Cavs vs Heat - Line - Cleveland Cavaliers -12.5 @ $1.86
• OKC vs Grizz - Line - Oklahoma City Thunder -10.5 @ $1.66
• Celtics vs Magic - Line - Boston Celtics -13.5 @ $1.88

Make it a Multi! 💰📈

1️⃣ Leg 1: LA Lakers - 12 @ $1.52
2️⃣ Leg 2: Indiana Pacers - 12 @ $1.41
3️⃣ Leg 3: NY Knicks - 12 @ $1.33
4️⃣ Leg 4: OKC Thunder - 12 @ $1.10
Combined Odds: $3.18 (or +218 for our American friends)

Ready to make your picks? Sign up at SBX today to start wagering with lightning-fast crypto deposits and exclusive player promos. And if you’re new to basketball betting or want a refresher on the basics, don’t miss our NBA 101 blog – it breaks down all the key markets and strategies to help you bet smarter this postseason.

All odds are correct as of 10am UTC April 19th, 2025