The 2019 NBA Playoffs tip off today as the Brooklyn Nets take on the Philadelphia 76ers at 2:30 pm. The round one series odds vary on the NJ sportsbook apps, especially with the big favorites Golden State and Milwaukee. You need to shop around. It’s worth the effort.
Western Conference
It’s business as usual in the West as once again the Golden State Warriors are the #1 seed. The Warriors finished the regular season with a ho-hum 57-25 record and once again are the overwhelming favorite to take home the title. If you do like the Clippers to pull off the major upset, head over to FanDuel with the best odds 55-1 (by far).
The Thunder are the only lower seed (6) to be favored over the higher seed, Portland (3). The Thunder went 4-0 against the Blazers this season who will be without big man Jusuf Nurkic. Nurki suffered a gruesome leg injury late in the season.
| Round 1 2019 NBA Series West | FanDuel | DraftKings | MGM |
| LA Clippers (8) | +5500 | +2000 | +2500 |
| Golden State (1) | -20000 | N/A | -25000 |
| San Antonio (7) | +190 | +190 | +190 |
| Denver (2) | -240 | -245 | -245 |
| Oklahoma City (6) | -172 | -143 | -135 |
| Portland (3) | +140 | +115 | +115 |
| Utah (5) | +230 | +275 | +310 |
| Houston (4) | -300 | -375 | -400 |
Eastern Conference
The Milwaukee Bucks enter as the #1 seed in the East after their 60 win season. If you look at the table below you’ll see quite a variance from the best and worst odds.
On DraftKings you’ll have to risk $100 to win $1 if you like the Bucks. The same bet on FanDuel will only cost you $40 to win $1. That’s a huge difference. This is another example of why shopping around is so important to your bankroll.
The Orlando Magic come in as the hottest team, having won 4 in a row and 11 of their last 13.
The Brooklyn Nets have some solid wins this year and should be competitive against the inconsistent 76ers. The big question mark is the status of Joel Embiid and his sore knee. Embiid missed 5 of the last 7 games and is listed as doubtful as of Saturday morning. The Nets have a puncher’s chance.
| Round 1 2019 NBA Series East | FanDuel | DraftKings | MGM |
| Detroit (8) | +1650 | +1700 | +1700 |
| Milwaukee (1) | -4000 | -10000 | -7500 |
| Orlando (7) | +700 | +725 | +800 |
| Toronto (2) | -1200 | -1250 | -1400 |
| Brooklyn (6) | +410 | +550 | +550 |
| Philadelphia (3) | -650 | -835 | -800 |
| Indiana (5) | +330 | +400 | +400 |
| Boston (4) | -460 | -560 | -550 |
It’s to your benefit to shop around. Sports betting is hard, and you want to best numbers you can find. Go shopping. Expect some surprises in this years NBA 2019 playoffs.
Worth a serious look:
Brooklyn +550 on DraftKings
OKC -135 on MGM