The first round of the NBA Playoffs is nearing its conclusion, with several second-round squads having advanced. With each game, the stakes rise higher, and fans eagerly pour over NBA series odds, seeking the edge that could lead to victory, both for their favorite teams and their own wagers.
NBA series odds for Round 1 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs
There are lots of ways for fans to wager on NBA Playoff Odds beyond just betting on NBA Finals odds. When bettors make their NBA picks for these futures markets, they can bet on the winner of each series and even how many games the series will go. We break it all down below.
NBA Series odds at a glance for today
- Cleveland Cavaliers (-430) vs. Orlando Magic (+320)
- Los Angeles Clippers (+650) vs. Dallas Mavericks (-1050)
All odds courtesy of FanDuel.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Orlando Magic series odds
- Cavaliers to win: -430
- Magic to win: +320
After the Cleveland Cavaliers took Game 5 against the Orlando Magic by a single point, momentum swung back in their direction. The home team has won each game in the series, which could mean we're heading for a decisive Game 7 if Orlando can continue the trend on Friday.
At the time of this writing, odds were not readily available at FanDuel to pick the Cavaliers to win in six games, which is the only other potential outcome than either team taking the series straight up.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Indiana Pacers series odds
- Pacers won in 6
With Giannis Antetokounmpo sitting for the series, and Damian Lillard only selectively available, there was little the Bucks could do to keep up with the Pacers, despite a renaissance from Khris Middleton and inspired play from the supporting cast.
New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers series odds
- Knicks won in 6
The 76ers tried to rally from falling into the play-in after Joel Embiid's injury, but the Knicks proved to be too much of a force behind Jalen Brunson's monster series, playing their brand of offbeat, ruggedly-efficient basketball to a T and sending Philly into a cap-space-heavy offseason early.
Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat series odds
- Celtics won in 5
While Boston Celtics faithful may have felt an inkling of panic after the team dropped Game 2 at the TD Garden to the Jimmy Butler-less Miami Heat, Boston stormed back to blow out the Heat for the rest of the series. The Celts advance to face the winner of CLE-ORL, but with the caveat that Kristaps Porzingis could miss multiple games.
Los Angeles Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks series odds
- Clippers to win: +540
- Clippers in 7: +440
- Mavericks to win: -850
- Mavericks in 7: +500
Kawhi Leonard sat again in Game 5, but this time, there were no James Harden or Paul George heroics to save the Clippers. Dallas trounced them 123-93, with Luka Doncic's 35 leading six players in double figures for the Mavericks. They now hold a 3-2 edge, with the chance to send LAC packing at home Friday night.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Phoenix Suns series odds
- Timberwolves won in 4
The Minnesota Timberwolves completed the first playoff sweep in franchise history by defeating the Phoenix Suns 122-116 in Game 4 on Sunday night.
Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers series odds
- Nuggets won in 5
While the Lakers did their best to make things interesting, they were clearly no match for the champion Nuggets, who swiftly dispatched LAL with a gentleman's sweep to complete Step 1 in their title defense.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans series odds
- Thunder won in 4
Any concerns about the Thunder's lack of playoff experience were soundly dismissed in Round 1, sweeping the Pelicans to rest up and await the winner of Clippers-Mavericks.
To get the best odds for every game, visit our NBA odds hub and NBA player props page. To see the best bets for every game of the NBA playoffs, make sure to keep up with our NBA Finals odds as well as our free NBA picks and NBA Finals predictions.
How to bet on the NBA Playoffs
There are many ways to bet on the NBA Playoffs beyond each individual game.
NBA futures
The most common way to bet on the NBA Playoffs is through the various futures markets offered at basketball betting sites.
From odds to win the NBA finals to odds for which team will win a series, futures make up the bulk of NBA playoff odds that aren't related to a specific game.
Most of these markets are offered at plus money, but odds to win the Finals and series tend to shorten as the playoffs progress. Teams with the best odds to win the NBA Finals are usually the favorites to win their respective series and usually carry a heavy vig. For example, the Philadelphia 76er are heavy favorites against the Brooklyn Nets at -900. That means bettors would have to wager $900 to win $100.
Bettors may be able to find value in betting on the favorite to win a series in a specific number of games. For example, one could bet on the Phoenix Suns to win their series against the L.A. Clippers in five games at +230, meaning a winning wager would net $230 for every $100 wagered.
If you want to learn more about how to bet on basketball, make sure to read our comprehensive guide to NBA betting.
How long are NBA playoff series?
NBA Playoff series are best-of-seven affairs from the first round to the NBA Finals. The first team to win four games advances to the next round.
