2023 NBA playoffs - Odds, picks, betting tips for Monday's East semis Game 1, West Game 2 - ESPN

ESPN's fantasy basketball and betting tips cheat sheet is your pregame destination for basketball betting predictions and our best intel and data, featuring ESPN's proprietary Basketball Power Index (BPI) to help you make smart fantasy and wagering decisions. NBA game odds for Monday are provided by Caesars Sportsbook, and fantasy advice is based on ESPN 10-team leagues.

The second round of the NBA playoffs is not immune to the impact injuries that occurred throughout the first round, but at least they aren't as widespread. For Monday's two-game slate, we primarily focus on the availability of MVP favorite Joel Embiid and his somewhat mysterious knee injury.

Diagnosed with a lateral collateral ligament sprain in his right knee, Embiid is listed as doubtful ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers' pivotal Eastern Conference semifinals opener against the Boston Celtics. Given the Celtics are positioned as double-digit favorites for Game 1, the betting market is behaving as if Embiid could be sidelined.

If the league's leading scorer is in street clothes, it's notable that Tyrese Maxey sees the largest leap on the roster in fantasy points per minute without Embiid on the court. James Harden's usage rises by a team-high 5.7% in such lineups, although it's Tobias Harris who trails only Maxey in added fantasy output. Even Paul Reed, known as «Bball Paul,» has some real upside if Embiid can't go.

The Phoenix Suns look to even their series against the Denver Nuggets on the road in their Western Conference semifinals Game 2 matchup, as Deandre Ayton and Jamal Murray stand out in my model as the strongest DFS (daily fantasy sports) values in this contest. The total for this one is at least 227 points on most books, signaling some