2024 NBA playoffs: Betting tips for each second-round series - ESPN

How should you bet the second round of the NBA playoffs?

ESPN NBA betting experts Tyler Fulghum, Andre Snellings, Eric Moody, Jim McCormick and Steve Alexander offer the bets they like most for each series.

Odds are updated as of publication. For latest odds go to ESPN BET

Series over 5.5 games (+170): This might be a bit optimistic for Cleveland's odds in this series, but the premise is driven by the absence of Kristaps Porzingis in the context of the Cavaliers' uniquely large and defensively-deft frontcourt. If the Cavaliers can win the possession battle via the offensive glass, it could help offset the clear offensive gap between these clubs. The odds on this bet are better than betting the Cavaliers +2.5 games (+160), which reads essentially like the same outcome here (at least six games) just with better returns. — McCormick

Cavaliers +2.5 games (+160): The Celtics were the dominant team in the NBA during the regular season, but there matchups with the Cavaliers were all competitive, single-digit affairs. The Celtics won the two games in December, but the Cavaliers won their matchup in March in a game where the Celtics had their entire starting lineup playing but the Cavs were without Donovan Mitchell. The Cavaliers have a size mismatch if both Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley are available and, with Donovan Mitchell in peak scoring form, they have the chance to be competitive in every game. At plus money, I see value in them to push the series to six games. — Snellings

Celtics to win series 4-1 (+190): Both teams could be missing their starting centers. Allen is dealing with a rib contusion, and Porzingis is expected to miss the series due to a calf injury. Despite this development, the Celtics are heavy favorites —