2025 NBA playoffs betting: How to bet each second-round series - ESPN

The second round of the NBA playoffs is here, with Cleveland and Indiana set to tip off Sunday and two more games scheduled for Monday.

After a first round that was filled with tough and physical games, what are the best bets to make in the second round?

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

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

Pacers to win series (+360)

I have argued with myself all season that the Cavaliers are not as good as their record and the Pacers dominated Milwaukee, not only in this series, but throughout the entire season. The Cavaliers are clearly a better and much deeper team than the Bucks, but the Pacers are also deep and won the season series against Cleveland 3-1. This one could go seven games, and the Pacers have a real chance to win. — Alexander

Cavaliers to win series 4-3 (+370)

The Cavaliers won't steamroll the Pacers, but they're built to win this series. Indiana's offense and depth will keep it competitive, but their defense will ultimately be their undoing. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen are capable of containing Tyrese Haliburton's penetration in the paint. While the Pacers won the regular-season series 3-1 and finished 15-4 to close the campaign, expect Cleveland to outlast them in a competitive series. — Moody

Cavaliers -1.5 games (-180)

Put me down as the one who expects the Cavaliers to win and win convincingly. Yes, the Pacers won the season series, but that is misleading. Two of those wins came in April after the Cavs had clinched the top seed and was starting bench players. And the Pacers' first win came before the trade deadline deal that sent De'Andre Hunter to