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

How should you bet the first round of the NBA playoffs and what does each series look like?

The answer to those questions is never easy, but this season it just might be more difficult than ever due to the sheer amount of hugely talented teams in the playoffs, particularly in the Western Conference. Any team that makes it out of the West this season will be battle-tested.

Here are NBA betting experts Eric Moody, Eric Karabell, Jim McCormick and Steve Alexander with the bets they like most for each series.

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

This will be added after the No. 8 seed is finalized.

Series goes 6 games (+650)

The defending champion Celtics are overwhelming favorites to dominate the offense-challenged Magic, but that doesn't mean this series will be a quick sweep. Orlando excels defensively and the Celtics are so reliant on the 3-point shot that one could see how there is some length to the series. This is especially so if Celtics star Jaylen Brown is compromised physically, or even misses a game or two. Celtics in 6 is a buying opportunity for optimistic bettors. — Karabell

Pistons series winner (+290)

This is the first-round series I'm most excited about. The Pistons, like the Knicks, haven't performed well against good teams all season, but Detroit has gone 3-1 against New York. Cade Cunningham has played especially well against the Knicks and even with OG Anunoby defending him, Cunningham finds ways to create for others. Ausar Thompson's defense could disrupt the Knicks' rhythm, and Detroit has the grit to go toe-to-toe with New York. — Moody

Knicks series winner (-400)

The Pistons have had an incredible season, going from 14 wins last season to 44 wins this season. And