There’s nothing quite like the NBA Playoffs for basketball fans and bettors alike. The stakes are at an all-time high and the excitement in the air is palpable with the best teams in the world dueling it out on the big stage. Even if you’re a novice bettor with little experience wagering on this massive event, this guide will arm you with all of the insights and strategic advantages you need to make informed wagers during the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
Popular Markets and Bet Types for the 2024 NBA Playoffs
There are dozens of ways to bet on the NBA and even more enticing options once the playoffs tip off. Let’s dive into each of the top betting markets and bet types for the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
Moneyline Bets
Moneyline bets are the most straightforward wager: just pick the team you think will win the game outright. For example, in the Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves game, a moneyline bet on the Timberwolves at -150 means you would have to bet exactly $150 to win $100 if they win.
Point Spread Bets
Point spreads level the playing field by handicapping the favourite and boosting the underdog. For example, if the Boston Celtics are favoured by -5.5 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers, they must win by 6 or more points for your bet to succeed.
Over/Under (Total) Bets
This time, the goal is to decide if the total combined score of a game will be over or under a specified number An example might be if you see an over/under line set at 220 points for a Mavericks vs. Thunder game and you decide if the total points scored will exceed or fall short of 220.
Futures Bets
Futures bets are long-term wagers, predicting outcomes like the NBA Championship winner, Finals MVP, or Western Conference Winner. For example, betting on the Boston Celtics to win the NBA Championship before the NBA Finals begin.
Prop Bets
Prop bets focus on specific player or team performances. For example, wagering that Luka Doncic will score more than 3.5 three-pointers or that Nikola Jokic will record a triple-double.
Parlay Bets
A parlay combines multiple bets into one, but all selections will need to win individually for the entire parlay to win. For example, you could bet on the Nuggets to win, the total points to go over 220, and the Boston Celtics to cover the spread. If all three happen, your parlay wins.
NBA Betting Tips and Strategies
Now, before you jump into your bets, you should go in with a little bit of strategy. So, here are some battle-tested tips to help you make the most of your wagers.
- Research Teams and Players – Analyze recent performance, injuries, and head-to-head matchups. Consider home-court advantage and travel fatigue. For instance, if a star player is nursing an injury, it could impact their team’s performance.
- Stay Updated – Follow NBA news, injury reports, and lineup changes. Timely information can sway odds and affect your bets.
- Shop for the Best Odds – Analyze the odds set across various sportsbooks. For instance, you might find that one sportsbook offers +200 for a certain outcome and another offers +210 for that same outcome. While the difference might seem minimal, even a slight difference can significantly impact your potential payout.
- Avoid Emotional Bets – Bet objectively based on data and analysis. Don’t let fandom cloud your judgment.
- Track Your Bets – Write down each of the wagers you make as well as how many you win and lose. Learn from your results and adjust your strategy as you gain experience.
How to Bet on the NBA Playoffs
At this point, you’re probably wondering, “How can I get in on the action?” Well, just follow these quick steps and you’ll be betting on the 2024 NBA Playoffs in no time!
- Choose a Reliable Betting Site – Look online and decide on a sportsbook that is safe and reliable. The best betting sites won’t just offer a variety of NBA betting markets but also competitive odds, seamless banking and a user-friendly interface.
- Create an Account – Register an account with the platform you’ve chosen by providing the necessary details and deposit funds into your account.
- Select Your Bet – Decide which type of bet you want to place (moneyline, point spread, etc.). Navigate to the NBA section of the sportsbook, select the game or player you’re interested in, enter your stake and confirm the bet.
- Enjoy the Games! – Watch the NBA Playoffs with excitement, knowing you have a stake in the outcomes.
Players to Watch in the 2024 NBA Playoffs
Here are the top players who have been performing exceptionally well in the 2024 NBA Playoffs and who have become must-watch television:
Luka Dončić (Dallas Mavericks)
Dončić has elevated his game, showcasing incredible court vision, scoring versatility, and poise. His playoff performances have been remarkable, averaging 27.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 9.1 assists in the playoffs.
Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Edwards, the NBA’s rising star, has impressed with explosive scoring and fearless drives. His ability to help his team on both offence and defence has been pivotal for the Timberwolves, leading all current players in clutch scoring (7.0) and second in points per game (30.2).
Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
As arguably the league’s greatest playmaker and reigning NBA champion, Jokic’s basketball IQ and positioning contribute to his place among basketball’s elite. At the time of writing, he leads the NBA Playoffs in Efficiency (EFF) with 39.5.
Current 2024 NBA Playoffs Landscape
In the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, notable matchups included the Celtics defeating the Heat, the Cavaliers edging out the Magic, and the Pacers upsetting the Bucks. The Knicks also secured a massive victory against the 76ers, reigniting the Big Apple, while the Timberwolves dominated the Suns and the Big 3 of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. Additionally, the top-seeded Thunder swept the Pelicans, the Mavericks defeated Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers, and the Nuggets eliminated the Lebron-led Lakers.
Here are the second-round series that are currently underway:
Eastern Conference Semifinals
- Boston Celtics (1) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (4)
- New York Knicks (2) vs. Indiana Pacers (6)
Western Conference Semifinals:
- Oklahoma City Thunder (1) vs. Dallas Mavericks (5)
- Denver Nuggets (2) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (3)
