Reputation vs. reality is the question of the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Cleveland opened as the favorite to win the East. This is despite the fact that they are the four seed. Top seed Toronto clearly was the best NBA betting online regular season team. But the Raptors lack the Cavaliers history and superstar LeBron James. Boston could have been competitive but is missing top scorer Kyrie Irving. Philadelphia had the hot hand at the end. However top Sixer scorer Joel Embiid is day-to-day with a fractured face. From there a dark horse emerging is doubtful.
2018 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs
Date and Time: Playoffs Begin Saturday, April 14, 2018
Location: Check Schedules
NBA Betting Online Odds at SBG: Click Here!
2018 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs TV Coverage: Check Listings
Odds by Team
The NBA Eastern Conference playoffs begin on Saturday, April 14. Opening round action features four series. Each series is best of seven. Cleveland opened as a -110 favorite to win the Eastern Conference. Toronto is the top seed and a +150 choice. Resurgent Philadelphia has a price of +500. Boston is +2500 without their best player. Washington came in at +4000. Milwaukee has a longshot bid of +6000. Indiana has a +7500 cost. Miami began with +8000.
Toronto Raptors (59-23) vs. Washington Wizards (43-39)
Toronto lost just one of their final five NBA betting online matchups vs. the line. NBA rankings of fourth for offense and seventh for defense are indicative of a complete team. DeMar DeRozan leads the Raptors with 23 points per game. Washington faded as a mediocrity down the stretch. Wizard backers were paid in just two of their final six games. Just 37 covers in 82 games by Washington doesn’t inspire confidence. Nor do mediocre metrics of 13th for offense and 15th for defense.
Cleveland Cavaliers 50-32 vs. Indiana Pacers (48-34)
With back to back NBA Finals appearances and the game’s biggest name Cleveland is an understandable chalk. However, the Cavs were a terrible sportsbook value most of the season. Only 32 out of 82 times did they beat the line. But the Cavs finished strong with six payouts in their last eight games. A defense that ranks 26th in the NBA is a concern. Indiana quietly covered 47 of 82 games. Offensively ranked 17th they may lack secondary scoring to keep pace.
Philadelphia 76ers (52-30) vs. Miami Heat (44-38)
Philadelphia is one of the great NBA turnaround stories. Profits prevailed with just 33 losses vs. the line in 82 games. Joel Embiid is key with a team best 23 points per game. Miami ranked 23rd in the NBA for scoring but fourth for defense.
Boston Celtics (55-27) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (44-38)
Boston boasts the third ranked defense in the NBA. Where they will get scoring is the question. Kyrie Irving and his 24 points per game will be missing. Milwaukee ranked 15th for offense and 16th for defense. Against the odds the Bucks paid in just 34 of 82 matchups.
Matchup to Watch
Cleveland was bashed most of the season as a finished team. Kevin Love’s return from injury turned the tide. What could be the deciding NBA betting online factor is their experience of playoff success.
2018 Eastern Conference Playoffs Betting Odds Picks
Toronto will find the playoffs are a different beast. Cleveland are the proven pros. But both should prevail easily in the first round.
NBA Betting Online Pick: Cleveland, Toronto, and Philadelphia to win their first-round series.