Eastern Conference Odds Update: MIA, PHI Play In?
Miami Likely Back in the Play-In Tourney
The teams qualifying for the Eastern Conference postseason have been settled. Where the NBA teams end up, however, is not. The big race in the Eastern Conference is for the No. 4 through No. 6 spots. That allows teams to avoid the play-in and gives them easier first-round match-ups, on paper.
Playing the Knicks in the opening round is preferable to playing the Celtics. The sportsbooks are busy working on the Eastern Conference odds update daily with the NBA standings changing nightly.
Two different wagers are being offered on Eastern Conference teams. The first wager is on the team competing in the play-in. These teams are the five that are battling for the No. 4 through No. 6 playoff seeds. Two will be relegated to the play-in, with first-round matchups most likely against Boston and Milwaukee.
Play-In Tournament Odds: Miami, Again
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
 Miami Heat | -1600 |
 Philadelphia 76ers | +140 |
 Indiana Pacers | +150 |
 Orlando Magic | +180 |
 Cleveland Cavaliers | +3000 |
The Eastern Conference odds update shows the Miami Heat are the team most likely to be in the play-in. The Heat are currently No. 8, two games behind both Indiana and Orlando. The 76ers are also a game in front of Miami, which needs a lot of help.
The Cavaliers are the least likely team to compete in the play-in, needing a home win against Indiana or Charlotte to wrap up a spot in the top six. Cleveland could also lose both games and still finish in the top six depending on what the other teams do.
The Magic have games against Philadelphia and Milwaukee remaining and lead Philadelphia by one game, but the 76ers have the tie-breaker. A three-way tie between Philadelphia, Orlando, and Indiana would see the 76ers in the play-in. If Milwaukee needs a win against Orlando to clinch the No. 2 spot, Orlando could finish seventh or eighth.
These wagers require bettors to keep tabs on the NBA scores and odds to see which teams are favored and if there are decent wagering opportunities.
Odds to Make Playoffs
The other wager being offered is NBA odds to make the playoffs, which means the team is still playing after the play-in games are completed. Just making the play-in tournament isn’t good enough for this bet.
(Yes -2500, No +900)The Eastern Conference odds update shows the 76ers as the biggest favorite to make the playoffs. If Philadelphia can sneak into the top six, you won’t even have to worry about the play-in. Regardless, the Sixers will be huge favorites in a play-in game against Atlanta or Chicago if it comes to that.
(Yes -2000, No +900)The Pacers are in the same situation as the 76ers. Indiana has a decent chance of finishing with a top-six spot and avoiding the play-in altogether. If it comes down to a one-game showdown with the Bulls or Hawks, the Pacers will be good-sized favorites.
(Yes -1000, No +600)The Heat will most likely play in the Play-In Tournament. But they will have two chances to win and advance to the playoffs. The opening game of the play-in will be tough, but sportsbooks will favor Miami at home against the Bulls or Hawks. Miami has two games against hapless Toronto remaining on the schedule and needs to stay focused.
(Yes +375, No -550)The Bulls will host Atlanta in the No. 9 vs No. 10 matchup. Even with a win, it will have to win on the road against one of the previous teams mentioned. Thus, Chicago will be a decided underdog against any of the three.
(Yes +550, No -900)The Hawks have the longest odds of any team since they have to visit Chicago for the play-in game. The Hawks should have Trae Young back, which makes them an intriguing choice for your picks and parlays. His return will likely impact the line, so there may not be much value with Atlanta.
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