Who Makes the NBA Playoffs or The Play-In Tourney
Eastern Conference Team Playoff Odds: Play-In Gives More Chances
The NBA play-in games have added another dimension to the NBA postseason. That’s especially true this season in the Eastern Conference. The top eight teams have long been decided, but the new format gives Chicago and Atlanta Hawks a chance to move into the top eight for the start of the traditional playoff season.
There is also an added incentive for Indiana not to fall out of sixth place. Entering the last few days of the regular season, there is plenty left to settle. Several different wagers are available involving different Eastern Conference team playoff odds.
Chicago Makes the Playoffs? No -650
This wager is for the Chicago Bulls to advance to the traditional eight-team playoff format. It means the Bulls will have to defeat Atlanta in the No. 9 vs No. 10 game and then win at Philadelphia or Miami.
The NBA lines are a little high to the “no” on this one. But it’s likely the smart play if you decide to wager. The Bulls aren’t guaranteed to defeat Atlanta and the road game will be a tough one.
Philadelphia Makes Play-In Tournament? Yes -230
These Eastern Conference team playoff odds are if the 76ers compete in the play-in tournament. It could be a losing wager if the 76ers advance to the playoffs as the No. 6 seed. The Pacers lead Philadelphia by one game and have a game at Cleveland and versus Atlanta remaining.
The 76ers have Orlando and Brooklyn at home. Indiana does hold the tie-breaker over Philadelphia, so the 76ers need to finish a full game in front of Indiana to win the tie-breaker.
Miami Makes Play-In Tournament? Yes -210
This is almost the same exact situation as above in that it becomes a losing wager if the Heat grab the No. 6 spot.
Miami also trails Indiana in the tie-breaker but has the tie-breaker against the 76ers based on conference record. After playing Dallas on Wednesday, the Heat host the hapless Raptors in back-to-back games. The NBA betting picks will have the Heat as huge favorites in both conference games.
Orlando Makes Play-In Tournament? Yes +110
The NBA playoff odds on the Magic recognize the team’s tough schedule down the stretch. Orlando is currently No. 4 in the Eastern Conference but has two games left with Milwaukee and a game against Philadelphia. The Magic could easily fall all the way down to seventh.
Orlando is 46-33 and Philadelphia is 45-35. There isn’t a huge difference in the standings between the No. 2 and No. 8 teams. Milwaukee is No. 2 at 48-31, just 4.0 games in front of No. 8 Miami.
Indiana Makes Play-In Tournament? Yes +250
The Eastern Conference team playoff odds on the Pacers would need to see Indiana lose both games down the stretch all fall behind Miami or Philadelphia. It’s quite possible, although the Pacers will be favored at home against Atlanta.
The Cavs won’t be huge favorites against the Pacers in the team’s other game. It’s hard to bet the ‘yes’ in this spot with Indiana holding the tie-breaker over the Heat and 76ers.
For NBA betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
