Claim the best betting bonuses and discover the best odds here!
With the first set of NBA Play-In Tournament games already on the books, we must take a look at the Eastern Conference.
Needless to say, one of these matchups is going to be one for the ages, with the loser most likely clinching a postseason berth anyway.
The other, however, won’t be that exciting. Even if it could end up being a solid and entertaining matchup, the chances of either of those teams to get far in the playoffs — or make the playoffs at all — are slim.
That’s been the case in the East for quite a while, and that’s why some fans believe the playoffs would be better if the teams were seeded by record regardless of the conference.
With that in mind, we’ll share our picks for today’s slate.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Miami Heat
The Philadelphia 76ers are no ordinary seventh seed. They have the reigning MVP back, and Joel Embiid will always be a force for as long as he’s healthy. With him and with the way Tyrese Maxey is playing, this team should be a problem.
The Miami Heat have also proved that they always take their game up a notch come playoff time, and this year won’t be the exception to the rule. Nonetheless, they might have a tough time containing Nick Nurse’s team.
The Sixers should win this game and secure the No. 7 seed, especially because they definitely want to avoid the Boston Celtics.
Even so, the Miami Heat should still get the No. 8 seed by winning their next game.
Pick: 76ers -4
Chicago Bulls vs Atlanta Hawks
Neither the Chicago Bulls nor the Atlanta Hawks are playoff-caliber teams. They can both put up points in a hurry, but they don’t have the defensive expertise or personnel to get far in a seven-game series.
This could be a high-scoring matchup. Their latest games have featured three-point happy offenses, a fast pace, and no defense whatsoever, and we expect this to be the case again in this win-or-go-home matchup.
Neither of these teams can be trusted to win when it actually counts, especially not when the season is on the line. That’s why leaning towards the over might be the wisest decision in this game.
Pick: Over 220
