Let’s check on the best bets for opening day of the playoffs.
It’s finally here. The NBA Playoffs begin today with a full slate of games to look forward to.
FanDuel is the best place to make NBA bets throughout the playoffs. To prove that, they’re offering a No Sweat SGP Every Weekend. If your parlay doesn’t hit, you’ll get Bonus Bets back. This will be for every weekend throughout the playoffs.
To claim this, you must:
- Click “Claim Now” on the home page
- After clicking “Claim Now” you’ll be awarded one No Sweat Token. This must be used on a 3+ Leg Same Game Parlay or Same Game Parlay Plus
- Your wager must have a final odds of +400 or longer.
- Build your parlay, toggle on your No Sweat Token, and then finalize your bet.
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Let’s take a look at what you could use your parlays on for the four games on Saturday.
Pacers vs Bucks
The first game of the day will be between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Indiana Pacers. If you want to get in on the action, FanDuel has this recommended parlay:
- Pascal Siakam to score 20+ points
- Giannis Antetokounmpo to score 30+ points
- Giannis Antetokounmpo to record 12+ rebounds
- Tyrese Haliburton to make 3+ threes
- +601 odds
The safest leg of this parlay should be Antetokounmpo to score 30+ points. We expect big-time players to raise their game in the playoffs. And, the Bucks will be relying on Giannis even more than usual with Damian Lillard on the sideline for Game 1.
We can also take Siakam to score 20+ points. The Bucks aren’t an overwhelming defensive team and 20 points from a player of Siakam’s caliber is to be expected.
Where this gets tricky is taking Haliburton for three three-pointers. He’s an elite shooter who could certainly pour it on from deep. But I’m hesitant to place too much faith on today’s variance in three-point shooting.
Nuggets vs Clippers
Next up is a highly anticipated battle between Nikola Jokic and Kawhi Leonard. Let’s check it out:
- James Harden 25+ points
- Nikola Jokic 25+ points
- Nikola Jokic 14+ rebounds
- James Harden 10+ assists
- Nikola Jokic 10+ assists
- +2087 odds
This is a beastly five-leg parlay that might be best to avoid. I’ve personally seen enough from James Harden in the playoffs to feel comfortable betting on him to rise to the occasion. That said, Nikola Jokic is a fairly safe bet to put up ludicrous numbers. You’d really just be hoping this game is as competitive as we all think in order for both stars to put up enough stats.
Knicks vs Pistons
Next up is everyone’s favorite underdog, the Detroit Pistons. Let’s see how they fare against the New York Knicks.
- Detroit Pistons moneyline
- Josh Hart to score 10+ points
- Jalen Duren to record 12+ rebounds
- Jalen Brunson to record 8+ assists
- +2053 odds
You’d have to have some serious faith in Detroit’s ability to surprise the Knicks in this series. Taking their money line on the road in Game 1 is a bold move. The rest of the parlay is fairly reasonable. But I might shy away from placing my faith in the younger, inexperienced Pistons beating a desperate Knicks team on their home floor.
Lakers vs Wolves
Alright, it’s our final parlay of the day. Is it any good?
- Anthony Edwards over 37.5 points + rebounds + assists
- Luka Doncic over 45.5 points + rebounds + assists
- LeBron James over 39.5 points + rebounds + assists
- Austin Reaves over 20.5 points + rebounds + assists
- Julius Randle over 30.5 points + rebounds + assists
- +2115 odds
This many overs make me nervous. You’re assuming that almost every star player on each team is going to stuff the box score and play at a high level. It’s the full combination of points, rebounds and assists that gives this parlay such heavy odds. You can’t have either one of Randle, Edwards, Doncic, James or Reaves come up empty in a category.
For that reason, I’d find myself playing it safe and rolling with the first parlay we discussed. Indiana vs Milwaukee feels like the best option of this group.