While the two series in the Western Conference of the NBA playoffs appear to be leaning heavily to the favorites, the two matches in the East could be primed for upsets. Cleveland will be trying to upend No. 1 seed Toronto, while Philadelphia is facing an injury-plagued Boston.
The Cavaliers are a +175 to defeat the Raptors in the best-of-seven series. Toronto is a -205. The 76ers are actually the favorite against the No. 2 Celtics at -385. Boston is +325.
It’s a far cry from the odds in the West. Golden State is -2500 to down New Orleans. The Pelicans are +1200. Houston is -1400 to win its series against the Utah Jazz, who are +925 to pull off the upset.
The Pelicans have the longest odds to win the NBA Title at 100/1. Boston is next at 66/1, followed by Utah (15/1), Cleveland (12/1), Toronto (9/1), Philadelphia (9/1), Houston (2/1), and Golden State (4/5).
Cleveland Faces Hot Toronto
LeBron James finally dispatched a pesky Indiana team, keeping intact his streak of first-round playoff victories. He and Celtics great Bill Russell are the only two players to play in more than four playoffs and never lose in the opening round.
But the seven games took a toll on the Cavaliers superstar. He said after Sunday’s 105-101 win.
“It was good to be able to make plays and advance, and kudos and a big shoutout to the Indiana Pacers,” James said in his press conference after the game. “They were tough. … They definitely pushed us, pushed us to the brink.”
James expended a lot of energy in the first round. He averaged 34.4 points per game, along with 10.1 rebounds, and 7.7 assists. He said after the game that one day of rest before they face Toronto in Game 1 on Tuesday might not be enough. Toronto is favored by six points.
“I’m burnt right now,” James said. “I’m not thinking about Toronto right now until [Monday]. I’m ready to go home. Can we? I’m tired. I want to go home.”
Philadelphia Becoming Favorite
The darling pick with bettors has definitely become the Philadelphia 76ers. In addition to making them the choice to upend the Boston Celtics, the team has had the most movement to win the NBA Championship.
They began the season as 150/1 to win the title, but rocketed up the board to a current 9/1 pick. Only Golden State and Houston have better odds.
How they won against opening opponent Miami may have convinced bettors and oddsmakers that this team is for real. They downed the Heat, 4-2, and some didn’t think it was that close.
They have had the luxury of almost of week of rest, last playing on Tuesday. The Celtics had one day to catch their breath after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday.
Boston was already banged up, and despite Monday’s game at home, the team is weary. The line opened at 2.5 in Philadelphia’s favor, but has jumped to four.
The 76ers are not taking anything for granted, however. Reserve Ersan Ilyasova told ESPN the team knows how tough it is to play in Boston.
“When you go to Boston, you will feel it,” Ilyasova said. “Even in the regular season, you know when you play that team, the arena is full, and they’re really committed fans.”