by Will Rogers
Saturday, Apr 19, 2025
CLEVELAND (1) vs. MIAMI (8)
Game 1 odds – Cavaliers -12.5
Series odds – N/A
Odds to win East – Cavaliers +190, Heat +50000
The Cavs didn’t do much to quell any stray doubters when they stumbled down the stretch, losing three of their last five games. They’ll no doubt consider that bad run as a one-off and point to their wire-to-wire dominance of the Eastern Conference. Nine years after LeBron James bolted Cleveland and the Cavs have resurfaced with a deep, talented team that should be well-rested – none of the Core 4 (Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarret Allen and Evan Mobley) averaged as many as 32 minutes this season. Can Miami, which has been backsliding since it surprisingly made it to the 2023 Finals, really make this a series? Not likely, even with Tyler Herro playing out of his mind (68 points in the Heat’s two Play-In victories). Just not enough talent, especially since Jimmy Butler shot his way out of South Florida.
BOSTON (2) vs. ORLANDO (7)
Game 1 odds – Celtics -13.5
Series odds – Celtics -1600, Magic +8000
Odds to win East – Celtics -140
It’s doubtful that the Magic can get this series to a sixth game, but Orlando has a big and effective front line that is capable of doing some physical damage and take some spring out of the Celtics’ step in the next round. Orlando has actually had decent success against Boston in the regular season, winning 10 of the last 13 meetings, although the Celtics won by 27 in Boston this season. There was some concern about the status of 2024 Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, who missed 19 games this season, including the final three games. Boston (which has a history of downplaying injuries) reports that Brown and his tender right knee is good to go for Game 1. As always, the Celtics will bomb away from deep. Opponents have had some success this season by leaving one player (usually Jrue Holiday) open and playing tight D on the other four.
NEW YORK (3) vs. DETROIT (6)
Game 1 odds – Knicks -7.5
Series odds – Knicks -400, Pistons +310
Odds to win East – Knicks +1000, Pistons +8000
New York has been waiting all season for Mitchell Robinson to return and fill the hole left by the departure of Isiah Hartenstein, but will Robinson be game-ready to have an impact in the playoffs against the on-the-rise Pistons? The Knicks are hardly the picture of confidence as they enter the playoffs after not recording a single victory over any of the top three teams (Cleveland, Boston and OKC) this season. “We have to get it fixed and we have to get it fixed fast,” said Tom Thibodeau after NY blew a 28-point lead in a loss to the Cavs. Detroit, with a blend of veterans led by superstar-in-the-making Cade Cunningham, can’t wait to get rolling. Pistons fans haven’t seen their team win a playoff game since 2008. Bad draw for the Knicks, who desperately need to take The Next Step, and for Thibodeau.
INDIANA (4) vs. MILWAUKEE (5)
Game 1 odds – Pacers -5.5
Series odds – Pacers -200, Bucks +160
Odds to win East – Pacers +2500, Bucks +4000
The Bucks look like they’ll have to get by without injured Damien Lillard, who has missed 14 straight games due to blood clots in his right calf. Milwaukee’s defense has actually been a bit better without Lillard on the court, but it’s hard to see the Bucks advancing until Giannis Antetokounmpo gets significant help from somewhere. The Pacers bring a balanced attack behind Tyrese Halliburton and Pascal Siakam, and have far more depth than the Bucks. Expect Indiana to put constant pressure on Antetokounmpo, play a faster pace than Milwaukee wants to play at, and sub liberally. The two met in the playoffs last season; Lillard was banged up, and the Pacers took full advantage in a six-game series win. History seems to be repeating.
Game 1 odds – Cavaliers -12.5
Series odds – N/A
Odds to win East – Cavaliers +190, Heat +50000
The Cavs didn’t do much to quell any stray doubters when they stumbled down the stretch, losing three of their last five games. They’ll no doubt consider that bad run as a one-off and point to their wire-to-wire dominance of the Eastern Conference. Nine years after LeBron James bolted Cleveland and the Cavs have resurfaced with a deep, talented team that should be well-rested – none of the Core 4 (Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarret Allen and Evan Mobley) averaged as many as 32 minutes this season. Can Miami, which has been backsliding since it surprisingly made it to the 2023 Finals, really make this a series? Not likely, even with Tyler Herro playing out of his mind (68 points in the Heat’s two Play-In victories). Just not enough talent, especially since Jimmy Butler shot his way out of South Florida.
BOSTON (2) vs. ORLANDO (7)
Game 1 odds – Celtics -13.5
Series odds – Celtics -1600, Magic +8000
Odds to win East – Celtics -140
It’s doubtful that the Magic can get this series to a sixth game, but Orlando has a big and effective front line that is capable of doing some physical damage and take some spring out of the Celtics’ step in the next round. Orlando has actually had decent success against Boston in the regular season, winning 10 of the last 13 meetings, although the Celtics won by 27 in Boston this season. There was some concern about the status of 2024 Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, who missed 19 games this season, including the final three games. Boston (which has a history of downplaying injuries) reports that Brown and his tender right knee is good to go for Game 1. As always, the Celtics will bomb away from deep. Opponents have had some success this season by leaving one player (usually Jrue Holiday) open and playing tight D on the other four.
NEW YORK (3) vs. DETROIT (6)
Game 1 odds – Knicks -7.5
Series odds – Knicks -400, Pistons +310
Odds to win East – Knicks +1000, Pistons +8000
New York has been waiting all season for Mitchell Robinson to return and fill the hole left by the departure of Isiah Hartenstein, but will Robinson be game-ready to have an impact in the playoffs against the on-the-rise Pistons? The Knicks are hardly the picture of confidence as they enter the playoffs after not recording a single victory over any of the top three teams (Cleveland, Boston and OKC) this season. “We have to get it fixed and we have to get it fixed fast,” said Tom Thibodeau after NY blew a 28-point lead in a loss to the Cavs. Detroit, with a blend of veterans led by superstar-in-the-making Cade Cunningham, can’t wait to get rolling. Pistons fans haven’t seen their team win a playoff game since 2008. Bad draw for the Knicks, who desperately need to take The Next Step, and for Thibodeau.
INDIANA (4) vs. MILWAUKEE (5)
Game 1 odds – Pacers -5.5
Series odds – Pacers -200, Bucks +160
Odds to win East – Pacers +2500, Bucks +4000
The Bucks look like they’ll have to get by without injured Damien Lillard, who has missed 14 straight games due to blood clots in his right calf. Milwaukee’s defense has actually been a bit better without Lillard on the court, but it’s hard to see the Bucks advancing until Giannis Antetokounmpo gets significant help from somewhere. The Pacers bring a balanced attack behind Tyrese Halliburton and Pascal Siakam, and have far more depth than the Bucks. Expect Indiana to put constant pressure on Antetokounmpo, play a faster pace than Milwaukee wants to play at, and sub liberally. The two met in the playoffs last season; Lillard was banged up, and the Pacers took full advantage in a six-game series win. History seems to be repeating.
