Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
The 2018 NBA Playoffs will get underway this afternoon, tipping off what should be nothing short of the most riveting journey to the Finals in quite some time. After years of looking at the playoff bracket and feeling near certain in mid-April that the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors would be duking it out for a championship come June, it finally feels like there is a legitimate chance that some other contenders could make their run. The odds reflect this sentiment, as there are a handful of teams that the sportsbooks believe have a shot at dethroning one or both of these back-to-back-to-back conference winners.
The Dubs and Cavs still have the best odds to meet in the Finals for a fourth consecutive year, but they are no longer a head and shoulders above the rest of the field. Golden State is being pushed in the Western Conference by the Houston Rockets, who are coming off a league-best 65-win season. Houston’s championship odds are currently +170, only a smidge behind the injury-ravaged Warriors—who won less than 60 games for the first time since 2013-14—at +120.
Cleveland had more problems than just injuries in 2017-18, as they needed to make a number of desperation moves at the trade deadline to offload offseason acquisitions that just didn’t pan out and bring in younger, more athletic players. Despite another quality campaign from LeBron James, the Cavs only mustered 51 victories this year—good for only the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. That is the lowest win total (in a non-strike shortened season) for a team with King James on the roster in a decade. Cleveland is currently getting 8-1 odds to raise a banner this year, barely ahead of the top-seeded Toronto Raptors (10-1). The frontrunners are also more than a bit fortunate that former point guard Kyrie Irving is done for the season, sinking the chance of a Boston Celtics—the East’s No.2 seed—postseason resurgence from upwards of 10-1 all the way down to 55-1.
There is still a very real possibility that we could see a fourth consecutive Cavs-Dubs matchup in the Finals, but hoops handicapper Jon Price of SportsInformationTraders.com believes this could be the year that parity shows up in the NBA. The Vegas pro has provided his take on the two teams he believes have what it takes to navigate through their respective conference playoffs and still offer great value on any future bets placed on them. Before getting to those predictions, take a look at the complete list of championship odds for every team. At the end of the article you will also find a complete first-round schedule, TV coverage, live stream info, matchups, quick picks and more for the 2018 NBA Playoffs.
NBA odds courtesy of BetDSI Sportsbook
2018 NBA Championship Odds
| Team | Odds |
| Golden State Warriors | +120 |
| Houston Rockets | +170 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | +800 |
| Toronto Raptors | +1000 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | +2500 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | +5000 |
| Boston Celtics | +5500 |
| Portland Trail Blazers | +6000 |
| Utah Jazz | +6000 |
| San Antonio Spurs | +7000 |
| Washington Wizards | +9000 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | +12500 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | +15000 |
| Indiana Pacers | +20000 |
| Miami Heat | +20000 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | +25000 |
2018 NBA Playoffs Conference Champion Odds
| Team | Odds |
| Western Conference | |
| Golden State Warriors | -140 |
| Houston Rockets | +110 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | +3800 |
| Portland Trail Blazers | +4500 |
| Utah Jazz | +4500 |
| San Antonio Spurs | +5200 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | +11500 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | +19000 |
| Eastern Conference | |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | +125 |
| Toronto Raptors | +170 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | +545 |
| Boston Celtics | +1250 |
| Washington Wizards | +2100 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | +3000 |
| Indiana Pacers | +4800 |
| Miami Heat | +4800 |
Eastern Conference: Philadelphia 76ers (+2500 Championship, +545 Conference)
The 76ers are entering the 2018 NBA Playoffs on the hottest streak ever seen at this time of year. No team in league history has ever won 16 games in a row heading into the postseason, which is exactly how many Philly strung together in the closing weeks of the campaign. This squad hasn’t lost since falling to the Pacers, 101-98, just over one month ago.
The organization tweeted out photos from a pre-playoff team dinner:
Win 16 straight
Clinch 3-seed
Have a team dinner
| https://t.co/NFyuUtQ2Pk#PhilaUnite x #HereTheyComepic.twitter.com/8yJwyu4xGD— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 13, 2018
After years of toiling at the bottom of the standings, The Process finally paid off for this club. It not only clinched a postseason berth for the first time in a half decade, but was also able to secure the No. 3 seed in one of the best turnarounds the league has seen in a while. The development of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Dario Saric and others has created an exciting young core that is surrounded by key veteran additions like J.J. Reddick and Marco Belinelli. It’s a strong group that has the talent to go deep in a year where the rest of the Eastern Conference looks beatable.
Unfortunately for the Sixers, Embiid will miss at least one game during the team’s opening series against the Miami Heat. Head coach Brett Brown confirmed that his big man will be out for Game 1 and will be wearing a protective mask when he does return, as per The Dan Patrick Show:
He will not play in Game 1. From that point going forward, we'll figure some stuff out. But unless something remarkable happens, I don't plan on him playing in Game 1.
Embiid has missed the last eight games due to orbital bone fracture stemming from a collision with teammate Markelle Fultz, although that hasn’t stopped the Sixers from winning without him. There’s no timetable for the center's return outside of a cryptic “soon” answer from Brown, but he’ll surely be doing everything he can to get in the lineup as quickly as possible. The All-Star’s presence will help Philadelphia immensely in this upcoming series. The Sixers split the season series with Miami, losing their last two outings against this opponent.
Reuben Frank pointed out how good the 76ers have been lately after a slow start:
76ers were 15-19.
Went 37-11 the rest of the season.
— Reuben Frank (@RoobNBCS) April 12, 2018
If Embiid—Philly’s best player, averaging a spectacular 22.9 points and 11 rebounds this year—can get back on the floor and only miss a game or two tops, the Sixers shouldn’t have much issue dispatching the Heat. Miami is a quality club, but lacking in stars capable of taking over the way that Embiid can when he's on his game. Price says that Philly’s roster is more talented and deep, which is the reason it should not only win this series, but also make a run to at least the conference finals if healthy. At 25-1 odds to win a championship and 5.5-1 to win the East, there isn’t a better value play than Philly on the board this postseason.
Prediction: 76ers Win East (+545), Lose Finals
Western Conference: Houston Rockets (+170 Championship, +110 Conference)
The Rockets have been a fringe contender for years with James Harden as their centerpiece, an offensive force that continues to improve to the point of being a shoo-in for MVP this year. After averaging 11.2 assists as the team’s primary point guard in 2016-17—Harden’s first time manning the position on a full-time basis in his eight-year career—the Arizona State product finally received some backcourt help during the offseason. Houston cashed in a pile of chips to acquire Chris Paul from the Los Angeles Clippers, arguably the top PG of this generation.
The results have been a smashing success, as the pair has been unstoppable this season. The backcourt tandem was the driving force behind a franchise-record 65 wins, averaging a combined 49 points, 16.7 assists, 10.8 rebounds and 3.5 steals per game. Now the Rockets will lean on these guards to lead the organization back to the Finals for the first time 1995.
The team took to Twitter to address those that doubted the Paul trade would work out:
They said it wouldn't work.
They said there was only one ball.
And here we are.The second season starts Sunday. We #RunAsOne as #1.
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 12, 2018
If the Rockets are going to win their third title in franchise history, they’ll likely need to get past the No. 2-seeded Warriors in the Western Conference Finals. The three-time reigning conference champs had a down season in 2017-18, but still possess a wealth of playoff experience and the most talented lineup when healthy. Houston’s stars aren’t nearly as seasoned as Golden State’s, with Paul notably never getting out of the second round in any of his nine prior trips to the playoffs. Harden’s incredible season came to a brutal end last year when he melted down against the Spurs in the second round, a series the Rockets were expected to win with San Antonio playing without Kawhi Leonard.
They’ll both get an opportunity to avenge those shortcomings this year, as this squad represents by far the best chance either player has ever had to get to the Finals. Houston GM Daryl Morey admitted in an ESPN Radio interview in December that he’s assembled a roster with the goal of eliminating Golden State as the focus:
It’s the only thing we think about. I think I’m not supposed to say that, but we’re basically obsessed with ‘How do we beat the Warriors?’ ... We calculated it—it’s like 90 percent if we’re going to win a title, we’ve gotta beat the Warriors at some point. A lot of our signings and what we do during the year is based on that. We spend most of our time just figuring out how we might knock the Warriors out in seven games. Because we’re pretty sure that’s what’s going to define our season.
The Dream Shake pointed out that the narrative that the West is weaker than usual this year isn’t exactly true:
Listening to Mike Francesa on Bill Simmons podcast today... Says the Rockets success is because the 'West is the weakest it's been in years."
Nine teams had a win percentage over 56% this year! SMH. Dudes will say anything to rake Houston.
— The Dream Shake (@DreamShakeSBN) April 13, 2018
If the Warriors can’t turn things on and continue to struggle with injury, the door is wide open for the Rockets to win the West. Houston won the season series, besting the Dubs in two of three meetings. Price notes that home court advantage adds another edge in favor of the top seed, which will be key in a Houston-Golden State series that will probably go the distance. Because the real odds of the Rockets winning the West—and then being heavily favored against whichever Eastern Conference foe they face with the Larry O'Brien Trophy on the line—are greater than the ones the sportsbooks are offering, they are the best value play for bettors looking to pick a Finals winner in 2018.
Prediction: Rockets win West (+110) and Finals (+170)
2018 NBA Playoffs Bracket, Schedule And Viewing Info
Games can be live streamed via WatchESPN and WatchTNT
Eastern Conference
No. 1 Toronto Raptors vs. No. 8 Washington Wizards
Series Odds: TOR -590, WAS +370
Series Pick: Toronto in six
Series Schedule
Game 1: Washington Wizards at Toronto Raptors: April 14 at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
Game 2: Washington Wizards at Toronto Raptors: April 17 at 7 p.m. ET on NBA TV
Game 3: Toronto Raptors at Washington Wizards: April 20 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2
Game 4: Toronto Raptors at Washington Wizards: April 22 at 6 p.m. ET on TNT
*Game 5: Washington Wizards at Toronto Raptors: April 25 at TBD
*Game 6: Toronto Raptors at Washington Wizards: April 27 at TBD
*Game 7: Washington Wizards at Toronto Raptors: April 29 at TBD
No. 2 Boston Celtics vs. No. 7 Milwaukee Bucks
Series Odds: BOS -190, MIL +145
Series Pick: Milwaukee in six
Series Schedule
Game 1: Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics: April 15 at 1 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 2: Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics: April 17 at 8 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 3: Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks: April 20 at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
Game 4: Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks: April 22 at 1 p.m. ET on ABC
*Game 5: Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics: April 24 at TBD
*Game 6: Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks: April 26 at TBD
*Game 7: Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics: April 28 at TBD
No. 3 Philadelphia 76ers vs. No. 6 Miami Heat
Series Odds: PHI -425, MIA +285
Series Pick: Philadelphia in five
Series Schedule
Game 1: Miami Heat at Philadelphia 76ers: April 14 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN
Game 2: Miami Heat at Philadelphia 76ers: April 16 at 8 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 3: Philadelphia 76ers at Miami Heat: April 19 at 7 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 4: Philadelphia 76ers at Miami Heat: April 21 at 2:30 p.m. ET on TNT
*Game 5: Miami Heat at Philadelphia 76ers: April 24 at TBD
*Game 6: Philadelphia 76ers at Miami Heat: April 26 at TBD
*Game 7: Miami Heat at Philadelphia 76ers: April 28 at TBD
No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 5 Indiana Pacers
Series Odds: CLE -1030, IND +535
Series Pick: Cleveland in five
Series Schedule
Game 1: Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers: April 15 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC
Game 2: Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers: April 18 at 7 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 3: Cleveland Cavaliers at Indiana Pacers: April 20 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN
Game 4: Cleveland Cavaliers at Indiana Pacers: April 22 at 8:30 p.m. ET on TNT
*Game 5: Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers: April 25 at TBD
*Game 6: Cleveland Cavaliers at Indiana Pacers: April 27 at TBD
*Game 7: Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers April 29 at TBD
Western Conference
No. 1 Houston Rockets vs. No. 8 Minnesota Timberwolves
Series Odds: HOU -1315, MIN +635
Series Pick: Houston in four
Series Schedule
Game 1: Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets: April 15 at 9 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 2: Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets: April 18 at 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 3: Houston Rockets at Minnesota Timberwolves: April 21 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
Game 4: Houston Rockets at Minnesota Timberwolves: April 23 at 8 p.m. ET on TNT
*Game 5: Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets: April 25 at TBD
*Game 6: Houston Rockets at Minnesota Timberwolves: April 27 at TBD
*Game 7: Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets: April 29 at TBD
No. 2 Golden State Warriors vs. No. 7 San Antonio Spurs
Series Odds: GSW -1750, SAS +710
Series Pick: Golden State in six
Series Schedule
Game 1: San Antonio Spurs at Golden State Warriors: April 14 at 3 p.m. ET on ABC
Game 2: San Antonio Spurs at Golden State Warriors: April 16 at 10:30 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 3: Golden State Warriors at San Antonio Spurs: April 19 at 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 4: Golden State Warriors at San Antonio Spurs: April 22 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC
*Game 5: San Antonio Spurs at Golden State Warriors: April 24 at TBD
*Game 6: Golden State Warriors at San Antonio Spurs: April 26 at TBD
*Game 7: San Antonio Spurs at Golden State Warriors: April 28 at TBD
No. 3 Portland Trail Blazers vs. No. 6 New Orleans Pelicans
Series Odds: POR -180, NOP +140
Series Pick: New Orleans in seven
Series Schedule
Game 1: New Orleans Pelicans at Portland Trail Blazers: April 14 at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
Game 2: New Orleans Pelicans at Portland Trail Blazers: April 17 at 10:30 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 3: Portland Trail Blazers at New Orleans Pelicans: April 19 at 9 p.m. ET on NBA TV
Game 4: Portland Trail Blazers at New Orleans Pelicans: April 21 at 5 p.m. ET on TNT
*Game 5: New Orleans Pelicans at Portland Trail Blazers: April 24 at TBD
*Game 6: Portland Trail Blazers at New Orleans Pelicans: April 26 at TBD
*Game 7: New Orleans Pelicans at Portland Trail Blazers: April 28 at TBD
No. 4 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 5 Utah Jazz
Series Odds: OKC -140, UTA +110
Series Pick: Oklahoma City in seven
Series Schedule
Game 1: Utah Jazz at Oklahoma City Thunder: April 15 at 6:30 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 2: Utah Jazz at Oklahoma City Thunder: April 18 at 8 p.m. ET on NBA TV
Game 3: Oklahoma City Thunder at Utah Jazz: April 21 at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN
Game 4: Oklahoma City Thunder at Utah Jazz: April 23 at 10:30 p.m. ET on TNT
*Game 5: Utah Jazz at Oklahoma City Thunder: April 25 at TBD
*Game 6: Oklahoma City Thunder at Utah Jazz: April 27 at TBD
*Game 7: Utah Jazz at Oklahoma City Thunder: April 29 at TBD
*If necessary
">Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
The 2018 NBA Playoffs will get underway this afternoon, tipping off what should be nothing short of the most riveting journey to the Finals in quite some time. After years of looking at the playoff bracket and feeling near certain in mid-April that the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors would be duking it out for a championship come June, it finally feels like there is a legitimate chance that some other contenders could make their run. The odds reflect this sentiment, as there are a handful of teams that the sportsbooks believe have a shot at dethroning one or both of these back-to-back-to-back conference winners.
The Dubs and Cavs still have the best odds to meet in the Finals for a fourth consecutive year, but they are no longer a head and shoulders above the rest of the field. Golden State is being pushed in the Western Conference by the Houston Rockets, who are coming off a league-best 65-win season. Houston’s championship odds are currently +170, only a smidge behind the injury-ravaged Warriors—who won less than 60 games for the first time since 2013-14—at +120.
Cleveland had more problems than just injuries in 2017-18, as they needed to make a number of desperation moves at the trade deadline to offload offseason acquisitions that just didn’t pan out and bring in younger, more athletic players. Despite another quality campaign from LeBron James, the Cavs only mustered 51 victories this year—good for only the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. That is the lowest win total (in a non-strike shortened season) for a team with King James on the roster in a decade. Cleveland is currently getting 8-1 odds to raise a banner this year, barely ahead of the top-seeded Toronto Raptors (10-1). The frontrunners are also more than a bit fortunate that former point guard Kyrie Irving is done for the season, sinking the chance of a Boston Celtics—the East’s No.2 seed—postseason resurgence from upwards of 10-1 all the way down to 55-1.
There is still a very real possibility that we could see a fourth consecutive Cavs-Dubs matchup in the Finals, but hoops handicapper Jon Price of SportsInformationTraders.com believes this could be the year that parity shows up in the NBA. The Vegas pro has provided his take on the two teams he believes have what it takes to navigate through their respective conference playoffs and still offer great value on any future bets placed on them. Before getting to those predictions, take a look at the complete list of championship odds for every team. At the end of the article you will also find a complete first-round schedule, TV coverage, live stream info, matchups, quick picks and more for the 2018 NBA Playoffs.
NBA odds courtesy of BetDSI Sportsbook
2018 NBA Championship Odds
| Team | Odds |
| Golden State Warriors | +120 |
| Houston Rockets | +170 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | +800 |
| Toronto Raptors | +1000 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | +2500 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | +5000 |
| Boston Celtics | +5500 |
| Portland Trail Blazers | +6000 |
| Utah Jazz | +6000 |
| San Antonio Spurs | +7000 |
| Washington Wizards | +9000 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | +12500 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | +15000 |
| Indiana Pacers | +20000 |
| Miami Heat | +20000 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | +25000 |
2018 NBA Playoffs Conference Champion Odds
| Team | Odds |
| Western Conference | |
| Golden State Warriors | -140 |
| Houston Rockets | +110 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | +3800 |
| Portland Trail Blazers | +4500 |
| Utah Jazz | +4500 |
| San Antonio Spurs | +5200 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | +11500 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | +19000 |
| Eastern Conference | |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | +125 |
| Toronto Raptors | +170 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | +545 |
| Boston Celtics | +1250 |
| Washington Wizards | +2100 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | +3000 |
| Indiana Pacers | +4800 |
| Miami Heat | +4800 |
Eastern Conference: Philadelphia 76ers (+2500 Championship, +545 Conference)
The 76ers are entering the 2018 NBA Playoffs on the hottest streak ever seen at this time of year. No team in league history has ever won 16 games in a row heading into the postseason, which is exactly how many Philly strung together in the closing weeks of the campaign. This squad hasn’t lost since falling to the Pacers, 101-98, just over one month ago.
The organization tweeted out photos from a pre-playoff team dinner:
Win 16 straight
Clinch 3-seed
Have a team dinner
| https://t.co/NFyuUtQ2Pk#PhilaUnite x #HereTheyComepic.twitter.com/8yJwyu4xGD— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 13, 2018
After years of toiling at the bottom of the standings, The Process finally paid off for this club. It not only clinched a postseason berth for the first time in a half decade, but was also able to secure the No. 3 seed in one of the best turnarounds the league has seen in a while. The development of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Dario Saric and others has created an exciting young core that is surrounded by key veteran additions like J.J. Reddick and Marco Belinelli. It’s a strong group that has the talent to go deep in a year where the rest of the Eastern Conference looks beatable.
Unfortunately for the Sixers, Embiid will miss at least one game during the team’s opening series against the Miami Heat. Head coach Brett Brown confirmed that his big man will be out for Game 1 and will be wearing a protective mask when he does return, as per The Dan Patrick Show:
He will not play in Game 1. From that point going forward, we'll figure some stuff out. But unless something remarkable happens, I don't plan on him playing in Game 1.
Embiid has missed the last eight games due to orbital bone fracture stemming from a collision with teammate Markelle Fultz, although that hasn’t stopped the Sixers from winning without him. There’s no timetable for the center's return outside of a cryptic “soon” answer from Brown, but he’ll surely be doing everything he can to get in the lineup as quickly as possible. The All-Star’s presence will help Philadelphia immensely in this upcoming series. The Sixers split the season series with Miami, losing their last two outings against this opponent.
Reuben Frank pointed out how good the 76ers have been lately after a slow start:
76ers were 15-19.
Went 37-11 the rest of the season.
— Reuben Frank (@RoobNBCS) April 12, 2018
If Embiid—Philly’s best player, averaging a spectacular 22.9 points and 11 rebounds this year—can get back on the floor and only miss a game or two tops, the Sixers shouldn’t have much issue dispatching the Heat. Miami is a quality club, but lacking in stars capable of taking over the way that Embiid can when he's on his game. Price says that Philly’s roster is more talented and deep, which is the reason it should not only win this series, but also make a run to at least the conference finals if healthy. At 25-1 odds to win a championship and 5.5-1 to win the East, there isn’t a better value play than Philly on the board this postseason.
Prediction: 76ers Win East (+545), Lose Finals
Western Conference: Houston Rockets (+170 Championship, +110 Conference)
The Rockets have been a fringe contender for years with James Harden as their centerpiece, an offensive force that continues to improve to the point of being a shoo-in for MVP this year. After averaging 11.2 assists as the team’s primary point guard in 2016-17—Harden’s first time manning the position on a full-time basis in his eight-year career—the Arizona State product finally received some backcourt help during the offseason. Houston cashed in a pile of chips to acquire Chris Paul from the Los Angeles Clippers, arguably the top PG of this generation.
The results have been a smashing success, as the pair has been unstoppable this season. The backcourt tandem was the driving force behind a franchise-record 65 wins, averaging a combined 49 points, 16.7 assists, 10.8 rebounds and 3.5 steals per game. Now the Rockets will lean on these guards to lead the organization back to the Finals for the first time 1995.
The team took to Twitter to address those that doubted the Paul trade would work out:
They said it wouldn't work.
They said there was only one ball.
And here we are.The second season starts Sunday. We #RunAsOne as #1.
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 12, 2018
If the Rockets are going to win their third title in franchise history, they’ll likely need to get past the No. 2-seeded Warriors in the Western Conference Finals. The three-time reigning conference champs had a down season in 2017-18, but still possess a wealth of playoff experience and the most talented lineup when healthy. Houston’s stars aren’t nearly as seasoned as Golden State’s, with Paul notably never getting out of the second round in any of his nine prior trips to the playoffs. Harden’s incredible season came to a brutal end last year when he melted down against the Spurs in the second round, a series the Rockets were expected to win with San Antonio playing without Kawhi Leonard.
They’ll both get an opportunity to avenge those shortcomings this year, as this squad represents by far the best chance either player has ever had to get to the Finals. Houston GM Daryl Morey admitted in an ESPN Radio interview in December that he’s assembled a roster with the goal of eliminating Golden State as the focus:
It’s the only thing we think about. I think I’m not supposed to say that, but we’re basically obsessed with ‘How do we beat the Warriors?’ ... We calculated it—it’s like 90 percent if we’re going to win a title, we’ve gotta beat the Warriors at some point. A lot of our signings and what we do during the year is based on that. We spend most of our time just figuring out how we might knock the Warriors out in seven games. Because we’re pretty sure that’s what’s going to define our season.
The Dream Shake pointed out that the narrative that the West is weaker than usual this year isn’t exactly true:
Listening to Mike Francesa on Bill Simmons podcast today... Says the Rockets success is because the 'West is the weakest it's been in years."
Nine teams had a win percentage over 56% this year! SMH. Dudes will say anything to rake Houston.
— The Dream Shake (@DreamShakeSBN) April 13, 2018
If the Warriors can’t turn things on and continue to struggle with injury, the door is wide open for the Rockets to win the West. Houston won the season series, besting the Dubs in two of three meetings. Price notes that home court advantage adds another edge in favor of the top seed, which will be key in a Houston-Golden State series that will probably go the distance. Because the real odds of the Rockets winning the West—and then being heavily favored against whichever Eastern Conference foe they face with the Larry O'Brien Trophy on the line—are greater than the ones the sportsbooks are offering, they are the best value play for bettors looking to pick a Finals winner in 2018.
Prediction: Rockets win West (+110) and Finals (+170)
2018 NBA Playoffs Bracket, Schedule And Viewing Info
Games can be live streamed via WatchESPN and WatchTNT
Eastern Conference
No. 1 Toronto Raptors vs. No. 8 Washington Wizards
Series Odds: TOR -590, WAS +370
Series Pick: Toronto in six
Series Schedule
Game 1: Washington Wizards at Toronto Raptors: April 14 at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
Game 2: Washington Wizards at Toronto Raptors: April 17 at 7 p.m. ET on NBA TV
Game 3: Toronto Raptors at Washington Wizards: April 20 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2
Game 4: Toronto Raptors at Washington Wizards: April 22 at 6 p.m. ET on TNT
*Game 5: Washington Wizards at Toronto Raptors: April 25 at TBD
*Game 6: Toronto Raptors at Washington Wizards: April 27 at TBD
*Game 7: Washington Wizards at Toronto Raptors: April 29 at TBD
No. 2 Boston Celtics vs. No. 7 Milwaukee Bucks
Series Odds: BOS -190, MIL +145
Series Pick: Milwaukee in six
Series Schedule
Game 1: Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics: April 15 at 1 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 2: Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics: April 17 at 8 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 3: Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks: April 20 at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
Game 4: Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks: April 22 at 1 p.m. ET on ABC
*Game 5: Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics: April 24 at TBD
*Game 6: Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks: April 26 at TBD
*Game 7: Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics: April 28 at TBD
No. 3 Philadelphia 76ers vs. No. 6 Miami Heat
Series Odds: PHI -425, MIA +285
Series Pick: Philadelphia in five
Series Schedule
Game 1: Miami Heat at Philadelphia 76ers: April 14 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN
Game 2: Miami Heat at Philadelphia 76ers: April 16 at 8 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 3: Philadelphia 76ers at Miami Heat: April 19 at 7 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 4: Philadelphia 76ers at Miami Heat: April 21 at 2:30 p.m. ET on TNT
*Game 5: Miami Heat at Philadelphia 76ers: April 24 at TBD
*Game 6: Philadelphia 76ers at Miami Heat: April 26 at TBD
*Game 7: Miami Heat at Philadelphia 76ers: April 28 at TBD
No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 5 Indiana Pacers
Series Odds: CLE -1030, IND +535
Series Pick: Cleveland in five
Series Schedule
Game 1: Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers: April 15 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC
Game 2: Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers: April 18 at 7 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 3: Cleveland Cavaliers at Indiana Pacers: April 20 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN
Game 4: Cleveland Cavaliers at Indiana Pacers: April 22 at 8:30 p.m. ET on TNT
*Game 5: Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers: April 25 at TBD
*Game 6: Cleveland Cavaliers at Indiana Pacers: April 27 at TBD
*Game 7: Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers April 29 at TBD
Western Conference
No. 1 Houston Rockets vs. No. 8 Minnesota Timberwolves
Series Odds: HOU -1315, MIN +635
Series Pick: Houston in four
Series Schedule
Game 1: Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets: April 15 at 9 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 2: Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets: April 18 at 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 3: Houston Rockets at Minnesota Timberwolves: April 21 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
Game 4: Houston Rockets at Minnesota Timberwolves: April 23 at 8 p.m. ET on TNT
*Game 5: Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets: April 25 at TBD
*Game 6: Houston Rockets at Minnesota Timberwolves: April 27 at TBD
*Game 7: Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets: April 29 at TBD
No. 2 Golden State Warriors vs. No. 7 San Antonio Spurs
Series Odds: GSW -1750, SAS +710
Series Pick: Golden State in six
Series Schedule
Game 1: San Antonio Spurs at Golden State Warriors: April 14 at 3 p.m. ET on ABC
Game 2: San Antonio Spurs at Golden State Warriors: April 16 at 10:30 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 3: Golden State Warriors at San Antonio Spurs: April 19 at 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 4: Golden State Warriors at San Antonio Spurs: April 22 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC
*Game 5: San Antonio Spurs at Golden State Warriors: April 24 at TBD
*Game 6: Golden State Warriors at San Antonio Spurs: April 26 at TBD
*Game 7: San Antonio Spurs at Golden State Warriors: April 28 at TBD
No. 3 Portland Trail Blazers vs. No. 6 New Orleans Pelicans
Series Odds: POR -180, NOP +140
Series Pick: New Orleans in seven
Series Schedule
Game 1: New Orleans Pelicans at Portland Trail Blazers: April 14 at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
Game 2: New Orleans Pelicans at Portland Trail Blazers: April 17 at 10:30 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 3: Portland Trail Blazers at New Orleans Pelicans: April 19 at 9 p.m. ET on NBA TV
Game 4: Portland Trail Blazers at New Orleans Pelicans: April 21 at 5 p.m. ET on TNT
*Game 5: New Orleans Pelicans at Portland Trail Blazers: April 24 at TBD
*Game 6: Portland Trail Blazers at New Orleans Pelicans: April 26 at TBD
*Game 7: New Orleans Pelicans at Portland Trail Blazers: April 28 at TBD
No. 4 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 5 Utah Jazz
Series Odds: OKC -140, UTA +110
Series Pick: Oklahoma City in seven
Series Schedule
Game 1: Utah Jazz at Oklahoma City Thunder: April 15 at 6:30 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 2: Utah Jazz at Oklahoma City Thunder: April 18 at 8 p.m. ET on NBA TV
Game 3: Oklahoma City Thunder at Utah Jazz: April 21 at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN
Game 4: Oklahoma City Thunder at Utah Jazz: April 23 at 10:30 p.m. ET on TNT
*Game 5: Utah Jazz at Oklahoma City Thunder: April 25 at TBD
*Game 6: Oklahoma City Thunder at Utah Jazz: April 27 at TBD
*Game 7: Utah Jazz at Oklahoma City Thunder: April 29 at TBD
*If necessary
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