After a wild opening weekend of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, we’re looking forward to a tripleheader on Monday night. We have a night full of postseason action ahead of us, and we’re eager to lock in some moneyline bets, spreads, over/unders, and player props. BetMGM so we can start our week with some wins.
To start tonight, we’ll see the fourth-seeded Cavaliers host the fifth-seeded Magic (7 p.m. ET). Next, the Knicks will look to keep the momentum going over the 76ers at Madison Square Garden.
The night concludes with the world champion Nuggets taking on the Lakers at Ball Arena, with Denver looking to claim its 10th straight victory over Los Angeles.
All three home teams won Game 1 in their respective first-round series, and all three opened as modest -3.5 to -4.5 favorites to expand to a 2-0 lead. Let’s reach our best level BetMGM bets for Monday!
Best NBA Playoff Bets and Spreads Tonight: Top vs. Spread Pick
Knicks (-4.5) against 76ers
The Knicks are our favorite sleeper to compete for the 2024 NBA Finals, and this easily looks like the most overlooked first-round matchup. New York has been much better than Philadelphia for a while, and yet many sportsbooks and analysts were picking the Sixers to win this series outright.
News flash: that’s not happening. Joel Embiid is clearly not close to 100 percent physically since he returned from meniscus surgery, and he is also clearly out of shape due to rehab and quick recovery. The reigning MVP fell to the ground at one point during the series opener and then limped gingerly away. He returned in the second half, but looked fatigued early and often.
Tyrese Maxey has been electric, but Nick Nurse doesn’t have anyone else who can provide consistent scoring. Even if JoJo plays Game 2, Philadelphia appears to be down the river without a paddle. Jalen Brunson and the Knicks continue to play excellent team basketball on both sides, dictating the pace while hitting three-pointers and controlling the glass.
New York outrebounded Philadelphia 55-33 in Game 1, scoring extra opportunity points thanks to 23 offensive rebounds. The Knicks picked up the pace when the 76ers looked worn down and got a high percentage of outside looks thanks to strong ball movement. The Sixers made 20 of 22 free throws, held the Knicks to less than 40 percent free throw shooting and still lost to New York 111-104. Expect more of the same tonight.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: Knicks 11576ers 107 – New York wins (-200) and covers the extension (-4.5), while the score far exceeds the total (207.5).
