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The playoffs are well and truly underway, so let’s take a look at some of the juiciest matchups and how NBA teams are going so far.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
The most intriguing matchup in the West is for sure the Lakers vs. Timberwolves.
The Wolves dominated the Lakers in Game 1 with their physicality and came away with a win in front of LA’s home crowd at Crypto.com arena, despite star player Luka Doncic putting up 37 points.
Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards dropped a cold Spider-Man inspired celly on Doncic after hitting a three over him. No doubt Luka will be out for revenge!
Game 2 in Los Angeles has some great value on Neds, with the Lakers tipped to bounce back.
Odds – Timberwolves vs. Lakers – Head To Head
$1.40 – Lakers / $3.00 – Timberwolves
The Nuggets and Clippers series is starting to heat up. LAC tied the series after Kawhi dropped 39 points in the Game 2 in front of a disappointed Denver crowd. Definitely one to watch.
Other series in the West to keep an eye on include the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies.
OKC had the largest Game 1 VICTORY MARGIN EVER after trouncing the Grizz 131-80.
Incredibly, the Thunder’s best player and MVP front-runner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander only scored 15 points – his first game since October 2024 scoring under 20 points. Expect a high scoring performance from him in Game 2.
After the game, Memphis star Ja Morant told the media, “We’ll never play that bad again.”
It’s hard to see the Grizzlies getting past the Thunder, especially after Game 1, but they might get away with a win or two in the series.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Boston are the out and out favorites to take out the East, as they have been most of the NBA season. The Celtics towelled up the Magic in Game 1, despite a 36-point haul from Paolo Banchero.
Jaylen Brown shaded Orlando to one his mic’ed up teammates just before tip-off.
“They the Magic but they know who really got the Magic over here, no Harry Potter.”
Expect Orlando to put up a fight, but Boston will be too strong.
The Cavaliers made light work of the Heat in Game 1, and we also like their chances to progress. Their offense is proving hard to contain an the eighth-seeded Miami, who are missing another All-Star to pair with Tyler Herro since the departure of Jimmy Butler.
READ MORE: Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra & Tyler Herro React to Game 1 Loss
