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The 2021 NBA regular season is over, and while we do not yet know all the opening round matchups, we are one step closer to figuring it all out. We will get there once we see the results of the play-in tournament, which is set to begin on Tuesday night. For now, let’s take a look at the matchups we do know to see if we can come up with some predictions so you can get ready to place your bets against their NBA Playoffs odds.

Betting Predictions for the Play-In Tournament Matches | 2021 NBA Playoffs

Eastern Conference

We need to start by looking at the play-in games here, which will have the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards in the 7/8 game. The winner of that one gets the #7 seed, while the loser faces the winner of the 9/10 game between the Indiana Pacers and Charlotte Hornets. I like the Wizards to beat the Celtics and the Pacers to beat the Hornets. I also like the Celtics to win and move into the #8 seed.

The 76ers and Nets are in as the #1 and #2 seeds, so they are waiting for the outcome of the play-in tournament. No matter how that all plays out, you would like those two teams to move on and get into the second round. That leaves us with the remaining couple of opening round matchups, which we already know.

The Milwaukee Bucks will have a tricky opening round series against a Miami Heat team that finished the regular season in a very good run of form. The Bucks have not had a lot of success in the postseason over the last couple of years, but I still like them to move on. The 4/5 matchup sees the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks square off. Both of these teams have been very good in the second half of the season, but I think it might be the Hawks who move on.

Western Conference

We have an amazing matchup in the 7/8 game, with the LA Lakers and Golden State Warriors set to square off, with the winner nabbing the #7 seed. The Grizzlies and the Spurs will meet in the 9/10 game, but regardless of how that turns out, you would still like both the Lakers and the Warriors to move on.

This is one situation where the 1 versus 8 and 2 versus 7 matchups are not as clear as you would usually expect. We might see the Jazz have to open up against the Warriors and the Suns go against the Lakers, both of which would be exceptional first round series. The Lakers have a tough road to go to get back to the Finals, but you certainly cannot count them out.

The Denver Nuggets will face the Portland Trail Blazers in the 3/6 game, which should be a fantastic series. The Trail Blazers are healthy and on a roll, so I would not be surprised to see them spring the slight upset in this one. The 4/5 game sees the Clippers and Mavericks go head-to-head in what should be a close series. Both teams have been under the radar this year, but I like the Clippers to come out of this one.

I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?