{"id":13262,"date":"2026-04-18T09:37:29","date_gmt":"2026-04-18T08:37:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/duelbits.io/blog\/?p=13262"},"modified":"2026-04-18T09:37:48","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T08:37:48","slug":"nba-playoffs-2026-first-round-preview-best-bets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/duelbits.io/blog\/sportsbook\/nba-playoffs-2026-first-round-preview-best-bets\/","title":{"rendered":"NBA Playoffs 2026: First Round Preview, Predictions &amp; Best Bets"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"HowTo\",\n  \"name\": \"How to Bet on the NBA Playoffs 2026 on Duelbits\",\n  \"description\": \"Step-by-step guide to placing NBA Playoffs 2026 bets on Duelbits Sportsbook.\",\n  \"step\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"HowToStep\",\n      \"name\": \"Log in to Duelbits\",\n      \"text\": \"Head to Duelbits.com and log in to your account. Registration takes under a minute if you're new.\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"HowToStep\",\n      \"name\": \"Go to the Sportsbook and select Basketball\",\n      \"text\": \"Navigate to the Sportsbook and choose Basketball, then select NBA under the USA section. Playoff series and individual games are listed under upcoming events.\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"HowToStep\",\n      \"name\": \"Browse series markets and outrights\",\n      \"text\": \"For each series, markets include series winner (moneyline), series handicap (series spread), game-by-game moneyline, point spread, and total points. For championship futures, select Outrights from the NBA menu and find NBA - Winner to bet on any team to win the title.\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"HowToStep\",\n      \"name\": \"Choose your selection and add to bet slip\",\n      \"text\": \"Click the odds for your chosen market to add it to the bet slip. You can combine multiple selections from different series into a parlay for enhanced returns.\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"HowToStep\",\n      \"name\": \"Enter your stake and confirm\",\n      \"text\": \"Type your stake in the bet slip. Potential returns are shown automatically in decimal odds. Review your selection and confirm your bet.\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"HowToStep\",\n      \"name\": \"Track your bets through the playoffs\",\n      \"text\": \"The first round runs from April 18 through early May. Follow all games and track your open bets from your Duelbits account dashboard.\"\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"When do the 2026 NBA Playoffs start?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"The 2026 NBA Playoffs first round begins Saturday 18 April 2026, with four Game 1s on Saturday and the remaining series openers on Sunday 19 April. The playoffs run through to the NBA Finals, which tip off on June 3, 2026 on ABC.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What are the 2026 NBA Playoffs first-round matchups?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Eastern Conference: (1) Detroit Pistons vs (8) Orlando Magic; (2) Boston Celtics vs (7) Philadelphia 76ers; (3) New York Knicks vs (6) Atlanta Hawks; (4) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (5) Toronto Raptors. Western Conference: (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (8) Phoenix Suns; (2) San Antonio Spurs vs (7) Portland Trail Blazers; (3) Denver Nuggets vs (6) Minnesota Timberwolves; (4) Houston Rockets vs (5) Los Angeles Lakers.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Who are the favourites to win the 2026 NBA Championship?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"On Duelbits, the Oklahoma City Thunder are the clear favourites at 1.79, followed by the San Antonio Spurs at 4.55 and the Boston Celtics at 4.95. The defending champions Thunder are looking to repeat, while Wembanyama's Spurs represent the most exciting challenge to OKC's crown.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Who won the NBA Championship last year?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"The Oklahoma City Thunder won the 2024-25 NBA Championship. They enter the 2026 playoffs as the defending champions and the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference for the second consecutive season.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How does the NBA Playoffs format work?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"The NBA Playoffs are a best-of-seven series format. The higher seed hosts Games 1, 2, 5 (if needed) and 7 (if needed), with the lower seed hosting Games 3, 4 and 6 (if needed). This 2-2-1-1-1 format continues across four rounds \u2014 First Round, Conference Semifinals, Conference Finals, and the NBA Finals \u2014 until one team wins four games in the championship series.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is the series handicap bet in NBA Playoffs?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"A series handicap (or series spread) applies a virtual advantage to one team for the entire series. For example, Houston Rockets -2.5 means the Rockets must win the series by 3 or more games (e.g., 4-1 or 4-0) for the bet to win. Los Angeles Lakers +2.5 means the Lakers can lose the series by up to 2 games (e.g., lose 4-2 or 4-1) and the bet still wins.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Where can I bet on the 2026 NBA Playoffs?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"You can bet on all 2026 NBA Playoffs games and series on Duelbits Sportsbook. Markets include series winner, series handicap, individual game moneyline and spread, total points, player props, and NBA Championship futures (outrights). Navigate to Basketball > NBA in the Sportsbook.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The questions are as refreshing as they are intriguing: Will the Oklahoma City Thunder repeat? Can Jayson Tatum pull off an all-time comeback? Are the Denver Nuggets or San Antonio Spurs lurking in plain sight? Is the East as wide-open as we thought? Can LeBron James and Kevin Durant turn back the clock? Everything here for the best <a href=\"https:\/\/duelbits.com\/en\/sportsbook\/home\/sports\/basketball\">crypto basketball betting<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 2026 NBA Playoffs tip off <strong>Saturday 18 April<\/strong> and the bracket is genuinely wide open. Eight first-round series, two conferences, sixteen teams, one will be standing when the Finals begin on June 3 at the Pusk\u00e1s Ar\u00e9na in Budapest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here's everything you need to know, full matchup previews, series odds, championship futures, and best bets from <a href=\"https:\/\/duelbits.com\/en\/sportsbook\">Duelbits Sportsbook<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Odds correct at time of writing and subject to change.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-nba-championship-futures-duelbits-outright-odds\">NBA Championship Futures - Duelbits Outright Odds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Team<\/th><th>Outright Odds<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Oklahoma City Thunder<\/td><td><strong>1.79<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>San Antonio Spurs<\/td><td><strong>4.55<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Boston Celtics<\/td><td><strong>4.95<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cleveland Cavaliers<\/td><td><strong>9.55<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Denver Nuggets<\/td><td><strong>10.30<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Detroit Pistons<\/td><td><strong>11.70<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>New York Knicks<\/td><td><strong>16.70<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Houston Rockets<\/td><td><strong>51.00<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Minnesota Timberwolves<\/td><td><strong>72.00<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Atlanta Hawks<\/td><td><strong>90.00<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers<\/td><td><strong>110.00<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Philadelphia 76ers<\/td><td><strong>160.00<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Toronto Raptors<\/td><td><strong>220.00<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Phoenix Suns<\/td><td><strong>350.00<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Orlando Magic<\/td><td><strong>425.00<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Portland Trail Blazers<\/td><td><strong>525.00<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">OKC is the clear title favourite, but the Thunder were pushed to seven games in multiple series last season. The respective No. 2 seeds, the Celtics and Spurs, are next in line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-eastern-conference-first-round\">Eastern Conference First Round<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-detroit-pistons-vs-8-orlando-magic\">(1) Detroit Pistons vs (8) Orlando Magic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Pistons earned the No. 1 seed in the East in one of the most surprising storylines of the 2025-26 season. The Detroit Pistons closed with the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. They now await an Orlando Magic side that scraped through the Play-In, winning the final elimination game to claim the East No. 8 seed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Detroit are heavy favourites and rightfully so, a No. 1 seed hosting a Play-In qualifier is the most favourable first-round bracket position available. The Magic's defence-first identity makes them scrappy, but their lack of offensive firepower against a more rounded Pistons team is their undoing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pick:<\/strong> Pistons in 5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-boston-celtics-vs-7-philadelphia-76ers\">(2) Boston Celtics vs (7) Philadelphia 76ers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Boston Celtics<\/th><th>Philadelphia 76ers<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Favourites<\/td><td>Underdogs<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Celtics enter as the betting second favourites to win the championship at <strong>4.95<\/strong> on Duelbits. The Boston Celtics had an impressive regular season, most of which was played without Jayson Tatum as he recovered from an Achilles injury, and finished with the second seed in the East.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tatum's return is the single biggest story in the Eastern bracket. It feels like Steph Curry in 2015 when we weren't fully aware of just how much he warped the geometry of the court, the same could be true of Tatum if he's anywhere close to his pre-injury level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 76ers are a dangerous opponent. Philadelphia, when healthy, carry the talent to be competitive against anyone. But the Celtics' depth, home-court advantage, and playoff experience make them heavy favourites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Expert consensus: Celtics in 5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pick:<\/strong> Celtics in 5. Back Boston's title odds at <strong>4.95<\/strong> as one of the best value outright plays in the East.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-new-york-knicks-vs-6-atlanta-hawks\">(3) New York Knicks vs (6) Atlanta Hawks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">New York Knicks<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Atlanta Hawks<\/th><th>Series Handicap<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>1.37<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>3.25<\/strong><\/td><td>Knicks -1.5 (<strong>1.87<\/strong>) \/ Hawks +1.5 (<strong>1.98<\/strong>)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the most compelling upset alert in the East bracket. New York is the favourite in this series, but the Hawks have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA since the All-Star break. Over that period, only the Spurs, Thunder and Celtics have more wins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Hawks caught fire over the second half of the season, vaulting from a Play-In contender all the way into the sixth seed. They are a long team that can give Jalen Brunson trouble, especially with Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker leading their defence at guard. However, they don't have the superstar scorer to turn to late in a close playoff game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Knicks have a tough first-round matchup against the scorching Atlanta Hawks, but zoom out and this year actually presents a real opportunity. Jalen Brunson's legacy in New York is tied to playoff results, a flame-out here reshapes the entire franchise direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The series handicap at near-evens (+1.5 Hawks at <strong>1.98<\/strong>) is the most interesting bet on the board in the East bracket given Atlanta's recent form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pick:<\/strong> Knicks in 6 - but the Hawks +1.5 at 1.98 is excellent value given the series could easily go seven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-cleveland-cavaliers-vs-5-toronto-raptors\">(4) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (5) Toronto Raptors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Cleveland Cavaliers<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Toronto Raptors<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>1.17<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>5.35<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Raptors secured the No. 5 seed and the final guaranteed playoff spot with a win over the Nets on the final day of the regular season. Cleveland are heavy favourites and the market reflects that at 1.17.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Cavaliers finished 4th in the East, have the roster depth to manage a seven-game series, and hold home-court advantage. Toronto represent a respectable upset threat, they're athletic, long, and can defend, but the talent gap is significant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Expert consensus: Cavaliers in 6-7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pick:<\/strong> Cavaliers in 6.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-western-conference-first-round\">Western Conference First Round<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-oklahoma-city-thunder-vs-8-phoenix-suns\">(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (8) Phoenix Suns<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The defending champions are the outright title favourites at <strong>1.79<\/strong> on Duelbits and face the lowest-quality opponent of any top seed. The Suns host the Trail Blazers in the 7-8 game, and after losing that match, Phoenix is eliminated to the play-in loser pool before earning the West No. 8 seed through the Warriors game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">OKC had the best record in the West and enter as heavy favourites against a Phoenix side that had to survive two Play-In games just to get here. Can Wembanyama pull off an all-time performance? That question will come later, for OKC, this first-round matchup is the clearest path imaginable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pick:<\/strong> Thunder in 4 or 5. Their championship odds at <strong>1.79<\/strong> reflect the most likely outcome in the entire tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-san-antonio-spurs-vs-7-portland-trail-blazers\">(2) San Antonio Spurs vs (7) Portland Trail Blazers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Spurs at <strong>4.55<\/strong> represent the single most compelling value play in the entire championship market. Victor Wembanyama has ascended in warp speed. He picks things up on the fly, to the point that he's looked like a superhero exploring the full extent of his powers over his first three seasons. Down the stretch, Wembanyama hit yet another level, learning how to make his presence felt on literally every possession on both ends of the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Portland are a young, exciting team who earned their Play-In victory over the Suns in impressive fashion, Deni Avdija's 41-point performance showed they have genuine talent. But facing Wembanyama and the No. 2 seed Spurs in their first playoff run is a brutal ask.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One writer believes it has already happened, that Wembanyama is ready to win a title years ahead of schedule, and beat the Nuggets, Thunder and Celtics in the process. Even if you don't go that far, the Spurs advancing past Portland is close to a certainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pick:<\/strong> Spurs in 5. Their championship odds at <strong>4.55<\/strong> are the best value futures bet on the board if you believe in Wembanyama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-denver-nuggets-vs-6-minnesota-timberwolves\">(3) Denver Nuggets vs (6) Minnesota Timberwolves<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Denver Nuggets<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Minnesota Timberwolves<\/th><th>Series Handicap<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>1.29<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>3.75<\/strong><\/td><td>Nuggets -1.5 (<strong>1.76<\/strong>) \/ Timberwolves +1.5 (<strong>2.10<\/strong>)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the most dangerous first-round matchup for a higher seed in the entire bracket. There might be a surprise here \u2014 Minnesota matches up extremely well against Denver, and we've seen them get past the Nuggets in the postseason before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Denver's championship odds of <strong>10.30<\/strong> feel modest given their experience, Joki\u0107, Murray, and Gordon remain one of the most cohesive playoff cores in the league. But the Timberwolves' defensive intensity and ability to neutralise Joki\u0107 in specific matchups makes this the series with the most genuine upset potential in the West.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The big question looming is a potential second-round showdown between the Nuggets and another West power \u2014 but first they must get past Minnesota, which is far from guaranteed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pick:<\/strong> Nuggets in 6 - but the Timberwolves +1.5 series handicap at <strong>2.10<\/strong> is the best value bet in the West first round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-houston-rockets-vs-5-los-angeles-lakers\">(4) Houston Rockets vs (5) Los Angeles Lakers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Houston Rockets<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Los Angeles Lakers<\/th><th>Series Handicap<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>1.18<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>5.20<\/strong><\/td><td>Rockets -2.5 (<strong>1.92<\/strong>) \/ Lakers +2.5 (<strong>1.92<\/strong>)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Rockets are heavy series favourites and the market is clear. Houston finished 5th in the West with a young, athletic roster built around Alperen \u015eeng\u00fcn, Jalen Green, and one of the league's better defences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Lakers bring LeBron James and Kevin Durant, two of the greatest players in NBA history, but enter at <strong>110.00<\/strong> on the Duelbits championship outright, a reflection of just how much the market discounts their title chances despite the star power. Can LeBron James and Kevin Durant turn back the clock? In a seven-game series, their experience is genuinely valuable. But Houston's youth, athleticism, and depth are significant advantages across a full series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The series handicap at <strong>1.92<\/strong> each way (Rockets -2.5 \/ Lakers +2.5) reflects a market that sees this as a competitive series the Rockets ultimately control. The near-evens price on Lakers +2.5 is worth considering if you believe LeBron and KD's playoff pedigree keeps it within 3 games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pick:<\/strong> Houston Rockets in 6. Their title odds at <strong>51.00<\/strong> are a distant longshot, but the series win at <strong>1.18<\/strong> is among the surest bets on the first-round board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-best-bets-summary\">Best Bets Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Bet<\/th><th>Market<\/th><th>Odds<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Boston Celtics to win NBA title<\/td><td>Outright<\/td><td><strong>4.95<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>San Antonio Spurs to win NBA title<\/td><td>Outright<\/td><td><strong>4.55<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Minnesota Timberwolves +1.5 series<\/td><td>Series Handicap<\/td><td><strong>2.10<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Atlanta Hawks +1.5 series<\/td><td>Series Handicap<\/td><td><strong>1.98<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Oklahoma City Thunder to win series<\/td><td>Series Winner<\/td><td>Short favourite<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-full-first-round-series-odds-duelbits\">Full First Round Series Odds - Duelbits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Series<\/th><th>Favourite<\/th><th>Underdog<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Cavaliers vs Raptors<\/td><td>Cavaliers <strong>1.17<\/strong><\/td><td>Raptors <strong>5.35<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rockets vs Lakers<\/td><td>Rockets <strong>1.18<\/strong><\/td><td>Lakers <strong>5.20<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nuggets vs Timberwolves<\/td><td>Nuggets <strong>1.29<\/strong><\/td><td>Timberwolves <strong>3.75<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Knicks vs Hawks<\/td><td>Knicks <strong>1.37<\/strong><\/td><td>Hawks <strong>3.25<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>All other series odds available on Duelbits Sportsbook under NBA Playoffs 2025\/26.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>When do the 2026 NBA Playoffs start?<\/strong> The first round begins Saturday 18 April 2026. Four Game 1s tip off Saturday, with the remaining series openers on Sunday 19 April. The NBA Finals start June 3 on ABC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What are the 2026 NBA Playoffs first-round matchups?<\/strong> East: (1) Pistons vs (8) Magic; (2) Celtics vs (7) 76ers; (3) Knicks vs (6) Hawks; (4) Cavaliers vs (5) Raptors. West: (1) Thunder vs (8) Suns; (2) Spurs vs (7) Trail Blazers; (3) Nuggets vs (6) Timberwolves; (4) Rockets vs (5) Lakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Who are the favourites to win the 2026 NBA Championship?<\/strong> Oklahoma City Thunder are the outright title favourites at <strong>1.79<\/strong>, followed by the San Antonio Spurs (<strong>4.55<\/strong>) and Boston Celtics (<strong>4.95<\/strong>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Who won the NBA Championship last year?<\/strong> The Oklahoma City Thunder won the 2024-25 NBA Championship and enter 2026 as defending champions and West No. 1 seeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How does the NBA Playoffs format work?<\/strong> Best-of-seven series across four rounds. Higher seed hosts Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 (2-2-1-1-1 format). The team that wins four games advances. Continues through Conference Semifinals, Conference Finals, and the NBA Finals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What is the series handicap bet?<\/strong> A series handicap applies a virtual head start to one team across the whole series. Rockets -2.5 means Houston must win by 3+ games (4-1, 4-0). Lakers +2.5 means LA can lose by up to 2 games (4-2, 4-1) and the bet still wins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where can I bet on the 2026 NBA Playoffs?<\/strong> Bet on all 2026 NBA Playoffs games on Duelbits Sportsbook. Navigate to Basketball &gt; NBA. Markets include series winner, series handicap, individual game odds, total points, player props, and championship futures (Outrights).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The 2026 NBA Playoffs tip off Saturday 18 April with eight first-round series across both conferences.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":217840023,"featured_media":13263,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"{title}\n\n{excerpt}\n\n{url}","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[688637382],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13262","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sportsbook"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.7 (Yoast SEO v27.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>NBA Playoffs 2026: First Round Preview, Predictions &amp; Best Bets<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"NBA Playoffs 2026 first round preview, all matchups, series odds, picks and bets. 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