After an 0-4 start by NBA underdogs on Saturday, the Philadelphia 76ers found their footing on Sunday, improving their record to 3-1. As the series against the New York Knicks shifts to Game 2, the 76ers seek to make adjustments and regain their advantage.
Home teams have dominated the first two days of the NBA Playoffs, going 13-1 straight up and 11-3 against the spread. Will that trend continue into Game 2 action on Monday? Let’s take a look at three matchups and make a best bet for each.
In the opening weekend of the NBA Playoffs, eight first-round series kicked off. Each game revealed key takeaways that could shape the series. Some teams face challenges they must overcome, while others have shown promising signs. This analysis highlights the biggest takeaways from each Game 1, identifying the factors that could determine the outcome of the upcoming contests.
Since joining the Knicks, Isaiah Hartenstein has proven to be a valuable asset, alongside Mitchell Robinson, forming a formidable center duo. Hartenstein’s impressive performance has earned him a significant raise, while Robinson’s contributions as a shot-blocking and rebounding specialist have been crucial to the team’s success.
James Harden and Ivica Zubac led the Los Angeles Clippers to a dominant 28-point victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of their playoff series. Harden scored 28 points while Zubac notched a playoff career-high 20 points and 15 rebounds.
The Cleveland Cavaliers kicked off their playoff journey with a comfortable win over the Orlando Magic in Game 1. The Magic struggled offensively, shooting a dismal 32.6% from the field. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 30 points, while Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner had lackluster performances for the Magic. The Cavaliers will look to take control of the series in Game 2 on Monday night.
With the 2024 NBA Playoffs underway, attention turns to the Finals MVP futures market. The Celtics and Nuggets are the early favorites, but with a wide-open playoff bracket, there are plenty of other contenders to consider.
The Los Angeles Clippers secured a convincing victory over the Dallas Mavericks in their first-round playoff matchup. Despite the absence of Kawhi Leonard, James Harden led the charge with 28 points, 8 assists, and a strong overall performance. Ivica Zubac also contributed significantly with 20 points and 17 rebounds. The Clippers’ impressive display showcased their ability to overcome adversity and sets the tone for the rest of the series.
The Philadelphia 76ers face an uphill battle as they head to Madison Square Garden for Game 2 of their NBA Playoffs series against the New York Knicks. Down 0-1 after a disappointing Game 1 loss, the 76ers need a strong performance to avoid falling into a 2-0 hole. The Knicks, who are 5.5-point favorites, will look to maintain their momentum and take a commanding lead in the series.
The Orlando Magic look to even the series against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round matchup on Monday, April 22nd at 7 PM ET. Sling TV and FuboTV offer live streaming options for the game, with Sling offering a $25 discount for first-time subscribers and FuboTV providing a seven-day free trial.
