Last Updated on April 19, 2024 12:36 pm by Erwin Noguera

The 2024 NBA Playoffs are just around the corner, and fans of the best basketball in the world are anxious to see which teams will emerge victorious. This playoff preview comes before the final two games of the Play-In phase are completed so keep an eye on what happens in the coming days.

The regular season has concluded, and the playoff seedings have been established. As always, favorites are heading into the postseason, but anything can happen once the intense playoff atmosphere begins. Teams are fighting harder than ever for the chance to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy as NBA Champions.

In this playoff preview, we will highlight the top contenders in both conferences and make some predictions for the early first-round matchups. While the winner of the Finals is far from certain, the playoffs always provide unforgettable moments and non-stop excitement. It’s the most wonderful time of the year for basketball fans, and the 2024 NBA Playoffs will be no exception.

2024 NBA Playoffs: Cavaliers vs. Magic

When and Where?

Saturday, April 20, 1:00 pm ET at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (First Games)

Moneyline odds: 

Cavaliers 1.49 

Suns 2.57

Where can I watch it?

NBA League Pass

For the Cavaliers, star point guard Darius Garland leads the way. Garland averaged 18.0 points and 6.5 assists per game during the regular season while establishing himself as one of the NBA’s elite generals. The Cavaliers will need Garland at his best to orchestrate their offense against Orlando’s stingy defense.

Joining Garland is Donovan Mitchell, whom the Cavs acquired in a blockbuster trade a few seasons ago. Mitchell leads Cleveland’s offense, averaging 26.6 points per game, with a very high field goal percentage (46.2%) and free throw percentage (86.5%). His ability to create his shot and score under pressure will be critical in crunch time.

For the Magic, guard Paolo Banchero leads a young core ready to make noise. Banchero increased his scoring average to 22.6 points per game this season while establishing himself as an offensive threat. His matchup against Garland will go a long way in determining this series.

Orlando also has Carter Jr. The versatile center averaged 11.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game this season, proving he is ready to contribute at all times for his team. Carter Jr.’s size and skill set make him a tough cover.

For this first game of the series, our prediction is a win for the Cavaliers.

Cavaliers vs. Magic Betting Pick: Cavaliers

2024 NBA Playoffs: Timberwolves vs. Suns

When and Where?

Saturday, April 20, 3:30 pm ET at the Target Center (First Games)

Moneyline odds: 

Timberwolves 1.89 

Suns 1.89

Where can I watch it?

NBA League Pass

The Timberwolves have been led this season by Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert. Edwards has averaged 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, putting together another All-Star campaign. Gobert, meanwhile, has leaped this season as a veteran, averaging 14.0 points and 12.0 rebounds per game and establishing himself as a dynamic scorer. 

For the Suns, the core trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Jusuf Nurkic will look to make another deep run in the playoffs. Booker is having an outstanding season, averaging 27.1 points and 6.9 assists per game. Durant continues to showcase his great quality, running the Suns offense masterfully and averaging 27.1 points per game. Nurkic has been a force inside, adding 10.9 points and 11.0 rebounds per game.

This series will likely come down to which team can dictate the pace and style of play. The Timberwolves like to push the pace and use their athleticism in transition. Meanwhile, the Suns prefer a slower, more methodical offensive approach. The Suns’ perimeter defense will be tested by Minnesota scorers like Edwards.

For this matchup, our winner’s chip is on the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Timberwolves vs. Suns Betting Pick: Timberwolves

2024 NBA Playoffs: Knicks vs. 76ers

When and Where?

Saturday, April 20, 6:00 pm ET at the Madison Square Garden (First Games)

Moneyline odds: 

Knicks 1.86 

76ers 1.92

Where can I watch it?

NBA League Pass

This Eastern Conference showdown features two really good teams: the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers. While neither team is considered a championship contender yet, both have talented squads that could make some noise in the playoffs.

The Knicks are led by Jalen Brunson and Isaiah Hartenstein, who each averaged over 20 points per game this season. Brunson took a big leap this season, establishing himself as a future star. Hartenstein has become a key piece for the Knicks this season, to finish second in the Eastern Conference in the regular season.

For the 76ers, the core of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey will be a tough matchup. Embiid is in contention for MVP again this year, dominating the paint on both ends. On the other hand, Maxey made huge strides this season with 25.9 points and 6.2 assists per game, giving the 76ers a dangerous second scorer.

The Knicks have defended well this season, ranking in the top ten in defensive rating. That will be critical against the Sixers’ potent offense. For New York, it will come down to scoring enough points themselves to keep up. 

This series should be competitive and close. The 76ers have more front-line talent, while the Knicks play well as a team. Ultimately, the 76ers’ firepower may be too much for New York to overcome. 

For this first Game 1 of the series, our prediction is a Knicks win.

Knicks vs. 76ers Betting Pick: Knicks

2024 NBA Playoffs: Nuggets vs. Lakers

When and Where?

Saturday, April 20, 8:30 pm ET at the Ball Arena (First Games)

Moneyline odds: 

Nuggets 1.31 

Lakers 3.38

Where can I watch it?

NBA League Pass

For the Nuggets, Nikola Jokic is the superstar center that makes this team tick. Jokic averaged a triple-double last season and is one of the favorites for MVP. Jamal Murray gives Denver another elite scoring threat when healthy. Other key contributors include Aaron Gordon, DeAndre Jordan, and Michael Porter Jr.

The Lakers have perhaps the best duo in NBA history with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Even in their late 30s and prone to injury, James and Davis have the talent to take over games. 

The Nuggets finished the regular season on top of the Western Conference, so, they have a lot of confidence heading into this series against the Lakers. Jokic is a matchup nightmare who can exploit traditional big and small ball lineups.

Meanwhile, the Lakers barely made the playoffs after one Play-In win. Their success depends on the health and productivity of James and Davis. Both are still among the NBA’s elite, but they can no longer carry mediocre 82+ game rosters.

This series will likely come down to Jokic vs. Davis / James. If Davis and James play at their best, the Lakers have a chance. But during the series, expect the deeper, more cohesive Nuggets to prevail. Denver’s balance and shooting give them an edge.

For this game, our prediction is a win for the Denver Nuggets.

Nuggets vs. Lakers Betting Pick: Nuggets

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