NBA Picks and Predictions

NBA playoff betting is here! Time to make some picks for Saturday's games. It's safe to say we know what will happen in the Cavaliers vs Pistons odds and the Celtics vs Bulls odds (to a lesser extent), so let's focus on the tougher-to-predict basketball betting matchups.

Spurs vs Mavericks odds - Saturday, April 18 at 8:00 p.m. ET

After these two teams split the season series, basketball betting players can't assume the Spurs odds are a sure thing in Game 1. That said, the Spurs are still the better sportsbook pick in this matchup. While wear and tear on Tim Duncan and an aging lineup missing Manu Ginobili are a concern, the Spurs should still be fresh enough in Game 1 and have momentum after closing out the NBA betting regular season with a four-game winning streak. Look for the Spurs to start fast and lay a Game 1beatdown on the Mavs, maybe by a double-digit margin. Tony Parker will run wild. Go with the Spurs odds here.

Rockets vs Trail Blazers odds - Saturday, April 18 at 10:30 p.m. ET

The Rose Garden will rock Saturday night as many young Blazers play their first career playoff game. That, however, could be problematic in game 1. While the Blazers odds still look good for the entire series, the young guns could be nervous in Game 1 and may force some bad shots or turn over the ball more than normal. The more experienced Rockets, led by Yao Ming and Shane Battier, should use their savvy to quiet the crowd, just for one game. On paper, picking the Rockets odds is a risky proposition given that the Rockets were just 20-21 in the road this season while Portland went 34-7 at home. But the playoffs are a new experience and the Blazers may need a game to adjust. Pick Houston to pull off the offshore sportsbook upset in Game 1.