Basketball Betting - Monday NBA Playoff Picks

Part of what makes playoff basketball betting so grueling is that it never rests—round one ended Sunday and round two rages on with no break in the action. Let's review tonight's NBA lines.

Magic vs Celtics odds: Tonight at 8:00 p.m. ET
NBA odds: Celtics -2.5

Some NBA betting fans may think the 2.5-point margin is small for Game 1 of the Magic vs Celtics odds, but it's understandable given what the Celtics have just been through. The Bulls pushed them to the brink in a seven-game war that many people betting online called the greatest first-round series of all time. With four games in that series reaching overtime, the Celtics essentially played roughly nine games. For that reason, they'll be hard-pressed to win the Magic vs Celtics series line overall, especially with no Kevin Garnett to defend against Dwight Howard. However, the Celts should be riding high after their Game-7 triumph and should have their legs in Game 1. Expect Rajon Rondo, who has elevated his game to a new level during this postseason, to go off against the Magic tonight.

Betting online pick: Celtics -2.5

Rockets vs Lakers odds - Tonight at 10:30 p.m. ET
NBA odds: Lakers -8.5

Here's a basketball betting matchup that could be closer than many people predict. Kobe Bryant and the Lakers are heavy favorites to win this series and eventually reach the NBA Finals for their inevitable clash against the Cavaliers, but Kobe will be in tough against Ron Artest and Shane Battier. They'll battle him hard and Yao Ming probably doesn't have a match in this series unless Andrew Bynum really steps up his play. The Rockets' defensive hustle and depth will make things interesting in this series but Game 1 will belong to the Lakers. They're extremely tough to beat at Staples Center and Kobe will want to send a message to Artest. Bet on the Lakers to post a big number on the scoreboard in NBA betting tonight.

Betting online pick: Lakers -8.5