NBA Playoffs future odds, analysis: Where can you find the first-round value plays?

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So although we will likely see a first-round upset or two, some greater value in the NBA postseason odds can be found using the series spreads. They are similar to a game point spread, where oddsmakers offer a series outcome where the margin of victory in the series serves as a handicap and bettors can back one side to maximize value. For instance, we believe the Los Angeles Lakers will be competitive with the Houston Rockets and might take a shot on the series price at +425, but the bet on them to at least go down fighting provides a lucrative proposition, and this is among our first-round series value plays below.

Lakers +2.5 games, -105

Despite being without the services of injured star Luka Doncic and key contributor Austin Reaves, the Lakers have proved they are still dangerous even if they are forced to be carried by 41-year-old LeBron James. When he gets ample help from veterans such as Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura, this is still a viable club and one that we expect will give the heavily favored Rockets a bit of a headache. The Rockets have had a habit of losing large leads and being a bit wobbly in close games. Although we expect Houston to likely cross the finish line with the series victory, it's far from a stretch to see Los Angeles banking two games, which would cash this wager.

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Trail Blazers +2.5 games, +160

Fifth-year pro Deni Advija appears to be a late-blooming star, and solid veterans such as Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday, who was instrumental for both the Bucks and Celtics in their championship-winning seasons, provide Portland with enough of an arsenal to be a dangerous first-round opponent. The 62-win Spurs might be the most viable candidate to unseat the Thunder in the Western Conference but its core of star players, led by 22-year-old Victor Wembanyama, is untested on the big stage. With lower expectations and nothing to lose, Portland's mix of talent, along with a focused but relaxed mentality, should give the Blazers a chance to cover this series spread.