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- Your NBA MVP returns TONIGHT 🍿
Your NBA MVP returns TONIGHT 🍿
Watch as he got the news (and don't forget to dry your eyes after)...
Kate Magdziuk
May 03, 2023
Hello good friend! We have some sports-ing to do.
Let’s dig in.
Catching up on the drama of NBA Playoffs 🏀
There has been a LOT happening in the conference semifinals. Here’s what you need to know. As a reminder, each series is best out of seven.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics
What you missed: The Sixers lead the series 1-0 over the Celtics! Newly crowned NBA MVP Joel Embiid is dealing with a knee sprain and missed Game 1 of the series. He’s active for Game 2 barring any setbacks, according to NBA insider Shams Charania, but undoubtedly given the timing, he’ll be less than 100%.
Regardless of whether Embiid is on a minute restriction, James Harden has already proven his ability to come up clutch with a 45-point outing in Game 1. (I think he channeled special powers from his pre-game fit, but that’s just me…)
When’s the next game: Tonight! Wednesday, 8 p.m. ET on TNT
Who’s favored to win the series? The Celtics are favored to win this series at -142, meaning it’d take a $14.20 wager to win $10 back in profit! You might have expected them to be heavier favorites… but to be honest, they’ve been kind of… underwhelming. If Embiid can make it back on the court, there could be some real value in the Sixers at +118!
Incidentally, the footage of the moment Joel Embiid was announced as MVP is gold. True must-watch, make your heart melt material. 🥹
The moment Joel Embiid became MVP 🔥
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral)
11:17 PM • May 2, 2023
Lesson of the Day 🎓️ Reading odds can be overwhelming, but always remember — when you see those + and - signs followed by a three (or more!) digit number, it’s just the sportsbooks’ way of telling you how much profit you’ll make if your bet wins.
Minus odds (with a -, duh!) tell you how much money you need to wager on your bet in order to win $100 profit. These outcomes are considered more likely (aka, less risky).
Plus odds (with a +, of course!) tell you how much profit you win in order if you wager $100. These outcomes are considered less likely (aka, more risky!).
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors
What you missed: LeBron James vs. Steph Curry facing off once again — that’s what! Is this currently the best rivalry in sports? Regardless, this series has a lot of talent to showcase on both teams to make for an entertaining series in the Western Conference Semifinals.
When’s the next game: Thursday (@GSW) — 9 p.m. ET on ESPN
Who’s favored to win the series? A convincing Game 1 victory now has the Lakers as favorites to win the series at -162 — meaning it would take a whopping $162 bet to make you a $100 profit! Prior to Game 1, the Warriors were favored to win the series… 👀
Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns
What you missed: The Nuggets lead this series 2-0 over the Suns, and now, Chris Paul is managing a groin injury that could keep him out the next two games. It’s a tough blow for a team that just went all-in on KD in pursuit of a ring, but Phoenix is losing steam after losing each of their first games by 10+ points. Yeeeeesh.
When’s the next game: Friday (@PHX) — 10 p.m. ET on ESPN
Who’s favored to win the series? The Nuggets are big-time favorites to win the series & advance to the Eastern Conference Finals at -490 — meaning very few profits to be made betting on them to win at this point. These are the most lopsided odds across any series in the conference semifinals, for the reasons listed above. Conversely, if you’re a believer that the Suns are primed for a comeback, now’s the time with odds to win the series at +380! 👀
New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat
What you missed: The Heat and Knicks have split the series so far, winning one game each! Unfortunately for Miami though, Jimmy Butler — who’s played out of his mind this postseason — has an ankle injury. It kept him out of Game 2, but there was some speculation he’d will his way into the active lineup. If/when Jimmy B returns? Watch out, NY.
When’s the next game: Saturday (@MIA) — 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC
Who’s favored to win the series? Odds are pretty even for which team will win this series — Miami at -116 and Knicks at -102. In “bet speak”, the odds indicate this going to be a clooooose one.
🏆️ 2023 NBA Finals odds 🏆️
Following the start of Round 2, the Celtics are current favorites to win the 2023 NBA Finals at +220. Here’s a look at the rest of the odds. ⬇️
Nuggets: +380
76ers: +470
Lakers: +600
Warriors: +650
Suns: +1300
Knicks: +1800
Heat: +2400
You can sign up to place your first bet with FanDuel here.
NBA Playoffs: Round 2 Power Rankings 😤
Not sure where to start with your bets? Gaming Society social media superstar Ciara Mountains ranked each of the remaining eight teams for your viewing pleasure.
At No. 8? The New York Knicks. #SorryNotSorryKnicksFans 😛
