📍 April 14, 2025 — ESPN NBA Playoffs Preview
With the 2025 NBA Playoffs tipping off this week, bettors are eyeing both favorites and longshots to lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Whether it’s the Thunder’s balance, the Cavs’ dominance, or Luka-LeBron magic in L.A., ESPN’s betting analysts are making their picks — and finding hidden value.
Here’s what Andre Snellings, Eric Moody, Eric Karabell, Jim McCormick, and Steve Alexander are locking in.
🎯 Best Bets to Win the 2025 NBA Championship
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Thunder (+170)
“They’re deep, balanced, and built for this. Their second unit is better than half the league’s starters.” — Alexander -
Lakers (+1400)
“LeBron and Luka together? I’m in. When locked in, this team is a nightmare.” — Moody -
Donovan Mitchell ECF MVP (+275)
“If the Cavs beat Boston, it’ll be on Spida’s shoulders — and his track record vs. the Celtics is elite.” — Snellings -
California Team to Win Title (+1000)
“Clippers, Lakers, Warriors… one of them could break through. This bet gives you all three.” — McCormick -
Celtics (+180)
“They’ve been there, done that. Health permitting, they’re the team to beat.” — Karabell
🔥 Top Longshot Picks That Could Pay Big
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Lakers (+1400)
“LeBron and Luka have playoff magic.” — Alexander -
Cavaliers (+600)
“64 wins, top offense, elite depth. Only Boston stands in their way.” — Snellings -
Lakers to Make Finals (+600)
“They’ve got creation and closing ability.” — McCormick -
Nuggets (+3000)
“Jokic can carry this squad. The coaching change might light a fire.” — Karabell
📈 Best Value Among the Favorites
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Cavaliers
“They’ve got the easier East road, healthy Mitchell, and lockdown defense.” — Moody, Karabell -
Thunder
“Unfazed, explosive, balanced. This group might be generational.” — McCormick
💎 Most Undervalued Teams
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Knicks (+1000 to win East)
“They’re 0-8 vs. Cavs/Celtics, but Brunson + KAT can change that.” — Moody -
Clippers
“Flying under the radar. Kawhi’s healthy. Harden’s in rhythm.” — Alexander -
Bucks
“Dame’s injury is a risk, but if healthy — they’re scary.” — Karabell
🏆 Finals MVP Best Bets
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Luka Doncic, Lakers (+2800)
“If the Lakers make a run, Luka’s the wrecking ball that makes it happen.” — Moody -
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder (+175)
“If OKC wins it all, the Finals MVP is already decided.” — Alexander -
Jaylen Brown, Celtics (+1600)
“He’s been the guy in the biggest moments before. Don’t overthink it.” — Karabell
🎲 Fun & Creative Bets
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Rockets to Win Title (+8000) or Win West (+2500)
“Fearless, athletic, and defending. This team is ahead of schedule.” — Alexander -
California Team to Win Title (+1000)
“With 4 teams in and at least 2 contenders, this is a fun hedge.” — Moody
🔮 Final Takeaways
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The Thunder are the most common expert pick — balanced, young, and ready.
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The Lakers remain a betting favorite thanks to star power and Luka buzz.
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The Cavaliers might offer the best East value with elite stats and underrated depth.
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Watch out for Clippers, Knicks, and Rockets to bust brackets and bankrolls alike.
