The stage is set for the NBA Play-In, as 8 teams continue to fight for the right to compete in the NBA playoffs, with just 2 spots available on each side of the bracket. For the teams competing for the 7 seed, the task is simple—win one game and you’re automatically in. If you lose, you still have an opportunity to win a game against the winner of the 9 vs. 10 matchup to secure the 8th seed in the respective conference.
Obviously, for the 9 or 10 seed, they have to win two games in a row for the opportunity to face the 1 seed in their respective conference in the playoffs. With such a unique format, there are plenty of betting opportunities, so let’s break down each game and see which teams look best to move on.
Embed from Getty ImagesMiami Heat vs. Charlotte Hornets
4/14 at 7:30 PM ET
When this matchup was set, the Hornets opened as 5.5-point favorites and have stayed at that number across most sportsbooks, though some have moved to -6. It seems the public is high on Charlotte in this one as well, as they are currently receiving 54% of the bets, with 55% of the money backing them.
On the moneyline, the Heat opened at +180, with some books now listing them as high as +190, while Charlotte opened at -218 and can be found as low as -240. Moneyline bets have been heavily on the Hornets at 79%, though just 62% of the money is on the Hornets moneyline.
The total in this one has seen the most movement, opening at 227.5 and now sitting between 228.5 and 230. This movement is largely due to 95% of bets being on the over, along with 97% of the money.
This Charlotte team seems geared up to move on in this one, but the Heat have had their number for much of the year, so it will be interesting to see how this plays out.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Phoenix Suns
4/14 at 10:00 PM ET
There has been a decent amount of line movement in this game, as Phoenix opened as a 4.5-point favorite and now sits between -3 and -4. Nevertheless, the Suns have still seen the majority of spread bets at 62%, along with 63% of the money.
There’s been a similar shift on the moneyline, as the Trail Blazers opened at +154 and now sit around +143, while Phoenix opened at -185 and is currently around -152. Phoenix is seeing 81% of the bets on the moneyline and 77% of the money.
Looking at the total, it has dropped slightly from the opening line of 219.5 to between 216.5 and 217.5. Despite that, 96% of over/under bets have been placed on the over, with 94% of the money also on the over.
Phoenix has won 2 of the 3 meetings between these teams this season, though Portland won the most recent matchup convincingly. Overall, the Suns have been the more consistent team, which should give them the edge in this spot.
Orlando Magic vs. Philadelphia 76ers
4/15 at 7:30 PM ET
In the Eastern Conference 7 vs. 8 matchup, we saw the 76ers open as 1.5-point favorites, and they have stayed around that number for the most part, though some sportsbooks have moved to -2 in favor of Philly. In terms of public bets, we’ve seen a slight majority in favor of Orlando, taking 51% of the bets, while 56% of the money is on the Magic spread.
The moneyline in this one is very tight, as Orlando opened at -105 and can now be found as good as +110, while Philadelphia opened at -115 and is currently around -118. Philadelphia is seeing 66% of the bets on the spread, while 54% of the money is on the Orlando moneyline.
The total in this game has remained fairly consistent at 220.5. We’re seeing 96% of both bets and money on the over, though there is still time for that to shift.
This is probably the tightest matchup on paper in the Play-In, and with the inconsistency of the 76ers down the stretch, Orlando looks well positioned here.
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Clippers
4/15 at 10:00 PM ET
In the final Play-In game, we’ve already seen a decent amount of line movement, with the Clippers opening as 3.5-point favorites and moving to between -4.5 and -5.5. As of now, 53% of bets are on the Clippers spread, along with 54% of the money.
On the moneyline, the Warriors have moved from +142 to around +185, while the Clippers have shifted from -170 to about -192. About 77% of bets are on the Clippers moneyline, while 65% of the money backs them.
The total opened at 220.5, with some books moving to 221.5. We’ve seen 95% of bets and money on the over.
This matchup appears a bit lopsided overall. The Warriors may be slightly outmatched here, and I like the Clippers to move on to the next Play-In game.

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