Munaf Manji and Mackenzie Rivers get you up to speed with the NBA playoffs. The guys discuss the games on the Monday and Tuesday NBA playoff betting card. Best bets as always.

NBA Monday–Tuesday Preview: Summary of Key Matchups & Bets

In this episode, Munaf Manji and Mackenzie Rivers preview the NBA conference semifinals, focusing on team trends, betting lines, and playoff adjustments. They analyze Knicks vs. Celtics, Nuggets vs. Thunder, Pacers vs. Cavs, and Warriors vs. Timberwolves, offering stats, predictions, and best bets, all while integrating injury updates and historical playoff data.

🟩 Knicks vs. Celtics

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  Celtics are -800 favorites; swept Knicks 4–0 in regular season (3–1 ATS).

  
  


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  Boston scored 118+ in all meetings; 3/4 went Over the total.

  
  


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  Knicks too dependent on Jalen Brunson, who dominated 4th quarters.

  
  


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  Munaf's concern: Knicks lack consistent secondary scorers like Towns or Anunoby.

  
  


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  Total of 213 deemed too low given past matchups—both analysts prefer the Over.

  
  


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  Betting angle: Knicks +9 and Over 213 (Munaf’s best bet: 1H Over 109).

  
  

🟦 Nuggets vs. Thunder

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  Thunder are -700 series favorites; regular season was 2–2 (ATS & O/U).

  
  


• 
  

  Mack says OKC’s defense & rest (8 days) give them a huge Game 1 edge.

  
  


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  Historical stat: Teams off sweep vs. Game 7 foes = 12–3 ATS since 2002.

  
  


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  Jokic needs historic effort (40+ points/game) to give Denver a chance.

  
  


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  Caruso named best defender per EPM, anchors OKC’s perimeter defense.

  
  


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  Thunder’s balance & defensive discipline suggest a potential quick series.

  
  


• 
  

  Best bet (Mack): SGA to win WCF MVP at -165—called “an insult” to his value.

  
  

🟨 Pacers vs. Cavs

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  Pacers stole Game 1; Cavs now -210 favorites to win series.

  
  


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  Cavs shot 9/38 from 3, Mitchell went 1/11, Mobley passive (13 FGA).

  
  


• 
  

  Garland’s toe injury limits offense—Mobley & Allen must dominate inside.

  
  


• 
  

  Pacers’ system under Carlisle praised for pace & unselfish scoring.

  
  


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  Regular season: Pacers won 4/5 meetings, Cavs 3–2 O/U.

  
  


• 
  

  Munaf & Mack lean Pacers +9.5 and Over team total in Game 2.

  
  

🟥 Warriors vs. Timberwolves

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  Timberwolves are -175 favorites; Warriors +154 to win series.

  
  


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  GSW won 3 of 4 regular season games (3–1 ATS); 2–2 O/U.

  
  


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  Mack says Warriors’ structured offense matches well vs. Wolves’ randomness.

  
  


• 
  

  Anthony Edwards is dynamic but needs consistent help.

  
  


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  Suggestion: Wait until after Game 1 to bet GSW at better odds (e.g., +370 after loss).

  
  


• 
  

  Warriors' net rating post-All-Star = 3rd, behind only Celtics & Thunder.

  
  

🎯 Player Rankings (Best, Not Line Value)

1. 
   

   Jokic

   
   


2. 
   

   SGA

   
   


3. 
   

   Giannis

   
   


4. 
   

   Luka

   
   


5. 
   

   Tatum/Curry (tie)

   
   

Final Insights

• 
  

  Celtics & Thunder are deep, rested, and favored.

  
  


• 
  

  Knicks, Nuggets need star turns from Brunson/Jokic.

  
  


• 
  

  Pacers’ system and shooting create real upset potential.

  
  


• 
  

  Warriors could exploit Timberwolves’ inexperience and make another deep run.

  
  

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