The second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs is upon us, and the excitement is palpable! With matchups set, the betting markets are buzzing. To help you navigate the action, we’ve gathered insights from ESPN’s top NBA betting experts: Andre Snellings, Eric Moody, Jim McCormick, and Steve Alexander. They’ve shared their most confident picks for each series, offering a range of perspectives and betting angles.
Let’s dive into the Eastern Conference first. The Cleveland Cavaliers, fresh off their first-round victory, face a tough challenge against the Indiana Pacers. Alexander sees value in a Pacers series win (+360), highlighting their dominance over Milwaukee and their 3-1 season series victory against Cleveland. However, Moody believes the Cavaliers’ depth and defensive prowess will ultimately prevail, predicting a Cavaliers series win, potentially in a close 4-3 contest (+370). Snellings is even more bullish on Cleveland, expecting a convincing win, possibly in five or six games. McCormick agrees with a Cavaliers victory, forecasting a 4-1 series outcome (+250), emphasizing Cleveland’s superior offensive firepower and overall talent.
The other Eastern Conference clash features the Boston Celtics against the New York Knicks. Alexander, sticking with his pre-season prediction, backs the Knicks (+500) for an upset, citing Jalen Brunson’s exceptional play and the Celtics’ injury concerns. Snellings, acknowledging the Knicks’ struggles against elite teams, still sees them pushing the series to at least six games (+105 on over 5.5 games), emphasizing Brunson’s impact. Moody, however, anticipates a Celtics victory, albeit not a sweep, predicting a 4-2 win for Boston (+400). McCormick agrees that the Celtics’ superior offensive capabilities will be too much for the Knicks to overcome in a long series, projecting a 4-2 final score.
In the Western Conference, the matchups are still pending, awaiting the conclusion of the first-round series. Once those are finalized, our experts will provide their insightful analysis and betting recommendations for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder matchups. Stay tuned for updates!
Remember, these are just expert opinions, and betting involves risk. Always gamble responsibly and within your means. Good luck, and may the best team (and your bets!) win!
