NBA Play-In Preview + Best Bets !!
NBA Play-In Preview + Best Bets !!  
Podcast: RJ Bell's Dream Preview
Published On: Mon Apr 14 2025
Description: Munaf Manji and Mackeznie Rivers talk NBA playoff play-in games. The guys also give out best bets. 📌 Key Points Clave 📉 Unders Trend: Play-In games show a 17-7 trend toward the under; especially strong (7-1) in 7 vs 8 matchups. 📊 Magic Defense: Orlando is ranked 2nd on defense post-All-Star break and 1st in the last 30 days. 🔥 Orlando at Home: 69.6% ATS at home since last season as favorites (39-17 ATS), 44-12 SU. 🔋 Celtics Power: Boston’s net rating and roster stability make them overwhelming Eastern Conference favorites. 📈 Thunder Dominance: Finished with 68-14 record, 1st overall and in net rating; strong title contenders. 🔁 Cavs Form: Ended with a top-3 net rating despite late-season fatigue; seen as overrated compared to odds. 💡 Surprise Teams: Suns are noted as a major disappointment, while Bulls are a surprisingly efficient late-season team. 🧠 Coaching Impact: Miami’s edge lies with Erik Spoelstra, but Chicago is seen as the better overall team. 🎯 Warriors' Struggles: 0-3 in play-in history, and one of the worst half-court offenses among playoff teams. 📈 Kings vs Mavs Edge: Kings -5 favored due to better offensive consistency; Mavericks lack depth without Kyrie. 📝 Summary Resumen Opening Play-In Preview (0:10–2:41) Munaf Manji introduces the play-in breakdown. Mackenzie jokes it's like Christmas, excited for playoff intensity. They begin with a recap of the Eastern Conference finish and potential Cavs matchups. Eastern Conference Analysis (2:42–6:39) Mackenzie projects Magic to beat the Hawks. He’s skeptical of Cavs' lofty odds despite their +9.2 net rating. Celtics remain his favorite due to balanced offense and defense. Western Conference Setup (7:01–11:57) Five 50-win teams highlight West strength. Thunder finished 68-14, Rockets 52-30. Lakers vs Timberwolves is a premier matchup. Mack praises Thunder’s consistent elite play. Surprises & Coaching Carousel (14:23–17:39) Mackenzie admits Suns were a huge betting miss. Munaf discusses Phoenix coaching turnover. Rumors include Durant trade if Thunder or Celtics lose in the finals. Magic vs Hawks Breakdown (17:39–22:35) Magic are 11-7 ATS post-ASB vs playoff teams. Missing Suggs hurts offense, but defense is elite. Hawks’ injuries (Capela, Johnson) reduce competitiveness. Total leans under. Warriors vs Grizzlies Breakdown (23:28–35:34) Despite Golden State being -7, both agree line is inflated. Warriors are 18th in playoff offensive rating; Grizzlies 6th worst. Both lean Grizzlies +7 and under. Historic home ATS for Warriors is weak. Heat vs Bulls Breakdown (35:34–38:17) Bulls have top-10 form since ASB. Heat slightly below average. Both like Bulls -1 and especially under 219 due to tactical slow pace and playoff urgency. Mavs vs Kings Breakdown (38:38–42:49) Kings should be -7 per Mack’s model. Dallas has lowest net rating among playoff teams since ASB. Davis prop of 11.5 rebounds favored, citing dominance vs Sacramento. Best Bets Recap (44:50–49:23) Munaf’s best bet: Bulls/Heat under 219. Secondary: Magic -5. Mackenzie: Magic -5 and leans early playoff game unders (especially Bucks/Pacers under). Finals Picks (51:51–56:12) Mack backs Thunder vs Celtics. Munaf playfully picks Rockets, then seriously leans Lakers due to Luka + LeBron combination and veteran roster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices