NBA Playoffs 2024 Expert Picks & Preview: Cavs-Celtics, Mavs-Thunder Game 1

Our NBA experts Christopher Walder, Nick Holz, and David Caraviello are here throughout the playoffs offering up their spread, moneyline, OVER/UNDER, and player prop picks for all of the action. 

First, the Cleveland Cavaliers travel to TD Garden for Game 1 of their series with the Boston Celtics. Then, the Dallas Mavericks head to Oklahoma City to battle the top-seeded Thunder for the start of their seven-game extravaganza. Dive into all our picks for what promises to be a dazzling Tuesday night of hoops.

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NBA Expert Picks Results: Second Round

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Game 1 Preview & Picks

Matchup Page: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics, 7 p.m. ET

Same-Game Parlay: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics Game 1

Nick Holz's Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers ATS +11.5 (-110)

Listen, an 11.5-point line is far too high for a playoff game of this magnitude.

Sure, the Celtics are a 64-win juggernaut, while the Cavaliers needed a strong second half of Game 7 to overcome the Orlando Magic and progress. That being said, Game 1 generally starts slow, with each team using the early minutes as more of a feeling-out process. A slower pace favors the underdog.

Additionally, without Kristaps Porzingis on the floor, the Cavaliers will be able to exploit Al Horford in the pick-and-roll. Horford's a unicorn but his aging legs will be a detriment for the C's in this series. Plus, Cleveland shot nearly 42% from downtown against Boston in the regular season. They'll be able to summon some of that three-point magic at TD Garden on Tuesday night.

The betting trends are also on the Cavs side here, as Cleveland is 5-2 ATS in their last seven games against Boston. Bet on Mitchell and the Cavaliers to keep Game 1 competitive.

Christopher Walder's Pick: Boston Celtics ATS -11.5 (-110)

Yes, an 11.5-point line is vast, but the Celtics have covered double-digit spreads as the favorites with a 19-14-3 record in 2023-24 and have just a single loss ATS since April 3 with a few pushes sprinkled in, which can't happen on Tuesday with the spread as it is.

The Cavaliers are just coming off a gruelling seven-game series which required a massive third-quarter comeback to advance past the Magic, and Boston hasn't taken the hardwood in nearly a week after bouncing the Miami Heat in five games. Jarrett Allen's availability is questionable, which helps the Celtics' cause as Kristaps Porzingis remains out.

I'm rolling with the rested squad on their home floor. As we've seen countless times during these playoffs, you can only hold so much relevance to matchups during the regular season because the postseason is a different beast altogether.

David Caraviello's Pick: Boston Celtics ATS -11.5 (-110)

Boston is rested after dispatching the Heat in five games, while the Cavaliers are coming off a grinding seven-game series win over the Magic. Porzingis could be out the entire series with a rib injury, but the Cavs have their own issues in the paint--namely with Allen, limited of late with a rib injury. It all makes Boston the natural play to cover and win Game 1 of this second-round series at home.

Dallas Mavericks vs Oklahoma City Thunder Game 1 Preview & Picks

Matchup Page: Dallas Mavericks vs Oklahoma City Thunder, 9:30 p.m. ET

Same-Game Parlay: Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game 1

Nick Holz's Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder ATS -3.5 (-110)

OKC has fared extremely well historically against the Luka Doncic and the Mavericks, going 6-4 SU and 8-2 ATS in their last ten matchups. On top of that, this young Thunder team will be chomping at the bit to get back on the floor. The Mavericks are banged up after a first-round battle with the Clippers.

With Luka hobbled, and Maxi Kleber out for the foreseeable future, the Thunder's elite defense can clamp down on Kyrie Irving. Both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and elite defensive stopper Lu Dort have the length and athleticism to give Irving trouble. Keep in mind, that Oklahoma City just held the New Orleans Pelicans to the lowest offensive rating (93.5) through a playoff series in eight years.

LU DORT STOPS KAWHI FROM EVEN GETTING A SHOT OFF

ALL DEFENSE HIM
pic.twitter.com/cp9CEQthja

— 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒆 🌩 (@Three_Cone) March 22, 2023

Offensively, the Thunder should thrive, as Mark Daignault's squad shot an uncanny 39.6% from three against the Mavericks this season. Make no mistake, the young Thunder are the real deal. Bet on OKC to put on a show in primetime.

Christopher Walder's Pick: Dallas Mavericks ML (+136)

The Kleber injury stings, yes, but his impact was greater in the series with the Los Angeles Clippers as a counterpunch to Ivica Zubac serving as a stretch big who could knock down 3-pointers. Oklahoma City's big man is Chet Holmgren, who the likes of Dereck Lively III and Daniel Gafford should offer more value against because the rookie isn't nearly as strong as Zubac. 

Doncic's ailments concern me, but he's been putting up monster numbers despite not being 100 percent. The return of Tim Hardaway Jr., who hasn't competed since Game 2 against the Clippers due to injury, should help alleviate some of the pressure to score for the second unit to assist Dallas' loaded starting backcourt.

The series against New Orleans was far less competitive with Zion Williamson absent, so it's not a true gauge of what the Thunder are capable of this postseason. The Mavericks are the greater, more battle-tested threat, and will catch the No. 1 seed off guard at home to steal the opener. 

David Caraviello's Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder ATS -3.5 (-110)

Oklahoma City swept its first-round series against New Orleans, while Dallas had to go six games to knock out the Clippers. The Thunder also won the season series against the Mavericks, 3-1. Dallas has two superstars in Doncic and Irving, but the Thunder are the West top seed for a reason--they’re the more complete team, and poised to win and cover in Game 1 of what shapes up as a long and competitive series.