- The NBA Play-In tournament is set to begin on April 15th, 2025
- Playoff spots are still fluid in both conferences with play-in berths up for grabs
- See the updated odds to make NBA playoffs, as well as my best bets
The 2024-25 NBA regular season is winding down, and the playoff picture is finally taking shape. With several teams still fighting for position, the play-in tournament looms large for those on the bubble, creating some juicy betting opportunities at online sportsbooks.
Let’s break down which teams give you the best bang for your buck in the latest NBA playoff odds.
| Team | Odds to Make Playoffs | Odds to Miss Playoffs |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando Magic | -800 | +550 |
| Atlanta Hawks | -250 | +200 |
| Miami Heat | +300 | -375 |
| Chicago Bulls | +300 | -375 |
| Sacramento Kings | +450 | -625 |
| Dallas Mavericks | +800 | -1400 |
Odds as of April 11, 2025 from BetMGM Sportsbook. Wager on NBA futures with the BetMGM bonus code.
Magic Looking Magical in Playoff Odds
Orlando currently sits seventh and would face the eighth-seeded Hawks in the play-in tournament. Their -800 odds give them an implied probability of nearly 89% to make the playoffs. After making the playoffs as the fifth seed last year, where they suffered a heartbreaking Game 7 loss to Cleveland after blowing an 18-point lead, the Magic have taken a small step back but remain a force in the East.
The Magic haven’t won a playoff series since 2010, but their current odds suggest they’re a virtual lock to at least make the postseason. At +550 to miss, there might be some value if you believe they’ll stumble in the play-in, but the smart money is on Orlando advancing.
Orlando’s success this season has been built on lockdown defense, as they rank best in the NBA by allowing just 106.1 points per game. Their offense, though? That’s been a different story – averaging a league-worst 105.0 points per game. The Magic will need to find more offensive punch if they hope to make any noise in the playoffs.
Paolo Banchero has been the engine driving Orlando’s success, putting up 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. His continued growth will make or break the Magic’s postseason hopes.
- Best bet: “Yes” (-800) to make playoffs
Miami Heat – Make or Miss Playoffs?
Miami has been a playoff fixture for five straight seasons, including that shocking NBA Finals run in 2023 as a play-in team. Currently sitting ninth, the Heat would face the Bulls in the play-in tournament. Their +300 odds to make the playoffs translate to a 25% chance.
Given Miami’s playoff DNA and big-game experience, there’s real value in backing the Heat at +300. They’ve shown time and again they can flip the switch when it matters most, making this probably the best value bet among Eastern Conference teams.
The Heat’s playoff chances currently stand at 24.1%, according to Team Rankings projections. This aligns almost perfectly with their betting odds of +300, suggesting the market has this one right. But if there’s one team that knows how to navigate the play-in tournament, it’s Miami.
Miami’s balanced approach has them projected to finish with a 40-42 record. Not pretty, but their experience in tight games and playoff atmospheres could give them the edge when it counts in the play-in.
- Best bet: “Yes” (+300) to make playoffs
Bulls Playoff Chances
Chicago holds the tenth seed and faces the longest odds among play-in teams in the East. The Bulls haven’t made the playoffs since 2022, though they’ve been play-in participants the last couple years. Their path is brutal – they need to win two straight elimination games, first against Miami and then against the Magic-Hawks loser.
At +300, the Bulls are a high-risk, high-reward play. Their 25% implied probability feels right given the mountain they need to climb.
Chicago can light up the scoreboard, ranking sixth in the NBA with 117.6 points per game. But their defense has been a disaster, allowing 120.0 points per game (third-worst in the league).
The Bulls have been lights out from downtown, ranking third in the NBA by hitting 15.6 threes per game and ninth in three-point percentage at 36.8%. That long-range firepower could be their wild card in do-or-die play-in games.
Nikola Vucevic has been a monster for Chicago, leading the team with 10.0 rebounds per game while adding 18.5 points and 3.4 assists. His presence down low will be huge for the Bulls’ playoff hopes.
- Best bet: “No” (-375) to make playoffs
Mavericks’ Playoff Odds Spell Trouble
Dallas has experienced the most dramatic odds shift in the West. Following Luka Dončić’s ankle injury and Kyrie Irving’s limited availability, their odds flipped to the current +800 to make the playoffs. This represents an implied probability of just 11%.
The Mavs face a mountain without their stars, and the -1400 price to miss the playoffs is justified given their current tailspin. While +800 might tempt thrill-seekers looking for a big payday, the smart play is Dallas missing the postseason entirely.
The Mavericks’ season has fallen apart since January 1, 2025. After starting 20-13, they’ve gone just 16-25 over their last 41 games. The controversial Luka-for-AD swap with the Lakers has been a disaster, with Davis missing significant time due to a left adductor injury.
With Kyrie out for the season (torn left ACL), the Mavs’ playoff hopes are on life support. AD returned on March 24, but it looks like too little, too late for Dallas to salvage their season. Currently at 38-42, they’re locked into the play-in tournament as the 10th seed and will face the Sacramento Kings in an elimination game on Wednesday.
As coach Jason Kidd put it, “Hope is still in that locker room. AD is not a bad player. I think he’s top 75 if I recall. He’s won at every level.” But hope alone won’t be enough for the Mavericks to navigate through two win-or-go-home games against the Kings and then the loser of the 7-8 matchup.
- Best bet: “No” (-1400) to miss playoffs
Kings on the Bubble in Playoff Picture
Sacramento is facing an uphill battle with +450 odds to make the playoffs. That’s about an 18% chance, which seems fair given where they stand. The Kings have shown flashes but lack the consistency needed to make a serious push.
At -625 to miss the playoffs, Sacramento is one of the safer “no” bets available. Their remaining schedule is loaded with playoff-bound teams, making their path even rockier.
The Kings currently sit ninth in the Western Conference with a 39-40 record. That puts them on the play-in bubble, but their odds of actually making the playoffs are slim at just 26.4% according to the latest projections.
Sacramento can put points on the board, ranking sixth in the NBA with 117.6 points per game. The problem is they give up almost as many, allowing 120.0 points per game (third-worst in the league).
- Best bet: “No” (-625) to miss playoffs
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As the NBA playoffs are in full swing, basketball fans and bettors alike are eagerly anticipating the outcome of each game. With the competition heating up, it’s important to stay informed on the current playoff odds and top betting picks to make the most out of your wagering experience.
One of the top favorites to win the NBA championship this year is the Brooklyn Nets. Led by a star-studded trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving, the Nets have been dominant throughout the regular season and are poised to make a deep playoff run. With odds of +250 to win it all, the Nets are a popular choice among bettors looking to cash in on their success.
Another strong contender in the playoffs is the defending champions, the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite facing injuries to key players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers have shown resilience and determination in their quest to repeat as champions. With odds of +400, the Lakers are a solid choice for bettors looking to back a proven winner.
On the Eastern Conference side, the Philadelphia 76ers are also a team to watch. Led by MVP candidate Joel Embiid and All-Star guard Ben Simmons, the 76ers have been a force to be reckoned with all season long. With odds of +600, the 76ers are a strong pick for bettors looking to back a team with a good chance of making a deep playoff run.
When it comes to betting picks, there are a few key factors to consider. Injuries play a major role in determining the outcome of games, so staying up to date on player health is crucial. Additionally, analyzing matchups and trends can help bettors make informed decisions on where to place their money.
Overall, the NBA playoffs offer plenty of excitement and opportunities for bettors to cash in on their predictions. By staying informed on the current playoff odds and top betting picks, fans can make the most out of their wagering experience and enjoy the thrill of playoff basketball.
