2026 NBA playoffs betting: How to bet each second-round series

Key Points:

• The NBA playoffs second round features key matchups including No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 4 Los Angeles Lakers, with experts favoring a Thunder series win, possibly a sweep, due to their strong defense and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's dominance.
• The No. 2 San Antonio Spurs face the No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves in a series expected to be competitive and extend beyond 5.5 games, despite the Wolves dealing with injuries, as they have shown resilience and have won the season series.
• In the Eastern Conference, the No. 1 Detroit Pistons are challenged by the No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers, with analysts predicting a closely contested series possibly lasting six or seven games, highlighting the Cavaliers' offensive versatility.
• The No. 3 New York Knicks vs. No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers series is anticipated to be a lengthy battle over 5.5 games, with the 76ers favored to cover the +2.5 games spread due to their improved cohesion and star performances.
• Several betting insights include Austin Reaves as a strong candidate to lead the Thunder-Lakers series in 3-pointers made, and the suggestion to consider series length bets, reflecting expectations of tightly contested matchups across the board.