2021 NBA Playoffs First Round Series Odds, Preview & Picks

• The 2021 NBA Playoffs are set after Memphis beat Golden State on Friday night
• There are some intriguing matchups on both sides, with all the action beginning on Saturday
• Get the full odds for every series and some of our predictions below

The stage is set. After Ja Morant’s 35 points propelled the Grizzlies to an OT victory against the Warriors in the final play-in game, the full 2021 NBA Playoffs bracket is now complete.

We have some brilliant first-round matchups at hand. The Lakers take on the Suns, while Luka Doncic and the Mavs battle Kawhi Leonard’s Clippers. In the East, the Nets will face the Celtics and the top-seeded Sixers meet with the surging Wizards.

Read on to find the full odds for all eight playoff series from FanDuel.

2021 NBA Playoffs First Round Series Odds

Odds as of May 21st

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Can Suns Eliminate the Defending Champs?

The Phoenix Suns were awarded for a tremendous season with a first-round meeting with the defending-champion Los Angeles Lakers. As you can see by the odds, LeBron James and co. aren’t necessarily a true seven seed. They’re slight favorites, but expect this series to be a dogfight.

The Suns possess an extremely strong backcourt with Devin Booker and the versatile Chris Paul. But their supporting cast has been just as impressive with the likes of Mikal Bridges and Jae Crowder doing work. One of the big questions here: can Deandre Ayton stop Anthony Davis from dominating inside? The former top pick didn’t play the last few games of the regular season due to a knee injury but he’ll be ready to roll for Game 1 on Sunday.

LA is finally at full strength and it actually looks like LeBron James could be as close to 100% as possible. The King voiced that during their play-in victory over the Warriors he didn’t feel any discomfort in his ankle, which is a great sign as the Lakers look to make another title run.

We’re looking at two fundamentally sound teams on both sides of the ball. Phoenix has a more well-versed offensive rotation, while Los Angeles will likely rely on LeBron and AD while hoping that Dennis Schroder can also contribute at a high level. I expect this to be a very close series that goes right down to the wire. But, you can’t bet against James. Lakers in 7.

Pick: Los Angeles Lakers -168, LA to Win 4-3 (+470)

Dame vs The Joker

A Northwest Division showdown between the Blazers and Nuggets could be one the best matchups of the entire first round. On one hand, you have a Portland team who ended the season 10-2 in their last 12 games, while Denver is led by the surefire MVP Nikola Jokic.

Lillard is one of the most clutch players in the league and it just feels like he’s extra motivated this season to make a deep playoff run. Dame’s future with the Blazers has been speculated time and time again throughout the campaign, but Lillard continues to make it clear: he wants to win in Portland more than anything. This current core has a realistic shot, too.

There’s a lot of postseason experience on the roster, especially after acquiring swingman Norman Powell at the deadline. With CJ McCollum and Carmelo Anthony also complementing Dame, Terry Stotts’ squad has numerous offensive weapons. The question is, can their 29th-ranked defense continue their recent improvements and limit the Joker’s production?

Denver was handed a serious blow when Jamal Murray went down with a season-ending knee injury last month. Not long after, guards PJ Dozier and Will Barton also suffered injuries. The latter has been ruled out for Game 1, while Dozier is sidelined for the entire first round. That leaves the Nuggets’ backcourt extremely thin, with the inexperienced Facundo Campazzo left to run the point.

24 hours.#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/joZsWFfgB1

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) May 22, 2021

More than ever, Jokic needs to completely take over in this series, while Michael Porter Jr also must rise to the occasion offensively. Aaron Gordon’s presence defensively will be important as well, along with the limited scoring production he can offer. We all saw what Murray did in the Orlando bubble last year. It’s going to be hard for Denver to make up for that loss, but a valiant effort from their star big man will be key.

I really do think Lillard is going to expose the Nugget’s lack of depth here and lead the Blazers to a first-round victory.

Pick: Portland Trail Blazers (-115)