Dream Podcast - NBA Playoffs Team Draft & Preview !!

RJ Bell, Steve Fezzik, Scott Seidenberg and Mackenzie Rivers talk NBA betting. The wiseguy round table does the annual Vegas wiseguy NBA Playoff draft !! conduct a unique NBA Playoffs team draft, each receiving $250 to bid on teams, with scoring based on playoff progression: 1 point for the first round, 2 for the second, 4 for reaching the Finals, and 8 for winning the title. Boston and Oklahoma City (OKC) are split into halves due to their odds outweighing the individual cap. Mackenzie wins half of Boston for $131, arguing their elite two-way metrics and experience justify the price. He notes Boston’s 16–2 playoff run last year, strong net rating, and top-tier half-court efficiency. RJ and Fezzik counter with Cleveland’s comparable point differential and challenge the strength of Boston’s schedule in the East.

Cleveland's hot shooting is scrutinized. Mackenzie explains their +18 clutch rating is extreme compared to the +4.5 average among playoff teams and unsustainable over time. Scott notes they played 38 clutch games, about average, while OKC’s low number of clutch situations (24) reflects dominance. OKC’s +12.6 point differential is the best in NBA history. They also had 38 wins by 15+ points and only 2 such losses. RJ emphasizes their resilience with an 18–10 record when trailing by double digits, far superior to the second-best 13–14 mark.

Lower-tier play-in teams draw minimal bids. Miami goes to RJ for $3. Mackenzie critiques their 10-game losing streak post-Butler trade, Bam’s decline, and poor offensive efficiency, though Spolstra and slow pace offer playoff upside. Chicago is seen as improved since trading Zach LaVine, becoming a top-10 team post-All-Star break. Bulls are split among three drafters for $1 each. RJ also picks up Orlando, who are 1600-1 to beat Boston, and praised for grit but dismissed due to weak three-point shooting. Boston led the league with 53.6% of their shots from three, the highest rate in NBA history.

RJ gets Detroit for $3. Mackenzie notes they’ve been the most upgraded team in his power rankings and highlights Cade Cunningham’s All-NBA case, but says they lack playoff-caliber depth. RJ grabs Milwaukee for $8, believing Giannis can carry them. The panel debates Lillard’s availability; Mackenzie is skeptical, estimating the line implies only a 25% chance he plays. Indiana, led by Tyrese Haliburton, is drafted by Fezzik for $15 due to their strong seeding and Milwaukee matchup.

RJ then wins Cleveland for $111, citing their historic shooting profile. They’re the only team top five in both three-point rate and percentage. Mackenzie remains skeptical of their overall ceiling. Fezzik outbids the panel at $34 for the Knicks, but Scott highlights their 0-4 record against elite teams and suggests they’ve struggled against contenders.

In the West, Scott makes a calculated move and takes half of OKC for $123. Mackenzie praises their evolution and improved playoff readiness. RJ wins the Clippers for $41, citing Kawhi’s elite playoff form when healthy. Fezzik takes Denver for $63, stating he preferred the Clippers but couldn’t risk being shut out. Scott grabs Golden State for $45 and the Lakers for $38, expecting both to have favorable paths if they advance. Mackenzie questions the Lakers’ hype, citing shallow margins and overperformance against weak opponents. RJ wins the other half of OKC unopposed.

The show closes with MVP debates. Jokic’s season (52.5 combined PTS+REB+AST) surpasses all prior years, and media sentiment may swing votes his way. OKC's dominance and individual achievements are noted, but voter narratives and recent performances could shift ballots. RJ, Mackenzie, and Fezzik assess title probabilities and wrap with final rosters, confirming RJ and Mackenzie as high spenders and Scott’s OKC acquisition as the savviest draft moment.

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