

RJ Bell's Dream Preview
Pregame.com
Winning sports picks from Las Vegas. Everything you need for free on the biggest games each week from Pregame.com's Wiseguy Roundtable. Alongside your host RJ Bell, we have professional bettor Steve Fezzik, plus more of the biggest names from the world of sports betting.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 29, 2025 • 56min
NBA Dream Pod Tuesday + Best Bets !!
Munaf Manji and Mackenzie Rivers talk NBA playoff betting for Tuesday and Wednesday. The guys have been on a roll and offer up best bets.
The "NBA Dream Pod Tuesday + Best Bets" episode, hosted by Munaf Manji with Mackenzie Rivers, provided a detailed breakdown of the NBA playoff matchups for Tuesday and early Wednesday. The show opened with Munaf introducing the focus on games involving teams trying to avoid elimination, notably the Celtics, Knicks, Bucks, and Lakers. Mackenzie explained historical playoff patterns, emphasizing how two-seeds facing a 1-2 deficit have managed a comeback 28% of the time, offering statistical hope for teams like the Rockets.
A significant portion of the conversation centered around the Boston Celtics versus Orlando Magic series. Munaf outlined Boston’s injury concerns, including Jason Tatum’s return and Jalen Brown’s dislocated finger. Mackenzie highlighted how Orlando’s offense had improved post-All-Star break, moving from 17th to 12th among playoff teams. They agreed that closeout games historically hit the under 55.6% of the time, suggesting a lean toward the under for the total, while both backed Boston to cover the large spread at home.
The New York Knicks were another major topic. Mackenzie argued that despite negative media narratives, the Knicks had validated their playoff favoritism with Jalen Brunson leading the way. He praised Brunson’s transformation into a consistent playoff performer and criticized market overreactions that downgraded New York despite a 3-1 series lead. Both Mackenzie and Munaf saw clear value in betting Knicks -5.5 against the Pistons.
The show then shifted to the Milwaukee Bucks' struggles. Mackenzie dissected Milwaukee’s systemic issues, pointing to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s gaudy stats lacking meaningful impact within a flawed offensive system. With Damian Lillard suffering a torn Achilles, the Bucks' outlook grew even grimmer. Munaf labeled the situation a “dream crusher” and forecasted a bleak future for Milwaukee unless major changes occur. Both hosts leaned toward the Pacers not only to cover but to dominate Game 5, suggesting Pacers -7.5 and the Pacers' team total over 114.5.
Attention then turned to the Clippers vs Nuggets series. After a dramatic Game 4, where the Clippers nearly erased a 20-point deficit, Mackenzie acknowledged his pre-series Clippers bets but now found value on the Nuggets due to an over-adjusted market. Both hosts respected Denver’s championship heart but leaned slightly toward the Clippers for Game 5, impressed by Ty Lue's adjustments and the team’s resilience even without Russell Westbrook, who might return.
The conversation naturally flowed into the Lakers vs Timberwolves series. Mackenzie critiqued the Lakers' reliance on "random basketball," lacking structured offensive schemes in crunch time. He praised Anthony Edwards’ fearless, Iverson-like performances, noting Minnesota’s +36 fourth-quarter margin across four games. Although he recognized that playoff situational dynamics might favor the Lakers in Game 5, Mackenzie still rated the Timberwolves as the superior team overall. Munaf agreed, suggesting live-betting Minnesota if the Lakers led after three quarters and favoring the under on total points.
Toward the end, Munaf and Mackenzie each gave their best bets: Knicks -5.5 and Celtics -11 respectively. They reflected on which team down 3-1 had the best comeback chance, settling on the Lakers because of LeBron James' and Luka Doncic’s individual brilliance despite their flawed team dynamics. They closed the episode optimistically, hoping their sharp betting angles would continue delivering winners for listeners throughout the NBA playoffs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 28, 2025 • 1h 1min
The Inside Pitch w/Josh Towers: Ep 5
Former MLB Pitcher Josh Towers and Scott Seidenberg discuss the top stories around Major League Baseball with betting leans for this week and beyond.
The Inside Pitch, recorded April 28 with Scott Seidenberg and Josh Towers, reviews MLB standings and focuses on Yankees bullpen changes. Devin Williams lost the closer role after posting an 11.25 ERA, allowing 12 runs, 12 hits, and 7 walks in just 8 innings. Towers attributes Williams’ struggles to mental weakness under New York pressure rather than mechanics, noting his strikeout rate dropped to 18.2% and sweet spot contact rose to 42.9%.
Luke Weaver, who has thrown 14 scoreless innings with only 3 hits allowed and 14 strikeouts, steps in as closer. Weaver's mindset and adaptability were praised. The discussion predicts Williams could struggle further when used earlier in games to rebuild confidence.
The Orioles are highlighted as the best "over" team at home due to poor pitching, favoring the over nine-and-a-half total in the Yankees-Orioles matchup. Conversely, an under nine bet is favored in the Rangers-Athletics game, citing solid pitching from Patrick Corbin and JP Sears.
Gunnar Henderson’s slump is analyzed: batting .220 with a 29.1% strikeout rate and minimal walks, attributed to over-aggression. Team evaluations followed: the Yankees and Red Sox are considered legitimate, Tampa Bay consistent but streaky, while skepticism is directed at the Blue Jays and Orioles sustaining competitiveness.
In the AL Central, the Tigers are viewed as legitimate division contenders, with the Royals better than their record suggests. Towers criticizes the MLB’s reduced minor leagues for worsening player development and opposes expansion.
Aaron Judge’s performance is lauded as historically elite with a 13.7 WAR across the last year, comparable to Babe Ruth’s best seasons. Judge’s discipline at the plate and patience are credited for his continued dominance.
In the NL East, the Mets' excellent pitching and 12–1 home record establish them as serious contenders. Towers expects the Braves to rebound and questions the Phillies’ consistency due to defensive lapses. In the Central, the Cubs are seen as overperforming, while Cincinnati, led by an improving Elly De La Cruz, is a value pick.
Further analysis highlights Judge’s league-best weighted runs created plus and criticizes the Dodgers’ injury problems, blaming organizational changes to pitching mechanics. The Padres and Mariners are praised for pitching but have offensive concerns; the Rangers are expected to surge in the AL West.
Award discussions follow: Aaron Judge and Pete Alonso are MVP favorites, Tariq Skubal and Logan Webb are Cy Young contenders. Top prospects like Roman Anthony and Jack Caglione are discussed cautiously, with Towers warning that MLB’s fast-tracking approach harms long-term player development. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 25, 2025 • 1h 2min
MLB Weekend Preview + Best Bets !!
Munaf Manji and Griffin Warner talk MLB betting for this weekend. The guys cover the Friday games and discuss this weekends action. Best bets as always. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 25, 2025 • 1h 3min
NBA Dream Pod Friday Preview + Best Bets !!
Munaf Manji and Mackenzie Rivers talk NBA playoff betting for Friday. Mack and Munaf also discuss other games on this weekends slate. The NBA Playoffs are in full swing, and this weekend’s slate offers critical matchups packed with betting potential. The Boston Celtics face the Orlando Magic with star Jason Tatum listed as doubtful and Jrue Holiday questionable, shifting the balance as the series moves to Florida. Despite the Celtics leading 2-0, Orlando’s strong home ATS record contrasts sharply with their struggles as home underdogs, and betting attention turns to the low total line of 197.5, which sharp bettors see as an opportunity due to Boston’s depth pushing pace.In Milwaukee, the Bucks return home down 0-2 to the Indiana Pacers in what’s being framed as a do-or-die Game 3. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to dominate statistically, but the Bucks need more from Damian Lillard and their role players. Analysts highlight the importance of the zigzag theory—teams returning home down 0-2 tend to cover well when favored. With home crowd intensity and urgency peaking, Milwaukee emerges as a popular favorite at -5, while expectations are high for Lillard to step up and justify the hype surrounding this playoff duo.Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves host the Lakers in a series tied 1-1 but with Minnesota showing signs of dominance. With one blowout win and another defensively strong performance, the Timberwolves appear the better team. Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle have bolstered a defense that’s holding the Lakers under 95 points per game. Betting leans heavily on the Timberwolves at -3 and the under 205.5, especially with the Lakers struggling to generate offense beyond LeBron James and Luka Doncic.In the West, the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets are also tied 1-1, but Jimmy Butler’s deep glute contusion puts his Game 3 status in jeopardy. With Butler sidelined or limited, the Warriors become a favored pick at -3.5. Both games in the series have gone under, and experts note the 6-1 under trend in head-to-head matchups, underscoring a strong play on the under 203 regardless of Butler’s final status. Golden State’s playoff experience and Houston’s road inexperience further point to a bounce-back game from the Warriors in a defensive battle.The Cleveland Cavaliers, up 2-0 against the Miami Heat, look poised for a sweep. Anchored by Donovan Mitchell and a dominant frontcourt, the Cavs are thriving while the Heat—absent Jimmy Butler—struggle for answers. The early start time for Game 3, a 1:05 PM ET tip, also favors the under based on long-standing trends. With a -6 line, the Cavs are considered a strong play as Miami lacks the firepower and depth to contend without their playoff hero.Altogether, the weekend’s NBA action offers compelling narratives, strategic betting angles, and several best bets grounded in injury reports, home court advantage, and historical trends. Whether it’s the Celtics’ adaptability, the Bucks’ urgency, the Timberwolves’ defense, or the Warriors’ reliance on Butler’s status, these games will define playoff momentum—and betting outcomes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 24, 2025 • 1h 25min
Dream Podcast - NFL Draft Preview + NBA Playoffs
RJ Bell, Mackenzie Rivers and Scott Seidenberg talk NFL Draft and NBA Playoffs. The 2025 NFL Draft and NBA Playoffs are creating major betting opportunities, and this analysis breaks down where the value lies across both leagues. NFL Draft betting strategy hinges on understanding market movement and the power of last-minute mock draft shifts from insiders. RJ Bell and Scott Seidenberg highlight how Shadur Sanders’ draft stock dropped from a projected Top 10 pick to possibly landing at #21, while Ashton Jeanty’s unexpected rise makes him a strong candidate to be taken fifth overall by Jacksonville. Edge rusher draft trends also dominate, with projections showing more than eight pass rushers going in the first round. Wide receivers like Tet McMillan and Matthew Golden create volatility, especially with teams like Dallas looking for explosive playmakers. Kawhi Leonard’s NBA playoff stats are historically elite—29 points per game on 63% true shooting—placing him among the most efficient postseason scorers ever. But availability remains a concern, especially for title aspirations. The Lakers' offense sputtered early in their series, prompting a significant 12% drop in their series win probability. Despite a Game 2 win, they're seen as vulnerable. Conversely, the Clippers gained more than expected from a 1–1 split, reflecting Kawhi’s dominance. A league-wide collapse in playoff pace has made unders a profitable play, with many totals dropping by five to ten points. However, selective overs still offer value, particularly in mismatches like Celtics vs. Magic without Jason Tatum. McKenzie Rivers' insights emphasize sharp betting angles rooted in team form, player availability, and strategic line movements. The podcast also introduces a data-driven approach to evaluating draft capital, revealing Cleveland, Jacksonville, and San Francisco as the most equipped teams to trade or reload talent, while Minnesota ranks last. These draft equity metrics translate into real opportunities for franchise growth or aggression in trade scenarios. Whether you’re focused on mock draft signals, measuring team value through draft assets, or watching playoff lines evolve, the key to betting success is understanding the why behind every move. From NFL projections to NBA playoff edges, this recap turns deep analysis into actionable insights for bettors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 23, 2025 • 35min
Zurich Classic of New Orleans and Chevron Championship picks
Will Doctor brings you the sharpest golf picks and information for this weeks Zurich Classic and Chevron Championship. Will Doctor’s Golf Preview Podcast, recorded from the Nicholas Course at Carlton Woods, dives deep into betting picks and performance analysis for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the Chevron Championship, and briefly, the Veritex Bank Championship. Opening with a recap of the RBC Heritage, Doctor praises Justin Thomas for winning his 16th PGA Tour title after a playoff with Andrew Novak. Thomas posted a 61 in round one and closed with a bogey-free 68. Novak, described as the American Jon Rahm, impressed with elite short game and iron play, though he missed key putts, notably a 10-footer on the 13th. Doctor criticizes himself for failing to include Novak in his bets, noting Novak’s three final group appearances and five top-15 finishes in 2025. The podcast reflects on several betting losses, including missing JT’s surge and Novak’s rise. The card was down 6.7 units, adding to an overall deficit of 81.2 units for the season.Scottie Scheffler’s T8 finish was dissected, focusing on a critical double bogey on 15 caused by a tricky lie in the waste area. Despite superb ball-striking, putting lapses limited his contention. Daniel Berger’s T3 finish came with elite ball-striking but poor putting early in the week. Other near-miss bets included JT Poston (T11), Sungjae Im losing the top Asian bet to Siwoo Kim, and Ryan Gerard’s bogey on 18, which destroyed a top 20 ticket. Garrick Higgo’s win at Corrales Punta Cana, his second PGA Tour victory, was a notable miss for Will, who lamented overlooking Higgo despite strong form in previous starts.For the Zurich Classic, two outright bets are offered. Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin at 28/1 are highlighted for elite ball-striking and top-tier putting. Griffin’s form shows recent putting struggles, but his strong Bermuda putting history is encouraging. Billy Horschel and Tom Hoge, also at 28/1, are touted for their pairing of elite putting and solid recent results. Horschel’s Zurich history includes two wins and a second-place finish, while Hoge has four straight T18 finishes with resurgent driving accuracy. A top 20 bet on Nico Echavarria and Max Greyserman at +130 is based on their elite Bermuda putting and last year’s T4 result. Their recent ball-striking is a concern, but their putting could carry them into the top 20 if they strike it average.Doctor explores other pairings but passes on Carl Yuan and Michael Thorbjornsen due to inconsistency and on Isaiah Salinda and Kevin Velo due to Velo’s below-average stats. At the Chevron Championship, hosted again at the Nicholas Course, the course demands power and precision, favoring long hitters due to tight driving lanes and potentially soft greens. Nelly Korda is picked to win at 9/1. She won here in 2024 and continues to be elite across all metrics, especially improving putting. Ingrid Lindblad is the value pick, taken at 70/1 to win and 4/1 to finish top 10. She recently won in just her third LPGA start and ranks high in driving, approach, and putting stats, although her short game remains untested at this venue.Finally, Doctor previews his visit to the Veritex Bank Championship, with plans to gather insights on-site and update picks via social media. He teases future episodes from the Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch and the Truest Championship at Philadelphia Cricket Club. The podcast closes with a promo code for picks at pregame.com and a strong focus on preparing for the upcoming stretch of the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 22, 2025 • 1h 2min
MLB Tuesday Preview + Best Bets !!
Munaf Manji and Griffin Warner talk MLB betting for Tuesday. The guys also give out best bets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 21, 2025 • 1h 11min
The Inside Pitch w/Josh Towers: Ep 4
Former MLB Pitcher Josh Towers and Scott Seidenberg go over the top stories in baseball with betting leans for the week. 🔑 Key Points🎯 Max Fried’s No-Hitter Controversy: Scorekeeper reclassified an error as a single mid-game, disrupting Fried's no-hit bid (7.2 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 2 K, 102 pitches).🧠 Pitch Efficiency Benchmarks: Ideal pitch count is 13 per inning; staying under this keeps a pitcher in control with minimal stress.🏆 Veteran Handling & Stress: Josh argues that veterans like Fried know their bodies, and "stressful" innings—not pitch counts alone—should dictate decisions.💥 Kelenic vs. Acuña Jr. Discipline: Kelenic's premature home-run trot caused an out; Acuña's tweet referenced past double standards—sparking internal Braves friction.📉 Orioles’ Pitching Collapse: Orioles gave up 24 runs in one game; poor starters (Sugano, Morton, Kramer, Povich, Eflin) exposed the team's fragility.📊 Power Rankings (Top 5): Dodgers, Padres, Phillies, Mets, Rangers; ranked based on pitching, consistency, bullpen reliability, and current form.📈 Day Game Betting Edge: Home teams dominate early day games (e.g., before 2:30 PM ET) at 60%+ win rate; Cardinals are 5-1 in this slot.🧮 Orioles First Five Over Trend: Hottest bet in baseball—16-4-1 to the over in the first five innings.🧠 Mets vs Phillies Series Betting Tip: Strong lean toward first five unders based on matchups and bullpen data (Mets: 17-5 under, Phillies: 8-1 road under).💸 Home Favorites Profitability: Betting all home favorites this season would yield $4,226 profit ($100 bets), with Padres (10-0) and Rangers (8-0) leading.📚 Summary by SectionMax Fried’s Yanked No-Hitter (0:02–6:54)Scott and Josh dissect Fried’s near-no hitter against the Rays. Fried was in command, but a delayed official scoring decision transformed an error into a hit—nullifying his bid. Towers criticizes both the inconsistency and its timing, explaining how it likely rattled Fried's rhythm.Pitch Count & Stress Analysis (2:13–5:45)Towers distinguishes between “cruising” and “stressful” innings. Stressful innings (e.g., 35-pitch opening frames) wear pitchers down. He emphasizes that a no-hitter with low pitch count should not automatically trigger removal.Scorekeeping Controversy Fallout (6:55–15:21)Both hosts vent about the poor standards of MLB scorekeeping. Home team bias, inconsistency, and lack of universal scoring logic lead to absurd rulings. They argue it has real psychological impact on pitchers.Kelenic vs Acuña Jr. Incident (21:19–32:24)A viral tweet from Acuña exposed perceived double standards after Kelenic was not disciplined for lack of hustle. Towers criticizes Braves management for inconsistency and blames Kelenic's ego and history for the incident.Philly vs Mets Series Preview (33:15–38:36)The duo previews the upcoming Phillies-Mets series. Towers supports first-five unders due to strong starting pitchers (Sanchez, Wheeler, Peterson) and notes that bullpen form heavily affects series bets.Trends, Betting Systems, and Profitability (38:36–54:51)Scott shares deep betting data:Orioles: 16-4-1 to first-five oversMets: 17-5 to first-five undersRangers: 12-1 to full-game unders at homeHome teams: 60.6% win rate in all gamesHome favorites: 155-76, +$4,226 ROIPower Rankings (54:51–1:05:58)Towers ranks top teams based on full scope—not just standings. Dodgers top due to consistency, Padres and Phillies close behind. Rangers enter top five due to rising pitching form and learning to win close games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 18, 2025 • 1h 16min
MLB Weekend Preview + Best Bets !!
On the April 18, 2025 episode of RJ Bell’s Dream Preview MLB podcast, Munaf Manji and Griffin Warner provided in-depth analysis of the Friday baseball slate with betting insights. Munaf opened by highlighting his 5-1 betting record and credited their collaborative discussions for the success. The first matchup covered was Diamondbacks vs. Cubs (0:10–7:40). Corbin Burnes has struggled early, while Cubs starter Colin Rea provides potential value. Chicago leads MLB in runners in scoring position appearances and has scored 124 runs to Arizona’s 104. The Cubs as home underdogs and a lean to the over were discussed, depending on Wrigley Field wind.In Royals vs. Tigers (7:41–11:34), Cole Ragans faces top prospect Jackson Jobe. Kansas City’s offense has produced just 19 runs over its last 10 games and is 2-8 on the road. The Tigers’ bullpen is strong, and both hosts leaned toward Detroit plus money and under 7.5.Guardians vs. Pirates (11:35–15:11) features Luis Ortiz against Carmen Mlodzinski. Mlodzinski has a 1.77 WHIP with command issues. The Guardians were favored due to bullpen depth. Pittsburgh is 6-4 at home and to the over. There was a slight lean to Cleveland and possibly over 8.5.In Marlins vs. Phillies (15:12–19:08), Sandy Alcantara is no longer dominant, while Zack Wheeler boasts an 11-4 record and 2.73 ERA against Miami. Philadelphia is 24-11 in Wheeler’s home starts since 2023. The Phillies were a strong lean, especially on the run line.Yankees vs. Rays (19:49–25:11) featured Carlos Rodón, who has allowed 4+ earned runs and 3+ walks in three straight starts. Drew Rasmussen has not allowed a run in 21 career innings vs. the Yankees. Munaf’s best bet was Rays first five innings at -110.In Reds vs. Orioles (25:12–28:31), Andrew Abbott faces Cade Povich. While Abbott had a solid outing against Pittsburgh, Baltimore’s offense poses more danger. The Orioles were favored and offensive production expected.Mariners vs. Blue Jays (28:31–31:40) has Bryan Woo, who has struggled away from home, against Bowden Francis. Toronto is 7-3 at home and the over 7.5 was considered.Cardinals vs. Mets (31:42–35:05) pits Miles Mikolas against David Peterson. St. Louis is 1-6 on the road and lacks comeback potential. The Mets were the lean, especially on the run line.Griffin’s best bet was Braves -130 vs. Twins (35:06–38:12). Chris Paddack has lost all three starts by 2+ runs and Bryce Elder is trying to earn a rotation spot.In Red Sox vs. White Sox (38:13–41:46), Martín Pérez is a steady innings-eater. Boston has a negative run differential and both hosts were reluctant to back them as heavy favorites.Dodgers vs. Rangers (41:46–45:55) features Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who has a 0.91 WHIP and 28 strikeouts in 22 innings, against Jacob deGrom, who’s allowed multiple home runs in consecutive starts. The Dodgers were favored early.In Astros vs. Padres (52:32–56:54), Kyle Hart rebounded after a poor debut, while Houston’s Ryan Gusto is unproven. The Padres are 15-4, and with Houston’s bullpen issues, San Diego at +123 was the consensus lean.Brewers vs. A’s (56:55–1:01:02) has Freddy Peralta allowing six earned runs over 23.1 innings. Milwaukee is 43-27 at home in his starts since 2018.Nationals vs. Rockies (1:01:11–1:04:14) features cold Denver weather and a low total of nine. MacKenzie Gore’s road struggles were noted, but Washington was the slight lean.Giants vs. Angels (1:04:14–1:07:43) featured Logan Webb’s consistency against Tyler Anderson. San Francisco is 9-4 on the road with eight wins by 2+ runs. Munaf leaned Giants run line.The episode ended with a promo for Pregame’s $1,000 MLB contest and 20 percent discount code HOMERUN20. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 18, 2025 • 1h 27min
NBA Playoffs 1st Round Preview + Best Bets !!
Munaf Manji and Mackenzie Rivers talk NBA playoff betting for the firs round. The guys break down each series and give out predictions and best bets. In the “NBA Playoffs 1st Round Preview + Best Bets” podcast, Munaf Manji and Mackenzie Rivers deliver a detailed analysis of six confirmed playoff matchups. Starting with Bucks vs. Pacers, they highlight Damian Lillard’s Game 1 absence and potential Game 3 return. Despite Indiana's strong finish and better trendline, both lean Milwaukee in six games, citing Giannis’ dominance, Halliburton’s road struggles, and playoff pedigree. Munaf mentions Doc Rivers’ questionable playoff history and the Bucks’ edge in rebounding and roster depth. Next, Knicks vs. Pistons shows New York as a clear -400 favorite. Mackenzie highlights Detroit’s weak half-court offense and inexperience. They agree Jalen Brunson is the best player in the series and pick Knicks in five, suggesting -2.5 games as a value bet. For Celtics vs. Magic, Boston is a -5000 favorite. Mackenzie acknowledges Orlando’s improvement to 17th in offense post-All-Star despite losing Jalen Suggs but criticizes their three-point shooting and sees Game 1 as a blowout. Munaf agrees, pointing to Boston’s depth and perimeter strength. They recommend a Magic team total under and predict a sweep or five-game series. Clippers vs. Nuggets is the tightest series, priced at -110 each. Mackenzie is hesitant to trust Kawhi Leonard’s health but notes the Clippers were strong late season. He values Denver’s playoff-tested core of Jokic, Murray, and Porter Jr., even with coaching changes. Munaf favors the Clippers in seven games, citing Ty Lue’s ability to adjust and Harden’s solid season. Both suggest betting the series after Game 1, with Denver favored by 2.5. In Lakers vs. Timberwolves, Munaf backs the Lakers based on star power and playoff history. Mackenzie points out their mediocre net rating and questions public overconfidence. He critiques Julius Randle’s poor playoff stats and remains skeptical of Minnesota’s secondary scoring. While Mackenzie sees potential in the Timberwolves, he passes on betting them now. Munaf lays the four points with the Lakers, expecting a statement in Game 1. In Rockets vs. Warriors, the hosts praise Houston’s growth but highlight their lack of playoff experience. Mackenzie notes Golden State’s poor half-court offense but trusts Curry and Green’s pedigree. Munaf calls it a development year for Houston and picks Warriors in six. They mention the low total for Game 1 and expect another under, given both teams’ tendencies. Mackenzie’s best bets are Knicks -7 and Trae Young under 26.5 points vs. Miami, based on historical defensive matchups. Munaf echoes the Knicks pick and supports Lakers -4, banking on home energy and playoff urgency. For Heat vs. Hawks, Munaf leans over on Miami’s team total, while Mackenzie prefers fading Trae Young. They note past eighth-seed play-in games are 6-1 to the under. For Mavericks vs. Grizzlies, Munaf leans under and highlights Dallas’ defense, while Mackenzie passes on a side but acknowledges Memphis’ volatility. Both hosts ground their takes in net rating, recent trends, EPM data, and postseason form. They avoid hyperbole, focusing on betting value, historical angles, and matchup dynamics, giving listeners a sharp and disciplined first-round betting guide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices