On Friday, Miami must beat Chicago and the Minnesota Timberwolves must hold off the Oklahoma City Thunder to make it to the playoffs. We’re guessing both things will happen. Check out betting predictions for the NBA Playoffs first round.

A Closer Look at the 2023 NBA Playoffs Matchups

Eastern Conference

1-Milwaukee Bucks vs. 8-Miami Heat

Jimmy Butler and the Heat will push Giannis and the Bucks, but Milwaukee is a title contender. This season, the Heat aren’t.

So although Miami beats Chicago on April 14, Jimmy B. and his mates don’t make it out of the first round.

2023 NBA Playoff Prediction: Milwaukee in four

2-Boston Celtics vs. 7-Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks boast a top player in Trae Young and talent that could give Boston some trouble. However, the Celtics are determined to win rings this season.

They have been from Day 1. Also, the Cs are deep and more focused than they were in 2022.

2023 NBA Playoff Prediction: Boston in five

3-Philadelphia 76ers vs. 6-Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn is a tough squad but they’re overmatched. Joel Embiid, James Harden and the rest of the Sixers should send the Nets packing after four games.

But because these are the Philadelphia 76ers, it’s going to take six games. Philly never makes things easy. That’s just who the Sixers are.

2023 NBA Playoff Prediction: Philadelphia in six

4-Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 5-New York Knicks

The Knicks send Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson to the floor. Both are good enough to lead NYK over Cleveland.

However, Donovan Mitchell is a top five player. He’s that good. Not only that, but the Cavs boast the NBA’s best defense. So at the end, the Cavs get it done.

2023 NBA Playoff Prediction: Cleveland in six

Western Conference

1-Denver Nuggets vs. 8-Minnesota Timberwolves

The guess is the T’Wolves beat Oklahoma City and then face off against Denver starting on Sunday. It might not happen, but if it does, Nuggets fans should worry.

As well as Denver played during the regular season, the playoffs are a different story. Rudy Gobert should return for this series. Rudy will enter a starting lineup that includes Karl-Anthony Towns, Mike Conley, and the fantastic Anthony Edwards. T’Wolves pull off this season’s shocker.

2023 NBA Playoff Prediction: Minnesota in seven

2-Memphis Grizzlies vs. 7-Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers ended the regular season going 9-2 straight up in their last 11, which is how LAL made it to the play-in game. On paper, this is a no-brainer, Lakers win.

Yep. You heard that right. D’Angelo Russell will play great defense on Ja Morant. LeBron and Anthony Davis will dominate the Grizzlies’ front line. Lakers in five.

2023 NBA Playoff Prediction: Lakers in five

3-Sacramento Kings vs. 6-Golden State Warriors

The Warriors are a favorite to win the title. Sacramento offers +5000 odds. So which team wins the first round series?

Although Andrew Wiggins returns to the Warriors’ lineup, this is still a bad matchup for the Dubs. Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray are terrific.

De’Aaron Fox is a high-scoring point guard with a backcourt mate in Kevin Heurter who averages over 15 points per. Sacramento wins in six and puts a fork in the Golden State dynasty.

2023 NBA Playoff Prediction: Lakers in five

4-Phoenix Suns vs. 5-L.A. Clippers

The Suns are now +480 to win the NBA title. Since Kevin Durant returned to the starting five, the Suns have dominated. Phoenix not only has a Big Four in KD, Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and DeAndre Ayton, but the Suns, for the first time in it feels like two seasons, are healthy.

The Clippers boast good players. However, Paul should handle Russell Westbrook and nobody, not even Kawhi Leonard, is going to stop Devin Booker. The Suns sweep.

2023 NBA Playoff Prediction: Phoenix in four

Where to Bet on the 2022-23 NBA season with Bitcoin

Nitrobetting offers a solid channel for those who want to bet on the 2023 NBA Season with bitcoin. The power of crypto and its lightning-fast transactions make the entire NBA Season betting more enjoyable.

This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting news. Stay tuned for more 2022-23 NBA season previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest basketball betting odds on our online BTC sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.

READ MORE: 2023 NBA Championship Odds Update (April)