The 2025-26 NBA Playoffs intensified this week as DraftKings Sportsbook released updated odds and lines for the highly anticipated second-round series as of May 2, highlighting critical matchups across both the Eastern and Western Conferences, with games kicking off as early as May 4. Fans and bettors are scrutinizing these matchups, particularly after surprising upsets and dominant regular-season performances set the stage for compelling battles to determine which teams will advance to the conference finals.
Background to the Brackets
The NBA playoffs, a grueling test of endurance and skill, have already delivered significant drama in the first round. Several series went down to the wire, with notable upsets reshaping the landscape of the championship chase. Teams fought fiercely to secure their spots, setting the stage for even more intense competition in the second round.
The current matchups pit top seeds against resilient challengers, promising high-stakes basketball. The journey through the playoffs demands not only talent but also mental fortitude and strategic depth, as every possession can shift the momentum of a series.
Eastern Conference Showdown: 76ers vs. Knicks
The Eastern Conference features a compelling matchup between the No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers (+200) and the No. 3 New York Knicks (-260), according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Their regular-season series was evenly split at 2-2, indicating a closely contested rivalry.
Game 1, scheduled for May 4, sees the Knicks as 5.5-point favorites with a moneyline of -218, while the 76ers are at +180. The over/under for total points is set at 213.5.
Philadelphia enters this series on a high note, having engineered a remarkable comeback from a 3-1 deficit to eliminate the second-seeded Boston Celtics in the first round. Their improbable victory included winning Games 5 and 7 on Boston’s home court, showcasing immense resilience.
The Celtics’ collapse was partly attributed to Jayson Tatum’s Game 7 knee injury and a dismal 13-for-50 shooting performance from beyond the arc. The 76ers’ ability to capitalize on these vulnerabilities highlights their potential to challenge any opponent, even away from home.
Adding intrigue to the 76ers-Knicks series, both teams secured two victories on the other’s home floor during the regular season. This suggests that home-court advantage might be less of a factor, setting the stage for a truly unpredictable and hard-fought series.
Western Conference Dominance: Thunder vs. Lakers
In the Western Conference, the No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder (-1600) are heavily favored against the No. 4 Los Angeles Lakers (+900). Oklahoma City dominated the regular-season series, sweeping the Lakers 4-0.
Game 1, set for May 5, places the Thunder as significant 15.5-point favorites, with a moneyline of -1100 compared to the Lakers’ +700. The over/under is 213.5 points.
DraftKings Sportsbook offers ‘Correct score’ odds of +120 for the Thunder to sweep the Lakers in the postseason, a testament to their regular-season superiority. In their four victories against Los Angeles, Oklahoma City won by an average margin of 29.3 points, including commanding wins of 43 and 36 points.
The Lakers’ challenge is further compounded by the continued absence of star Luka Doncic due to injury. His offensive prowess and playmaking abilities are sorely missed, making the task of overcoming the top-seeded Thunder even more daunting.
This matchup presents a formidable hurdle for Los Angeles, and many analysts predict a swift conclusion if the Thunder maintain their dominant form and the Lakers cannot compensate for their key injury.
Western Conference Grudge Match: Spurs vs. Timberwolves
The other Western Conference second-round series features the No. 3 San Antonio Spurs (-2000) against the No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves (+950). Minnesota held a 2-1 advantage in their regular-season series.
Game 1 on May 4 sees the Spurs as 13.5-point favorites, with a moneyline of -900 against the Wolves’ +600. The over/under is set at 217.5 points.
Both teams navigated their first-round series with relative ease; the Spurs defeated the Blazers in five games, and the Wolves bested the Nuggets in six. San Antonio faced a brief scare when Victor Wembanyama suffered a concussion in Game 2, missing Game 3, but he returned to his dominant form for the remainder of the series.
Minnesota, however, faces deeper injury concerns. Donte DiVincenzo is reportedly out for the remainder of the playoffs, and star Anthony Edwards is expected to miss time in Round 2 due to a knee injury. Additionally, Ayo Dosunmo is dealing with a calf strain.
A fully healthy Timberwolves squad proved capable of challenging San Antonio, as demonstrated by their regular-season series win. However, without key players like Edwards and DiVincenzo, their ability to push the stacked Spurs roster is severely diminished, making their path forward significantly more challenging.
What to Watch Next
The unfolding second round will profoundly test the depth, resilience, and adaptability of every remaining team. The severe injury concerns plaguing the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves could drastically alter their series trajectories, potentially leading to swift eliminations and a less competitive battle for the Conference Finals.
Conversely, the Philadelphia 76ers’ unexpected surge against the Celtics demonstrates the unpredictable nature of playoff basketball. Their success highlights that momentum and team chemistry can sometimes overcome perceived talent gaps, especially when opponents are hampered by injuries or poor performance. This narrative suggests that other underdogs might also find unexpected pathways to victory.
Bettors and fans will closely monitor injury updates and the performances in Game 1, as these initial contests often set the tone for the entire series. The outcomes of these pivotal matchups will not only shape the Conference Finals but also significantly influence future championship odds, underscoring the high stakes involved in every possession and strategic decision made on the court.
