NBA Playoff Betting Guide: Western Conference First Round Preview

The Western Conference playoffs are set to deliver fireworks. With the bracket now locked in, bettors have a wealth of opportunities across eight teams vying for a spot in the second round.

The top seed enters as heavy favorites, but value lies deeper in the bracket. Look for upset potential in the 4-5 matchup where regular season records don't tell the full story. The underdog has won three of four meetings this season, including a statement win in the final week.

For prop bettors, the focus should be on individual matchups. Star players facing weaker defensive assignments could see inflated stat lines, particularly in Games 1 and 2 before adjustments are made.