Is The NBA Rigged?!😱

It is getting kind of crazy that a lot of us are labeling every single sport as rigged or that it has a “script” similar to what we see in the WWE. Despite the ridiculousness of such claims, it's worth asking whether the outcomes we witness are entirely coincidental.

It just makes sense that the NBA is manipulating games and series to generate higher revenue and increase fan engagement. Like, who wants to see Karl-Anthony Towns vs Ja Morant when you can get King James against Morant in the first round of the playoffs in what could potentially be one of LeBron’s last playoff appearances?

Suppose, hypothetically speaking, that the NBA is rigged. In that case, wouldn't it actually benefit sports bettors who try to predict the unpredictable? If the outcomes are predetermined, it could be easier to make accurate predictions about which teams will advance to the championship games. If we assume that the league is trying to maximize revenue, then betting on matchups that would generate high ratings and profits could be a strategic approach to predicting the Finals.

There are two particularly compelling first-round matchups that I believe will be worth watching and betting on: the Knicks versus the Cavs and the Lakers versus the Grizzlies.

Knicks vs Cavaliers Predictions & Best Bets

Today at 6:00 PM on ESPN

I’m not overly concerned about the injury to Julius Randle here for the Knicks. The bottom line is that after losing to Cleveland in October, they’ve looked like a considerably stronger team in each of their other three meetings.

New York has one of the best benches in basketball this season, ultimately finishing fourth in net rating — two spots ahead of Cleveland, which finished sixth. One thing it has going for it is the second-best offensive rating in the second half of the season, which surely will help combat Cleveland’s strong defense.

While the injury to Randle is stealing headlines, it’s not nearly enough to keep me off the Knicks here. The fact is, they ranked 12th in defensive rebounding rate this year and second in offensive rebounding rate.

Read more from Kenny Ducey’s Cavs vs Knicks predictions and best bets.

Lakers vs Grizzlies Predictions & Best Bets

Sunday at 3:00 PM on ESPN

Rarely does a No. 2 vs. No. 7 series offer much suspense, but this Western Conference first-round matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers promises to be the exception.

It is hard to bet against James. That said, it’s Memphis’ series to lose. The Grizzlies’ young core has been knocking on the door the last two years, and they seem poised to break through and make a deep postseason run.

James and Anthony Davis make up one of the NBA's elite duos when healthy, and the deadline acquisitions of D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura, in addition to the emergence of Austin Reaves — have eased some of the burden on them.

With Memphis big men Steven Adams (knee) and Brandon Clarke (Achilles) both sidelined, the Grizzlies will need Jaren Jackson Jr. and Xavier Tillman to play big and dominate around the rim.

If they can do that, Memphis should have enough firepower to wear down the veteran Lakers over a long series, especially with homecourt on their side.

Read more from Doug Bonjour’s Grizzlies vs Lakers predictions and best bets.