With help from our trusted well-oiled database, let’s examine four proven theories that experience lined our pockets through the opening round of the NBA playoffs since 1991.  Here’s what the machine has to say.

No. 8 Seeds Are Behind The 8-Ball

For probably the most part, No. 8 seeds within the NBA playoffs are teams that likely scratched and clawed their way into the post-season.  Not ok to be seriously considered threats against top-seeded opponents but just barely better than the dregs of the league.

Rest assured, their life expectancy isn't long at all, as they’ve lost over 70% of time (54-133 SU) in games against Number 1. seeds since 1996.  In fact, only the 1996 Big apple Knicks, the 2007 Golden State Warriors and the 2012 Philadelphia 76ers were ok to tug the rug on top seeded foes and advance to Round Two of the playoffs.

And you'll virtually write them off in games against #1. seeds which might be off back-to-back SU and ATS wins. These guys scratch like an roaming 8-ball within the side pocket, going 4-25 SU and 9-20 ATS, including 0-16 SU and 2-14 ATS whenever the 8-ballers are off a variety lack of four or more points of their last game.

Upset Losers Are Winners

No, it’s not an oxymoron.  Instead, it’s a formidable handicapping edge.  It occurs whenever a team was upset as a favourite in a gap round game and is at home within the game immediately thereafter.

That’s confirmed by the truth that they're 90-24 SU and 68-42-4, a rock solid number.  And in the event that they are squaring off against a No. 6 or lower seed they improve to 48-6 SU and 38-16-2 ATS – including 15-2-2 ATS when favored by not up to eight points.

Don’t be frightened of these chalkbusters. They don’t lose their composure, instead they nearly always dig down deep and respond with aplomb in games after being embarrassed.

Double-Digit Dogma

Surprisingly, within the right role, double-digit underdogs do well in opening round contests, especially when playing off a playoff loss. These overweight puppies are 32-17-2 ATS on this role.

If these same teams are fascinated with a game with the Over/Under total set at 193 or higher they zoom to 26-7 ATS, including 19-3 ATS when facing a non-division foe.

Granted, these dogs aren't exactly pedigree puppies, however the fact of the problem is that they are likely to arise big against disinterested favorites not able to chopping heavy lumber.

And Down Goes Frazier

The psyche of teams that aren't playing well comes immediately to the skin throughout the opening round of the NBA playoffs. That’s evidenced by the truth that teams riding a 3 game-exact loss skein are wobbly and oftentimes one punch clear of being counted out.

With glass-like jaws, these swirling teams are only 46-63 SU and 44-61-4 ATS clear of home this round, including 7-11 SU and 6-12 ATS in lid-lifters. 

Worst of all, road dogs of greater than six points on a 3 game exact losing skid are 3-27 SU and 8-22 ATS on their approach to the canvas.

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Defending champions (the Golden State Warriors as a result) are 74-33 SU and 59-44-4 ATS in opening round games the following season, including 16-8 SU and 15-8-1 ATS in Game Certainly one of Round One. They are, however, just 5-9 ATS as double-digit chalk on this round.

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