NBA playoffs betting: Can any team down 2-0 come back?

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An NBA playoff adage says a series doesn't start until a home team loses. According to that, five of the eight first-round series have yet to begin. Home teams started 13-0 in the playoffs for the first time since 2004.

Heat-Celtics, Mavs-Clippers, and Bucks-Pacers are the only series that split their first two games. Below, we broke down the other five series to see if there's a bet to make on a team coming back, or if the series is over.

Lakers vs. Nuggets

The Lakers built a 20-point lead in Game 2, Anthony Davis had 32 points, and LeBron James took over in the fourth quarter. Los Angeles must've won, right? Check again. Jamal Murray's buzzer-beater lifted Denver over the Lakers to take a 2-0 series lead. It was L.A.'s 10th straight loss to the Nuggets.

Considering the history and stakes, it was a demoralizing loss. Sure, Los Angeles can defend homecourt and even the series over the next few days. But the Lakers outplayed the Nuggets in Game 2; L.A. shot 43% from three compared to the Nuggets' 23%. Yet Denver prevailed again. The Nuggets did what they always do: execute flawlessly in the clutch to pull out a win.

D'Angelo Russell drilled seven threes after a 1-for-9 showing in Game 1. James and the Lakers exposed Nikola Jokic in the pick-and-roll. None of it was enough.

L.A. needs to play a perfect game to win. Maybe it'll break its losing streak, but it won't earn four wins over the next five games.

Sixers vs. Knicks

Following Game 2, Joel Embiid claimed the Sixers are "better" than the Knicks.

He's right. The Sixers are better. But the Knicks are the hungrier, grittier, tougher, and more resilient team. And those groups win playoff series. Embiid - more than most - should know talent doesn't guarantee playoff success.

When Embiid claims Philadelphia is "going to win" the series, don't believe him.

Embiid's body has failed him every postseason. His knee injury has left him hobbled, again impacting his playoff performance.

He still scored 34 points in 39 minutes in Game 2 but did the least damage in the fourth quarter, where he scored five points and grabbed zero boards.

The Sixers' rebounding efforts in Game 2 were significantly better than Game 1 against a dangerous offensive rebounding squad. However, Embiid boxing out Josh Hart instead of Isaiah Hartenstein ultimately cost them the game.

The Knicks' plan includes forcing Embiid to guard at the level of the screen in the pick-and-roll and attacking him at the rim. That's usually not a wise strategy against a 7-footer with a top-10 defensive rating, but it works with Embiid wounded.

Philly has successfully limited Jalen Brunson. The MVP candidate's primary defenders have cut off his driving lanes, and a hoist of help defenders have closed the gaps to prevent Brunson from getting to his spots.

He's shooting 29% from the field and 16% from three, his worst two-game stretch of the season. Although the Sixers' defense has impacted his efficiency, Brunson's also missing shots he typically makes.

If Brunson heats up and the Knicks' others continuously produce, Philadelphia won't recover.

The Sixers' contributions from anyone besides Embiid and Tyrese Maxey - who's outplaying Brunson - are few and far between. If that changes, and a couple of bounces and whistles go Philly's way at home, the team can tie the series by the end of the week.

As I forecasted last week, I still believe this series will go the distance. If you think the Sixers have a chance, grab a ticket on their series spread of +2.5 (-130).

However, I wouldn't bet against the Knicks' toughness and connectivity in a Game 7 at Madison Square Garden.

Magic vs. Cavs

In case anyone forgot (we wouldn't blame you if you did), the Cavs and Magic are competing for a chance to lose to the Celtics in the second round.

This is a low-scoring slugfest between two great defenses. The Cavs have a competent offense led by backcourt partners Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, as well as a deep roster.

The Magic are offensively challenged. They couldn't score consistently in the regular season, and they surely can't score against a top-10 defense. Orlando - shooting 23% from three - has an 88.5 offensive rating this series, by far the worst in the playoffs. The Pelicans have the second worst at 98.9.

Game 3's total is 200 despite both previous contests falling below 190 points.

It's hard to win without scoring, and the Magic don't have enough creators to generate clean looks. That's not changing, and neither is the direction of this series. Hopefully, you're still holding onto the Cavs series spread at -1.5, which we gave out at +125 (it's -280 now).

Wolves vs. Suns

The Suns' new ownership group is learning the value of size and depth. The Timberwolves outrebounded Phoenix 52-28 in Game 1. The Suns responded with a stout rebounding showing in Game 2, and they shut down Wolves stars Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. It didn't matter.

Jaden McDaniels knotted 25 points, his third-highest total this season. He, Rudy Gobert, and Mike Conley combined for 61.

Grayson Allen - a 3-point sniper - sprained his ankle and will likely be out for at least Game 3. Plus, the Suns rank last in bench points. Phoenix won't rally if its Big Three doesn't shine. Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal combined for only 52 points in Game 2.

The Suns' stars are due for positive regression. Although the Wolves have terrific perimeter and interior defenders, it's fair to expect Phoenix's heroes to put on a cape.

Unusually dominant performances from role players typically don't translate on the road. This matchup might be too difficult for Phoenix, but it's worth backing the Suns' series spread at +2.5 (-140).

Thunder vs. Pelicans

After brushing off the nerves of Game 1, the Thunder boat raced the Pelicans in Game 2. For a young team that looked its age in the playoff opener, the Thunder matured like Tom Hanks in "Big."

New Orleans' defensive prowess wasn't an issue for OKC's core - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 33 points, Chet Holmgren dropped 26, and Jalen Williams poured in 21.

The Pelicans have solid pieces, but they don't have a reliable star without Zion Williamson. That makes it hard for them to win a playoff series.

The Thunder got an ideal first-round matchup against a team that can't take advantage of their two weaknesses: size and inexperience. OKC will easily advance in the postseason for the first time since 2016.

Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.