NBA Best Bets Today, 4/18: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - NBA Friday
It was a rough outing in the nine versus ten matches, as both road teams came up with huge victories. The Miami Heat made quick work of the Chicago Bulls, and had the rare wire to wire victory. Thus the winning margin for the Chicago Bulls was never in play.
Part of the reason the Bulls were never in it, is because their backcourt never ramped up. Coby White and Josh Giddey had an off night, and due to it Giddey was nowhere near the required ten assists.
The Sacramento Kings had a good first quarter, but that is it. Klay Thompson sank four three-point field goals in the second quarter and the Dallas Mavericks never looked back on their way to a play-in victory. It was a rough outing for NBA predictions two days ago, but there is a great opportunity to bounce back today with both eighth places on the line.
NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 4/18
There are two matches today and two franchises' seasons will come to an end.
Both games are projected to be close, and a spread is the first of our NBA best bets today.
Heat vs. Hawks Prediction: Miami +1.5 (-110 on BetMGM) *BET OF THE NIGHT
The Miami Heat are underdogs on some sportsbooks, and favorites in others. The Heat traveled from Chicago to Atlanta in order to face the Hawks at State Farm Arena. This is going to be a tough Southeast Divisional battle, and the winner faces the Cleveland Cavaliers as the loser begins their summer vacation.
These two teams split the season 2 - 2 against each other, as would be expected for division rivals who finished below .500. Atlanta has the advantage of playing at home, but the Heat have a coaching and experience advantage. They also have one more crucial advantage, their roster. Even without Jimmy Butler the Heat have a better starting five, especially without Jalen Johnson, Larry Nance, and Clint Capela out for Atlanta.
The Heat have a better defense, allowing 110.0 points per game, compared to the Hawks who allow 119.3 points per game. Even if a team gets a double-digit lead, the closing five minutes of this game will be a close, back and forth event. Expect Tyler Herro to keep his amazing year going, by carrying the Heat to the playoffs.
The Southeast Division came in with three teams in the play-in, but only two of them will make it to the playoffs. The expectation is for Miami to once again enter as an eighth seed, but taking the +1.5 allows for a 1 points loss to be a successful bet. Some sportsbooks are offering -1 for Miami at the same odds. Take the spread on BetMGM, and to those not utilizing the sportsbook, make sure to take advantage of Fantasy Alarm’s promotional offer.
Mavericks vs. Grizzlies Prediction: P. J. Washington O6.5 Rebounds (-105 on Bet365)
Through all the turmoil that has been the Dallas Mavericks’ season, P. J. Washington has been the reliable foundation, or what’s left of it. Although he only played 57 games this season, he has been vocal and has excelled in his last few weeks. He asked the fans to quit chanting ‘fire Nico’, and booing during the game because the trade has already happened, and they need to focus on the players in the locker room.
Washington played 37 minutes, scored 17 points, earned 9 rebounds, and dished out 4 assists in Dallas’ victory over Sacramento. He was doing everything required of him to help his team win, whenever it was needed. The same is likely to be the scenario against the Memphis Grizzlies today.
Memphis has good rebounders in Zach Edey, Jaren Jackson, and Santi Aldama off the bench. Washington will need to keep pressing for rebounds, and block out their large front court. He has an average of 7.8 rebounds per game, and Memphis allows an average of 52.9 rebounds per game.
This wager needs Washington to earn just under his average to be successful, against a team that is not great at preventing opposing teams from rebounding. With their season on the line, and an opportunity to play against a team they defeated in the playoffs last year, look for Washington to bring maximum effort.
Memphis runs several offensive plays which will allow Washington to have more opportunities for defensive rebounds. Put a unit on him to earn over 6.5 rebounds tonight at Bet365 with near even odds. For those that have not deposited into the sportsbook, make sure to take advantage of the offer at the end of this article.
Best NBA Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 4/18
The last of our NBA best bets today focuses on a straight bet with great odds in the last play-in match of the season.
Mavericks vs. Grizzlies Prediction: Dallas Money Line (+220 on DraftKings)
The Memphis Grizzlies host the Dallas Mavericks at FedExForum, and they are favorites to win this match. Their spread is currently -6.0 in a game with a total of 221… which seems slightly off. Despite the fact that the Grizzlies are 2 to 3 field goal favorites, the Mavericks money line is the suggested play to cap off our NBA best bets today.
Memphis won nine more games than Dallas this year, and despite that, their season could end tonight against the defending Western Conference Champion. The Grizzlies destroyed the Mavericks 132 - 97 two games ago, but Memphis was trying to avoid the play-in, and Dallas was resting. Tonight’s game will be much different. Dallas is coming off of a dismantling victory over the Kings, and they did it with tough defense and efficient scoring.
Dallas’ front court is healthy, and they are going to be a problem for Memphis. Dereck Lively and Daniel Gafford compliment each other well, and there is not a drop off in production when Gafford subs in for Lively. P.J. Washington was discussed at length in the previous bet, and few players in the NBA play with the effort Washington does.
As great as those three are, the best front court player isn’t either of them. Anthony Davis did not have a great game against Sacramento, just 9 - 23 from the field. However he played 37 minutes, scored 27 points, earned 9 rebounds, and had 3 blocks (10 in his last two games).
Davis will be a force on both offense and defense and could be the catalyst to getting Dallas into the playoffs. Doing so would reward the Mavericks front office with a playoff series when everyone had them headed for a draft pick. Davis is without question their best player.
Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, and Max Christie are excellent defenders, and Thompson and Marshall are better than average scorers. Brandon Williams is listed as probable and the Mavericks are as healthy as they have been since the All-Star break. Their backcourt is capable of stopping Ja Morant, and forcing someone else to be the Grizzlies’ consistent scorer.
As great as Memphis has been, Dallas has experience and coaching on their side. Jason Kidd and Davis have each been key players on championship teams, and Dallas has an underrated defense, capable of slowing down the Grizzlies potent offense.
Put a unit on the +220 best bet on DraftKings, and for those new to the sportsbook, make sure to take advantage of Fantasy Alarm’s promotional offer. And remember, it’s a money line portion of our NBA best bets today, at any point the return on investment is an acceptable profit, cash it out. The entire point of betting is to win.
Get $150 in Bonus Bets Today At Bet365 Sportsbook When You Sign Up
Ready to jump into the action? New users can score a fantastic deal with Bet365 Sportsbook without even needing a Bet365 promo code. Sign up today, place a $5 wager, and instantly receive $150 in bonus bets—win or lose! It’s one of the best offers out there, giving you extra firepower to follow our NBA picks today.
Whether you’re fading or following our NBA best bets today, this promo reduces the risk and boosts your potential payout. Head to Bet365 now to claim your $150 in bonus bets and get in on the NBA excitement! With these NBA predictions and options in hand, you’re set for a profitable night.
Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy
*All NBA odds accurate at time of writing and NBA best bets today to be placed at 1 unit unless specified otherwise
Looking for more NBA picks and strategy? From props to playoff insights, we’ve got you covered.
- NBA DFS Picks, 4/18
- Hawks vs. Heat Predictions Today, 4/18
- Mavericks vs. Grizzlies Predictions Today, 4/18
Fantasy Alarm is your go-to for expert NBA coverage. Join the conversation in our Discord and don’t miss our breakdowns on YouTube and X.
Player News
Buddy Hield had 15 points (5-of-14 FGs), three rebounds, one assist, one steal and four three-pointers against the Timberwolves in Game 2 on Thursday.
Hield moved into the Warriors’ starting lineup in the first round and the team became somewhat reliant on his scoring. With Stephen Curry (hamstring) out in Game 2, Hield started and played 29 minutes. The 32-year-old shooting guard led the Warriors in field goal attempts, though no one in a Golden State uniform was able to reach 20 points. The Warriors weren’t able to overcome a double-digit first half deficit. Despite the four made three-pointers, they’re going to need more from Hield as the series shifts to Golden State, especially if Curry remains out.
Jimmy Butler had 17 points (6-of-13 FGs), seven rebounds, four assists, one steal and two three-pointers against the Timberwolves in Game 2 on Thursday.
Butler couldn’t get it done without Stephen Curry (hamstring) on the road in Game 2. The Warriors fell behind by double-digits early and never recovered. Butler had 17 points on 13 shots, which wasn’t far off from the 20 points he had in Game 1. Still, the Warriors have to regroup as they head home for Games 3 and 4 as they try to figure out a way to keep this series close until Curry can return to the court.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker had 20 points (7-of-13 FGs), two rebounds, three assists, one block and four three-pointers in Game 2 against the Warriors on Thursday.
Alexander-Walker was a key scorer off the bench in Game 2. He, Naz Reid and Donte DiVencenzo combined for 10 made three-pointers off the bench. In a game where the Warriors were desperate for scoring without Stephen Curry (hamstring), those bench points were too much to overcome as the Timberwolves won by 24 points.
Julius Randle had 24 points (10-of-17 FGs), seven rebounds, 11 assists and one three-pointer in Game 2 against the Warriors on Thursday.
Randle led the Timberwolves in scoring in the Game 2 victory. The 30-year-old power forward was just three rebounds away from a triple-double. He was a steadying presence in his 33 minutes as Anthony Edwards dealt with an ankle injury towards the end of the first half. Edwards recovered from his injury to play 34 minutes, but Randle is still the next most important player in this series for the Timberwolves.
Anthony Edwards had 20 points (6-of-13 FGs), nine rebounds, five assists, three steals, one block and two three-pointers in the Timberwolves’ 117-93 victory over the Warriors in Game 2 on Thursday.
Edwards appeared to suffer a sprained left ankle towards the end of the second quarter as the Warriors’ Trayce Jackson-Davis landed on his foot. Edwards turned the same ankle in the first round against the Lakers and appeared to re-aggravate the injury. The 23-year-old shooting guard would go on to start the second half and play a team-high 34 minutes in the Game 2 victory. Edwards will only have one full day off before the series resumes in Golden State for Game 3 on Saturday.
Warriors will start Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green and Quinten Post in Game 2 against the Timberwolves on Thursday.
No surprise here as Curry was always a long shot to make it back for Game 2 after leaving Game 1 with hamstring injury. While there has been a report that the 37-year-old point guard is expected to miss a week, there is no firm timetable for his return. The Warriors will go big with their starting lineup for Game 2 with center Quinten Post entering the lineup in Curry’s absence.