NBA Best Bets Today, 4/23: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - NBA Playoffs
The Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder match went exactly as it was predicted to yesterday. The defense came in spurts but the total remained under 228.5 in a game Oklahoma controlled throughout. The final score was 118-99. Oklahoma City looks as advertised, and Memphis does not appear to have the roster to compete with them.
Brook Lopez was good defensively but only played 16 minutes of game two. He was unable to earn rebounds for our NBA best bets, and he had more blocks (4) than he made field goals (3). The Milwaukee Bucks were in catch up mode all night, as Head Coach Rick Carlisle had the Indiana Pacers in an offensive blitz all night.
The most disappointing of our NBA predictions was Naz Reid and the Minnesota Timberwolves who were given a defensive masterclass by the Los Angeles Lakers. The first quarter ended 15-34, as Los Angeles controlled throughout the game. Luka Doncic’s 12 rebounds were two times more than ANY Minnesota player. Reid played 21 minutes and scored just 9 points.
NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 4/23
There are three more games today, and like the games yesterday, they are potentially all blowouts.
The first of our NBA best bets today comes from the defending champion, Boston Celtics.
Magic vs. Celtics Prediction: Kristaps Porzingis U18.5 Points (+114 on BetMGM) *BET OF THE NIGHT
Kristaps Porzingis has not been the offensive star that he has been in previous years. He only played 42 games this year and outside of a few games has not been much of an offensive threat. The rise of Derrick White, 2025 Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard, and Jayson Tatum’s MVP caliber year have limited his offensive opportunity.
Tatum is listed as doubtful for this game but Al Horford and Luke Kornet have been playing several minutes and are productive when in the lineup. Porzingis played 26 minutes in game one and scored just five points on two field goal attempts. He had more rebounds than points in a tough defensive match, and points will be difficult once again.
Porzingis averages 19.5 points per game this season, but the Orlando Magic has the best defense in the Association. Porzingis could be asked to deliver more, but Wendell Carter, Paolo Banchero make baskets near the rim difficult. He will score more than 5 points, but 19 seems like a stretch.
BetMGM has an odds boost to move this wager from -105 to +114, and it expires tomorrow. For those new to the sports betting app, make sure to take advantage of Fantasy Alarm’s offer.
Heat vs. Cavaliers Prediction: Davion Mitchell O1.5 Threes Made (+120 on Bet365)
Davion Mitchell was mentioned in our NBA best bets for game one of the Miami Heat versus Cleveland Cavaliers. Cleveland had an easy victory and the Heat will continue to have issues with the complete roster of the Cavaliers. Cleveland is favored by -12.5 points in a game with a total of 212.5 points.
Mitchell came through in that portion of NBA best bets, and the prediction is the same once again. Mitchell has delivered for the Heat playing 33 or more minutes in his last three games. His odds for over 1.5 threes made have slightly moved down, but are still at +120, and worth a unit.
He has made two or more in his last three games, which have correlated with his rise in minutes. The Cavaliers are heavy favorites to win this match, and that will force the Heat to play from behind. Mitchell and the Heat will be forced to attempt threes to catch up, which favors this bet. Mitchell has a 35.9 three point percentage and as long as he continues to get touches, he should make two threes.
For those new to Bet365 make sure to take advantage of the bonus bet at the end of this article for a chance to earn $150 in bonus bets. While there, place a wager on Davion Mitchell to make two or more threes tonight.
Best NBA Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 4/23
The last of our NBA best bets today comes from a match that should be the only close game tonight.
Although that was not the case in their previous match.
Warriors vs. Rockets Prediction: Stephen Curry U25.5 Points (-115 on DraftKings)
The Houston Rockets host the Golden State Warriors at the Toyota Center, and the spread of this match is just three points in favor of the Rockets. The Los Angeles Lakers won their second game at home after a loss, and the Rockets are trying to do the same. Game one was defensive, which is what Houston wanted, but the outcome was not how they planned it.
Holding the Warriors to 95 points usually implies a win, but the Rockets put up just 85 points. And despite keeping Golden State from scoring triple digits, they did not stop Stephen Curry. He played 40 minutes and scored 31 points, just shy of 33% of Golden State’s total points. If Houston plans on winning they must force the ball out of Curry’s hands.
He only had three assists as the Warriors took advantage of Jimmy Butler’s intelligence and offensive abilities. Curry was the heartbeat of the team, and he should be double teamed often. Curry is an all-time scorer, but even he will have issues with two men covering him, and Houston has a good defense. They held the Warriors to 18 less points than their average, and they need to figure out the best adjustments to limit Curry’s field goals.
He made 12 of 19 in the first game and they must pressure him off the three point line where he made five of nine attempts. Look for Dillon Brooks to be aggressive in his defense of Curry, put a unit on Curry to score less than 25.5 points in game two. For those new to DraftKings, make sure to take advantage of Fantasy Alarm’s promotional offer for new customers.
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.
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.