NBA Best Bets Today, 4/29: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - NBA Playoffs
Davion Mitchell attempted his most three point field goal of the series, but failed to make two for the first game of the series. In doing so the Miami Heat allowed the Cleveland Cavaliers to win by the largest margin ever recorded in a close out game.
The Houston Rockets versus the Golden State Warriors was an excellent game, filled with excitement and tension. The Warriors scored their most first quarter points of the series, putting up ten more points than they scored in the first three games. 28 points were scored and the under 24.5 points was not won.
The Rockets won the second quarter but could not finish out the game victorious. The Warriors would win the tough contest by three points, spoiling the moneyline wager on the Rockets.
NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 4/29
Two games can make navigating bets difficult, but today there are four games to choose from. The Los Angeles Clippers versus Denver Nuggets is discussed in length in the Clippers vs Nuggets Predictions, Picks & Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 5, 4/29 article.
The first NBA best bet today comes from the first game today.
Bucks vs Pacers Prediction: Tyrese Haliburton Over 10.5 Assists (-115 on BETMGM) *BET OF THE NIGHT
The Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers have a quick turnaround and play their second match in under 48 hours. Milwaukee appears headed to the off-season and a major shake up could be taking place, including the removal of their coaching staff, and trading of their best player, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Pacers have been the most underrated team of the season, and that has continued into the playoffs. Despite winning fifty games, despite making it to the Eastern Conference Finals last year, despite having a championship winning head coach that has won the fourteenth most games in the NBA’s history, they are still doubted and underrated.
However they are not doubted tonight, as they are -8.0 favorites on the spread, and Gainbridge Fieldhouse will be rocking. All indications are the Pacers will advance to the conference semifinals for the second season in a row, but a win tonight starts with Tyrese Haliburton.
Haliburton has been one of the best distributors of the ball this season. He averaged 9.2 assists per game in the regular season and has recorded double digits in every game of this series. 12, 12, 10, and 15 in the four games.
He has recorded 12 in each home game of this series, and with Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and Myles Turner scoring at an elite level, Haliburton’s job is easy. Look for the Pacers to end their rival’s season, and Haliburton to continue his high assists ways tonight.
Put a unit on it at BETMGM and for those new to the app make sure to take advantage of Fantasy Alarm’s promotional offer.
Pistons vs Knicks Prediction: DET +5.5 (-110 on Bet365)
If the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets are the best series of the first round, the Detroit Pistons versus New York Knicks are a very close second. The series moves back to Madison Square Garden, and the Knick have an opportunity to close out the series at home. It won’t be easy against a young team that has had a lead in every game of this series.
The last two games have been decided by less than 2.5 in each game, featuring some drama and heartbreak at the end of game 4. Tim Hardaway attempted a three point field goal from the corner, directly in front of the New York Knicks bench. His attempt was unsuccessful, but most importantly he was fouled, and after the game concluded, the officials admitted it should have been called a foul.
This caused outrage from coaches, players, and fans as Detroit was unable to win a home playoff game. If they want an opportunity to go back and win at Little Caesars Arena, they will first have to win at Madison Square Garden. Instead of risking a moneyline, taking the given spread of +5.5 points is suggested.
Detroit has only one game this series in which they didn’t cover a +5.5 spread, and with the officials admitting to a very costly mistake, they could “tilt” the court in Detroit’s favor. The roster is good enough to win this series, and one key component could make a difference. Backup center Isaiah Stewert is listed as questionable, which is an upgrade from out. Although a backup he is without question the Pistons best defensive player, and he is needed.
The Knicks coaching staff made the correct adjustments to give Karl-Anthony Towns more offensive production. Should Stewart comeback, Towns will not have the offensive production he has experienced in the last two games. Put a unit on the second NBA best bet, Detroit to cover the spread at Bet365 and for those new to the app, make sure to take advantage of the promotional offer at the end of this column.
Best NBA Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 4/29
The two previously mentioned series are in close out scenarios, and the last NBA best bet today comes from a scenario in the same situation.
Magic vs Celtics Prediction: Franz Wanger Over 23.5 Points (-115 on Draftkings Sportsbook)
The Boston Celtics host the Orlando Magic at TD Garden for game five of their series. It has been a tough, physical battle that has produced cuts, injuries, and blood on the court. The Celtics are -11.5 favorites which seems a bit high in a series that has been tough on both teams. The total is once again below 200, and has been the only series to constantly feature such a low point total.
Although the spread may be off, the Celtics are desperate to get out of this series. The Magic have the best defense in the Association, and they have given the defending champions almost more than they can handle. Close games in the fourth quarter, starters missing time, and the stingy perimeter defense of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has been more than a headache.
They will not face another team able to rough them up in the manner that Orlando has, and the Celtics could really use extra time off with a win tonight. Regardless of the Celtics’ needs the Magic are not going to layover like their in-state rival, the Miami Heat did for Cleveland.
Franz Wagner has the heart of a champion, and plays with the effort of someone that only knows one gear. He doesn’t shy away from contact, does not flop when fouled, and has improved his offensive production during this playoff series.
Wagner averaged 24.1 points per game in the regular season, and he has scored his average or more in three of the four games this series. In the one game he did not, he scored 23, and he has played over his season average of 33.7 minutes per game in every game of this series.
He has attempted twenty or more field goals and has made ten or more in every match of this series. Him and Paolo Banchero have accounted for over 30% (oftentimes more) of the teams points in every game this series. That is not going to change with their season on the line tonight. Look for the hard playing Wagner to do even more offensively and try to send this series to Orlando for one more game.
Put a unit on Wagner to score over 23.5 points on Draftkings, and for those new to the sportsbook make sure to take advantage of Fantasy Alarm’s promotional offer.
–As an extra bonus offer, should a person add Denver Nuggets moneyline to the bet mentioned in the Clippers vs Nuggets prediction article ,and utilize the odds boost from BETMGM, a $20 wager (max amount with odds boost) would return $72.80. Make sure to read the article and take a look at a nice return on investment while at it.
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
Player News
Aaron Gordon had a quiet night, finishing with 13 points (6-of-13 FGs, 0-of-1 FTs), five rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one three-pointer in the Nuggets’ loss to the Thunder on Tuesday.
Gordon was mostly held in check on the offensive end, finishing with his fewest three-point makes of the series, the second-lowest scoring output, and no production from the free throw line. While Gordon has made several big plays down the stretch of games this postseason, he was notably quiet in Game 5, making his line feel even less spectacular. He’s performed well in Denver’s two home games this series and will need to empty the tank on Thursday in Game 6 to help the Nuggets keep their season alive.
Jamal Murray scored 28 points (10-of-27 FGs, 5-of-5 FTs), four rebounds, three assists, one block and three three-pointers in 42 minutes for the Nuggets in their loss to the Thunder on Tuesday.
Murray registered his third 20-plus-point game of the series on Tuesday, but did so on rather inefficient shooting. A monster 13-point third quarter is where much of his production came from, which gave Denver a decent lead going into the final quarter. However, Murray cooled off down the stretch, scoring five of Denver’s 19 points in the fourth quarter. Both he and the rest of the Nuggets will want a better close to Thursday’s Game 6 if they hope to extend their season.
Nikola Jokic was dominant in the Nuggets’ loss to the Thunder on Tuesday, posting 44 points (17-of-25 FGs, 5-of-5 FTs), 15 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and 5 three-pointers.
Jokic bounced back in a big way on Tuesday after a few inefficient shooting performances in Games 2, 3 and 4. The three-time MVP had his fingerprints all over the game on the offensive side, regaining his shooting touch and being particularly dangerous from beyond the arc. He made some contributions as a passer, but still hasn’t found a way to dominate in this series as a facilitator, not yet tallying more than six assists in any game. Even with the Nuggets receiving the inevitable bounce-back game for Jokic, it wasn’t enough for them to take control of the series. Denver will need everything it can get from Jokic in Thursday’s Game 6 if it wants to extend the season.
Luguentz Dort came up big for the Thunder in their win over the Nuggets on Tuesday, finishing with 12 points (4-of-8 FGs), three rebounds, one assist and four three-pointers.
Well-known for his prowess on the defensive end, Dort’s offensive eruption in the fourth quarter helped the Thunder climb from out of a big hole to secure a come-from-behind win and move Oklahoma City one win closer to a trip to the conference finals. His three triples in the final frame were huge, but a late assist on a Jalen Williams three might have been the play that delivered the Thunder the victory. Dort’s double-digit outing marked his third of the series, and Oklahoma City would welcome another as it tries to close out the series on Thursday in Game 6.
Jalen Williams was impressive for the Thunder on Tuesday, posting 18 points (5-of-14 FGs, 6-8 FTs), nine rebounds, four assists, one steal and two three-pointers in the win over the Nuggets.
Williams landed in double figures in scoring for the fifth time in as many games this series. And while he continued to struggle with shooting efficiency, he remained impactful as a facilitator. The fourth-year wing also delivered one of the biggest shots of Game 5 as he sank a corner three-pointer late in the fourth quarter to give Oklahoma City a lead it wouldn’t surrender the rest of the way. Williams will continue to be relied upon when the Thunder head to Denver for a chance to close out the Nuggets in Game 6 on Thursday.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tallied 31 points (12-of-23 FGs, 6-of-6 FTs), six rebounds, seven assists, two steals, two blocks and one three-pointer in the Thunder’s win over the Nuggets on Tuesday.
Gilgeous-Alexander did it all for the Thunder on Tuesday, taking on the roles of scorer and facilitator while remaining active on the defensive end along the way. Most importantly, he was key in the final handful of blows that Oklahoma City dealt Denver down the stretch in what ended up being a dominant 34-19 fourth quarter for the Thunder. Gilgeous-Alexander, an MVP finalist, delivered his third 30-point game of the series and will have a chance on Thursday to produce his fourth as the Thunder try to eliminate the Nuggets.