NBA Best Bets Today, 4/19: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - NBA Saturday

The bet of the night was successful yesterday, but it took an overtime to achieve it. The Miami Heat versus Atlanta Hawks game went exactly as we predicted it to. It was close throughout and back and forth in the last minutes, so much so that it went to overtime. That was where Davion Mitchell shined bright by sinking multiple threes, drawing a charge, and forcing a turnover. Not bad for a player coming off the bench.
The Dallas Mavericks were thoroughly embarrassed by the Memphis Grizzlies, in a game that was never close. The upset prediction of the Dallas Mavericks never had an opportunity to be a realistic option, and part of the reason they did so terribly was P.J. Washington’s awful performance.
Washington only played 27 minutes and had one of the worst stat lines he’s ever produced. He could not get off the hook on his 6.5 rebounding total, and he didn’t score a single point in the match. ZERO points in a win or go home scenario is unacceptable from a player that really needed to be there.
NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 4/19
There are several “No Sweat” and boosts available across almost all sportsbooks and platforms. Make sure to utilize them.
The Western Conference is loaded with top end talent, and every team, one through eight, has a legitimate chance of moving onto the next round. No series is filled with more debate than the match that the first NBA best bet of today comes out of.
Clippers vs Nuggets SGP Prediction: DEN -4.5, Nikola Jokic 3+ Three's Made & 11+ Rebounds (+550 on DraftKings Sportsbook) *BET OF THE NIGHT
The Denver Nuggets host the Los Angeles Clippers at Ball Arena for game 1 of the fourth versus fifth seed in the Western Conference. These two teams split the regular season 2 - 2 against each other this season, including the Clippers coming from behind on Nikola Jokic’s MVP presentation ceremony on opening Saturday. This playoff opening Saturday the Clippers are hoping for the same result, but is it likely?
Draftkings has an offer for a “no sweat” bet offer for any bet with a max reward of $25 back should it lose. This NBA best bet is riding the best player of this decade, Nikola Jokic, to lead his team to a victory for game 1. The spread has moved down from -4.5 to -2.5 for Denver as the media praises the Clippers in a fashion that has not been seen before. The odds could be slightly different if on other sportsbooks, but Denver has every opportunity to put this game out of reach with the third best offense in the Association. So the -4.5 spread stays at the initial line of -4.5, but Jokic’s rebounding has been teased down.
The Clippers allow the fewest rebounds per game to opposing teams with just 48.9 allowed per game. The Nuggets allow the third fewest rebounds to opposing teams, just 49.7. Both teams are capable of doing this with awesome centers and strong forwards. Ivica Zubac, the Clippers starting center, led the Association in total rebounds this season with an outstanding 1,010… that is the textbook definition of effort. Jokic was second in the Association with 12.8 rebounds per game. So even though he’s averaging more and his rebounding line of 12.5 has been teased down to 11+.
If Nikola Jokic did not lead the NBA in heave attempts, he had over 20, he would have also been included in the top three, three-point field goal percentage… which would have added to his feat of the best statistical season of all-time. Regardless of that Jokic has drastically improved his three point making ability. He still finished the season with a 41.7%, and attempted an average of 4.7 per game.
Jokic has made three or more threes in five of his last eight games, and with Zubac improving his play near the rim, look for Jokic to stretch him out and open up lanes for Aaron Gordon. The threes are the risky part of this best bet, but it doesn’t seem like that much of a stretch. Put a unt on the wager at DraftKings and for those new to the sportsbooks make sure to take advantage of Fantasy Alarm’s promotional offer.
Timberwolves vs Lakers SGP Prediction: Minnesota Moneyline & Anthony Edwards 5+ Three's Made (+450 on Bet365)
The Los Angeles Lakers versus Minnesota Timberwolves has already been one of the most discussed matches of the playoffs, and tonight is just the beginning. Anthony Edwards leads a team that seems to have settled into place after a good shake to their starting roster. Although Luka Doncic is not settled with his new team, he is a force unto himself and appears more than capable of having an impactful role.
This NBA best bet focuses on an upset though. Minnesota has been one of the best teams to close out the season. They have won 16 of their last 20 matches, and one loss was due to an epic comeback from Giannis Antetokounmpo that very few players can match. Rudy Gobert is going to be a problem for the Lakers as they have no size at center, and Edwards is a problem for everyone.
The 2024-25 three point crown winner made 320 threes this season… Three hundred and twenty, let that sink in. Edwards, who is the definition of a high-motor, go get it kind of player, played 79 games this season, and that averages out to 4.05 threes made per game. He is ramping up his play, figured out how to play with Julius Randle, and the Timberwolves improved their tempo this season.
Edwards' three point proposition is set at 3.5, and it was tempting to move the alternate line up to six, but five is suggested. He has made five or more threes in five of his last seven matches, and attempted 10 or more threes in nine of his last ten games. The Lakers will likely double team Edwards tonight, but he will have more space and time behind the three point line. He could have over 15 three point attempts tonight.
Look for the Timberwolves to upset the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena (even if the Lakers enjoy the favorable whistle… which is expected in the playoffs), and for Edwards to continue busting up opposing teams backcourts. The odds on Bet365 are MUCH better than several other sportsbooks, and remember to take advantage of their “Safety Net Bet”. For those that have not placed a wager on the sportsbook, make sure to take advantage of the offer at the end of this article.
Best NBA Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 4/19
With four intense games, and each of them the first game in a playoff series, player propositions can be a bit tricky. But the last NBA best bet today, is one placed with full confidence.
Pistons vs Knicks Prediction: Karl-Anthony Towns Over 11.5 Rebounds (-110 on BETMGM)
Back on the big man, is a little tune made, produced, and sung at the Fantasy Alarm Betting Bungalow when Karl-Anthony Towns makes an appearance. He has the highest winning percentage of best bets placed in this column, and although he has voided several tickets with late scratches, he has come through in every bet but one this season. The expectation is for him to keep doing his thing in his first playoff game at Madison Square Garden (MSG).
The New York Knicks host the Detroit Pistons at MSG in for those of us that can remember 80s /90s basketball, a rivalry is renewed. The Knicks and Pistons have played each other three times in the playoffs, and this will be the third time it took place in the first round. The Pistons have won eight games, and the Knicks 7, but New York has won two series.
Towns will be matched up with Jalen Duren and Isiah Stewart and will have a clear advantage over both of them. To an extent this game, and series, will come down to how well Towns executes. Cade Cunningham and Jalen Brunson are both excellent scoring guards, but Towns has an advantage over the Pistons front court.
He averages 12.8 rebounds per game, and should earn his average tonight. Detroit allows 51.5 rebounds per game, and Towns has 12 or more rebounds in three of his last five matches. Put a unit on the “Big Bodega” to dominate down low, and utilize one of several promos from MGM (20% bonus bet, “cash back”, or others). For those new to BET MGM make sure to take advantage of Fantasy Alarm’s promotional offer.
Bonus Bet Special Prediction: Anthony Edwards Series Leader (Total Points) (+135 on DraftKings Sportsbook) *0.5 Unit
DraftKings is offering a “King of the Playoffs” promotion, and the winner(s) share a portion of $2,000,000! It’s simple to enter, first you must opt in, then you must go click the NBA tab, search the sub bar of “Series Player Props”. You will be prompted to Points Leader, and from there you must wager at least $5.00 on a selection.
You can select any player, but if you want a share of the two million dollars, it's suggested to take Anthony Edwards. First the odds will be on our side, as Edwards isn’t predicted to even be the highest scorer in the series. That belongs to Luka Doncic, and should Edwards be successful the best bet would yield back a great return of investment.
Should Edwards keep his three point scoring at the top of the league, he could easily take this title. If Minnesota wins it is likely because he is the leading scorer, and if Minnesota loses the series Edwards will likely be scoring several points to try and get his team back in the game.
Put a half a unit on Edwards in this fun opportunity to win a share of $2,000,000!
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