The 2024 playoffs are officially just hours away. We are set to witness the best playoffs we have seen in years. As expected, I have curated the best NBA playoff bets for April 20, 2024.
Cavaliers vs. Magic
BetMGM –
1pm EST
Cleveland, OH
Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse
We have the first game of the playoffs here. This is an Eastern Conference clash between the fourth and fifth seeds. A win for either team will be huge because teams have a 79% win rate after going 1-0 up in the first round of the playoffs.
Injury Report
Caesars –
Missing Today
Dean Wade (Knee)
Craig Porter Jr. (Ankle)
Cavaliers vs. Magic Best Bet
DraftKings –
Under 207.5 is the bet to make. We are expecting to see a defensive masterclass reminiscent of the good ol’ ’90s. Both teams finished the season in the top seven of defensive rating. Despite how low this number is, the physicality, length, and clunky spacing make it difficult to pick otherwise.
Value bet/best odds: Under 207.5 @ -110 @ DraftKings
Timberwolves vs. Suns
FanDuel –
3:30pm EST
Minneapolis, MN
Target Center
The Timberwolves have home advantage in the playoffs for the first time in 20 years. The Suns, led by ambitious owner Mat Ishbia, have made their title aspirations well known.
Injury Report
Missing Tonight
Damion Lee (Knee)
Timberwolves vs. Suns Best Bet
Bet365 –
Suns ML is the bet to make because of the sheer elite shot-making of their lead trio in Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal. While the Timberwolves were the best team defensively in the NBA during the regular season, defense won’t be enough. The Timberwolves go through too many stretches where their offense gets stagnant.
Frank Vogel built his reputation in the NBA on the defensive end. So expect to see defensive schemes to limit Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves anemic offense. The Suns have more playoff experience. See that experience get the Suns over the hump in this game. The Suns ML is the value bet.
Value bet/best odds @ +100 @ DraftKings
Knicks vs 76ers
Caesars –
6:00pm EST
New York, NY
Madison Square Garden
These divisional rivals turn back the clock and renew their bitter rivalry in the first round. The Knicks faithful are dreaming of a run to the NBA finals after their first 50-win season in over a decade. The 76ers have tried their best to stay afloat in the prolonged absence of Joel Embiid and they have done that, entering the playoffs through the play-in tournament.
Injury Report
Missing Tonight
Julius Randle (Shoulder)
De’Anthony Melton (Back)
Robert Covington (Knee)
Questionable
Joel Embiid (Knee)
Knicks vs 76ers Best Bet
Under 208.5 is the value bet here. This game will be a tight affair and go all the way to the final buzzer. The 76ers have shown all season that they are tough to beat, often scraping results in games they had no business being in. Both teams match up well and are capable of playing suffocating defense. Expect a low-scoring game reminiscent of the good ol’ days.
Value bet/ Best odds @-110 @ DraftKings.
These are our best NBA playoff bets for April 20, 2024.
