The 2024 playoffs are officially underway. We have seen Game one of all the matchups, giving us a better understanding of the matchups and rotations. As expected, we have curated the best NBA playoff bets for April 22, 2024.
Cavaliers vs. Magic
7 pm EST
Cleveland, OH
Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse
This will be the second game of the playoff series. The Cavaliers won the first game 97-83. A win for either team will be huge because teams have a 92.7% win rate after going 2-0 up in the first round of the playoffs.
Injury Report
Missing Tonight
Dean Wade (Knee)
Questionable
Craig Porter Jr. (Ankle)
Cavaliers vs. Magic Best Bet
Caesars –
Under 202.5 is the bet to make. We are expecting to see more of the same defensive masterclass we saw in the first game. Both teams finished the season in the top seven in the NBA in defensive rating. Despite how low this number is, the physicality, length, and clunky spacing make it difficult to pick otherwise. Additionally, both teams have more familiarity, which means it will be tougher for either team to make shots.
Value bet/best odds: Under 202.5 @-110 @DraftKings
Knicks vs. 76ers
7:30 pm EST
New York, NY
Madison Square Garden
The Knicks recorded a win against their bitter rivals in Game one. It was a close contest throughout the game until the Knicks pulled away in the closing stages. Expect to see more of the same in game two.
Injury Report
Missing Tonight
Julius Randle (Shoulder)
Robert Covington (Knee)
De’Anthony Melton (Back)
Questionable
Joel Embiid (Knee)
Tyrese Maxey (Illness)
Knicks vs. 76ers Best Bet
Under 206.5 is the bet to make. The 76ers were close all game long until the Knicks pulled away late in the game. The unexpected offense from the Knicks bench was why they won this game. I don’t expect them to reproduce that effort. Nick Nurse has won a championship. He is known around the league for his Xs-and-Os ability. He will come up with schemes to limit the Knicks’ scoring. Also, the 76ers have their All-Star talents compromised with injury and illness. It’s hard to see them explode when they will be facing Tom Thibodeau’s team at less than 100%.
Value bet/best odds: Under 206.5 @-110 @DraftKings
Nuggets vs. Lakers
10 pm EST
Denver, CO
Ball Arena
This is a rematch of the 2023 Western Conference Finals. Like the series last year, the Nuggets won the first game of the series to take a 1-0 lead. That stretches their win streak over the Lakers to 9 games.
Injury Report
Missing Tonight
Collin Gillespie (Knee)
Vlatko Čančar (Knee)
Jarred Vanderbilt (Foot)
Cam Reddish (Ankle)
Christian Wood (Knee)
Jalen Hood-Schifino (Back)
Questionable
LeBron James (Ankle)
Anthony Davis (Back)
Nuggets vs. Lakers Best Bet
Lakers +7.5 is the bet to make. Don’t be fooled by the 9-game win streak the Nuggets have over the Lakers. Their games are often tight affairs. The Lakers would have covered the spread in the first game if they made their open shots. LeBron James is all too familiar with how deep a hole a 2-0 deficit is in the playoffs. Expect to see the Lakers play with some urgency and make shots to keep it close.
Value bet/best odds: Under 202.5 @-110 @DraftKings
These are our best NBA playoff bets for April 22, 2024. Good luck with your bets.
