NBA Playoffs Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (4/23)
We nailed both spread bets from yesterday’s article, including the Thunder at -14.5 and Lakers at -5.5. Let’s carry that momentum forward with my two favorite NBA best bets for tonight’s slate.
Wednesday’s Best NBA Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics took care of business in Game 1 of this series with a 103-86 win. However, the Magic led heading into halftime and just ran out of gas in the second half. Orlando proved it could stick around against the Celtics and will now battle a Boston team that likely won’t have Jayson Tatum available tonight.
That said, let’s go back to December 23rd, when the Magic took on the Celtics. In that game, Jayson Tatum was unavailable and the Magic snuck past the Celtics, 108-104. Without Tatum, the Celtics shot 44% in that game and nailed just 24.2% from downtown. The Magic added 13 more assists and shot better overall in that game.
Additionally, in Game 1, the Celtics allowed 32.7% of offensive rebounds. The Magic were aggressive on the glass and will likely shoot better in the second game. The Magic only shot a 48.8% effective field goal percentage, but have nailed a 52.7% effective field goal percentage since the NBA Play-In Tournament began.
The Magic will need to shoot better from the floor. They’ll also have to win the battle on the glass while keeping turnovers down. The biggest takeaway from Game 1 was the fact that the Magic added only four fast-break points. Look for the Magic to fix that in Game 2.
Pick: Magic +10.5 (-110)
Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets
The Warriors and Rockets have become a fun little rivalry in the Western Conference. Ultimately, the Warriors were the only No. 7 or No. 8 seed team to win Game 1 of a series this year. The Warriors have been tremendous in the second half of the season, thanks to Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler. Ultimately, the Rockets play terrific defense but sometimes struggle against point guards. Facing the Warriors isn’t an easy opening matchup for the Rockets.
However, the Rockets will certainly fight in this series. After all, they’re a 52-win team that has played terrific defense all season long. The Warriors haven’t been very active on the offensive glass, earning just 26.7% of offensive rebounds since the NBA Play-In Tournament game. Meanwhile, the Rockets limited the Warriors to only 25% of offensive rebounds in Game 1.
On the other hand, the Rockets secured 44.6% of offensive rebounds against the Warriors, but that still only netted them 85 points in Game 1. The Rockets shot a super-low effective field goal percentage of 43%. That won’t do the job. The Rockets hit 39.1% from the floor, 20.7% from deep and 55% from the foul line. The 22 offensive rebounds were helpful, but the Rockets still missed several opportunities.
Look for them to capitalize on them in tonight’s home game. The Rockets know they can’t go down 2-0 to the Warriors at home. This outcome will be similar to the Lakers’ win last night.
Pick: Rockets -3 (-110)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Wednesday: