NBA Playoff Picks Today: Top Wagers and Individual Performer Forecasts - April 30th
Let's dive into some NBA action today, baby! With the playoffs heating up, it's time to find some winners and make some cash! Here's a quick breakdown of games today, complete with my best bets and player props for your betting enjoyment.
NBA Best Bets Today - April 30th
Game 5: Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers - 10:00 PM ET
The Lakers might have been seen as bigger favorites than they should have been in Game 2, but that doesn't mean it's a logical choice to bet on them now. After all, the numbers just don't back it up. With Minnesota expected to win this game, playing them to cover the 5.5-point spread feels like a solid bet.
Minnesota has been shining on defense, and it's hard to imagine Los Angeles having an answer for that. The key players, like Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, and Donte DiVincenzo, should all play well. And let's face it, the Lakers don't have a trustworthy rim protector in sight. This is a game I fully expect the Timberwolves to take.
Fun facts: The Timberwolves are 2-0 both straight-up and against the spread in close-out games under Chris Finch. On the other hand, the Lakers are just 4-9 ATS when playing with two days of rest under JJ Redick. So, keep an eye out for that!
Pick: Timberwolves +5.5 (-104)
Game 5: Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets - 7:30 PM ET
Jalen Green has been struggling in the games against Houston, but being back home should boost his confidence. In Game 2 at the Toyota Center, Green scored a whopping 38 points on 13 for 25 shooting from the floor and 8 for 18 shooting from 3. I'm not expecting that kind of performance again, but I do think he'll hit more shots in a more positive environment. And if he gets a few early buckets, watch out!
Green averaged 21.0 points per game during the regular season, so hitting at least 17 points in Game 5 feels like a reasonable expectation.
Bet: Green Over 16.5 Points (-115)
Game 5: Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers - 10:00 PM ET
I had Julius Randle to score at least 20 points in Game 4, and I'm sticking with that pick for Game 5. Randle has been averaging 22.5 points per game in this series and has scored at least 22 points in three consecutive games. With limited defensive options in Los Angeles' lineup, expect Randle to continue dominating. He's also shooting 45.5% from 3 this series, so if he knocks down a couple of outside shots, he should fly over the 19.5-point mark.
Bet: Randle Over 19.5 Points (-124)
Additional Plays
Check back before games tip off, as I might add some late-minute picks, teasers/parlays, or in-season futures. As always, bet responsibly, and may the odds be ever in your favor!
2024-25 NBA Record: 390-390-2 (+5.40 units)
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Overall
Data sources: NBA Fast Break API, NBA Basketball Analysis, ESPN Basketball News, Yahoo Sports, CBS Sports, and FiveThirtyEight.
- Julius Randle is suggested to score over 19.5 points in Game 5 between Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers, given his average of 22.5 points per game in this series and shooting 45.5% from 3.
- In Game 5 of the series, Jalen Green is predicted to hit more shots and score at least 17 points, inspired by his 38-point performance in Game 2 at the Toyota Center.
- For the Game 5 matchup between Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers, playing the Timberwolves to cover the 5.5-point spread is considered a solid bet, as they are expected to win and their strong defense could outperform Los Angeles.
- The Minnesota Timberwolves appear ready to take Game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers, especially considering their success in close-out games under Chris Finch (2-0 both straight-up and against the spread).
- In Wednesday's sports action, an NBA playoff game between Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets presents an opportunity to bet on Jalen Green to score over 16.5 points, with his history of averaging 21.0 points per game during the regular season.
