- Get expert betting picks & predictions for today's top NBA games.
- My favorite moneyline prediction is that New York will defeat Detroit.
- My favorite spread prediction is the Clippers’ first-half line against the Nuggets.
The NBA playoffs have arrived, so bookmark this page for daily expert betting picks and predictions throughout the postseason.
Read on for NBA betting picks and predictions based on the latest NBA odds at the online sportsbook for Thursday’s schedule:
NBA Moneyline Predictions Today
According to the latest NBA betting lines, I’m backing the New York Knicks (-115) to defeat the Detroit Pistons in Game 3.
I expect Little Caesars Arena to be rocking in the Pistons’ first home playoff game since 2019, especially after being the better team through two games. However, that’s precisely why there is value in the road team.
Detroit has been almost perfect through two games, while New York hasn’t lived up to its regular-season form. Knowing the series is in balance, I expect an inspired effort from the Knicks. If they lose in Round 1, the offseason could feature some changes.
The Knicks were the No. 5 offense in the league this year. It’s time they start acting like it.
Prediction: Knicks ML (-115)
NBA Spread Predictions Today
Based on the updated NBA betting odds, I’m taking the Los Angeles Clippers’ first-half spread (-2.5) in Game 3 against the Denver Nuggets.
Tonight marks the first home playoff game in the Intuit Dome, one of the league’s better home environments this year. The Clippers outscored their opponents by 9.8 per 100 possessions at home this year, securing a victory in 13 of their last 14 games in the Intuit Dome.
In addition, the Clippers ranked fifth in the NBA with a first-half net rating of +10 this year. I expect them to control this game from start to finish on Thursday.
Prediction: Clippers 1H spread (-2.5)
NBA Best Bets Today: April 24
| Game | Pick | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Knicks vs. Pistons | Knicks ML | -115 |
| Nuggets vs. Clippers | Clippers 1H Spread -2.5 | -108 |
NBA Standings 2025
How Often Do Favorites Cover in NBA Betting?
Favorites covered the spread in 50% of regular-season games over the last 10 seasons.
The New York Knicks were the best team as a favorite over that time, covering in 55% of opportunities.
The Minnesota Timberwolves were the worst favorite, covering in 46% of opportunities.
How Often Do Underdogs Cover in NBA Betting?
Underdogs covered the spread in 50% of regular-season games over the last 10 seasons.
The Boston Celtics were the best team as an underdog over that time, covering in 59% of opportunities.
The Houston Rockets were the worst underdog, covering in 45% of opportunities.
How Often Do Home Teams Cover in NBA Betting?
Home teams covered the spread in 49.4% of regular-season games over the last 10 seasons.
The Memphis Grizzlies were the best home team over that time, covering in 53.7% of games.
The Minnesota Timberwolves were the worst home team, covering in 45.1% of games.
How Often Do Road Teams Cover in NBA Betting?
Road teams covered the spread in 50.6% of regular-season games over the last 10 seasons.
The Celtics were the best road team over that time, covering in 56.1% of games.
The Cleveland Cavaliers were the worst road team, covering in 44.3% of games.
How Often Do Favorites Win in NBA Betting?
Favorites won 68% of regular-season games over the last 10 seasons.
The Golden State Warriors had the best record as a moneyline favorite over that time, winning 76% of games.
The Detroit Pistons had the worst record as a moneyline favorite, winning 60% of games.
How Often Do Underdogs Win in NBA Betting?
Underdogs won 32% of regular-season games over the last 10 seasons.
The Boston Celtics had the best record as moneyline underdog over that time, winning 40% of games.
The Pistons had the worst record as a moneyline underdog, winning 26% of games.
How Often Do Home Teams Win in NBA Betting?
Home teams won 57% of regular-season games over the last 10 seasons.
The Warriors had the best moneyline home record over that time, winning 74% of games.
The Pistons had the worst moneyline home record, winning 43% of games.
How Often Do Road Teams Win in NBA Betting?
Road teams won 43% of regular-season games over the last 10 seasons.
The Warriors had the best moneyline road record over that time, winning 58% of games.
The Pistons had the moneyline worst road record, winning 29% of games.
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