NBA Playoff Picks & Predictions: Round 1 Best Bets for Saturday

My NBA playoff picks and predictions dive into the latest NBA odds for Saturday’s Round 1 schedule.

NBA Playoff Best Bets for Saturday, April 18

• SGP: Donovan Mitchell 25-plus points & Cavaliers’ ML (-120)
• Nikola Jokić triple-double (+120)
• Knicks first-half spread (-2.5)

Raptors vs. Cavaliers Prediction for Saturday

I’ve put together a same-game parlay for my Raptors vs. Cavaliers prediction in their Game 1 matchup. I’m backing Donovan Mitchell to score 25-plus points in a Cleveland win on Saturday.

As mentioned in my Cavaliers vs. Raptors series preview, I think Cleveland has a chance to make quick work of Toronto in this series. Per Databallr, the Cavs have a +25.2 net rating when Mitchell, James Harden, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley are on the floor together.

Mitchell is the driver of things on offense, averaging 27.9 points per game. He’s scored at least 25 points in 67.1% of his games, including 73.3% of the Cavs’ wins. The Raptors aren’t equipped to slow him down, either, ranking 24th in defending the pick-and-roll ball-handlers.

I like Mitchell’s scoring line (27.5) on its own, but this parlay allows me to attack multiple angles for this matchup.

Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Prediction for Game 1

It’s easy to make the case to back the best offensive player in the league for my Timberwolves vs. Nuggets prediction.

Nikola Jokić, who became the first player in history to lead the league in assists and rebounds per game, recorded a triple-double in 34 of his 65 contests this year. He notched a triple-double in three of the four head-to-head meetings with the Timberwolves, averaging 35.8 points, 15 rebounds, and 11.3 assists per contest.

Given Jokić’s playing time will increase in the playoffs, I like the plus-money odds on him recording a triple-double in Game 1.

Hawks vs. Knicks Prediction for April 18

My Hawks vs. Knicks prediction is counting on a fast start by the Knicks at home — both in this game and the series.

As explained in my Knicks vs. Hawks series preview, I like the -125 value on New York to win Game 1 and the series. But I also like the Knicks to take control of things in the first half, leading by a possession at the break.

The Knicks perform much better in Madison Square Garden. They rank third in the league with a +10.3 net rating in home games, going 30-10 overall. They also have a +7.6 net rating in the first half of home contests.

Given the experience and size advantage of the Knicks, I’m counting on them to set the tone on Saturday.