The NBA Play-In Tournament begins tonight with two exciting matchups on the slate. I have a best bet for each game and share them below.
Let’s have a huge start to the NBA’s postseason with our top NBA picks and predictions.
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
Tuesday’s Best NBA Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic
The Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic split the season series with two wins apiece. The Hawks won the most recent game on April 13th, earning a 117-105 win at home. However, neither team used their starting players in the season finale, so we can’t put too much stock in that.
That said, the Magic haven’t been a top-tier offense this season. Instead, they’ve scored just 110.4 points per 100 possessions while shooting a 51.4% effective field goal percentage. The offense has had a hard time finding good looks and converting. However, the Magic have still been able to add 28.7% of offensive rebounds and a 21.1% free-throw rate, which is the second-best in the NBA.
Ultimately, the Magic should find their way to the foul line often. The Hawks rank 23rd in defensive free-throw rate and have also allowed a 56.4% effective field goal percentage. It might be hard for the Magic to add a high rate of offensive rebounds, but finding good looks should at least be easier.
On the other hand, Orlando has one of the best defenses in the NBA. The Magic have limited teams to 109.9 points per 100 possessions, which is second-best in the NBA. Orlando has earned nearly 17% of turnovers and has allowed just 26.4% of offensive rebounds.
The Hawks are the better overall offense. However, Atlanta doesn’t do anything on offense that stands out. The Hawks have gained 29.1% of offensive rebounds and have a 19.8% free-throw rate to go along with a 55% effective field goal percentage. In addition, Clint Capela is still out with a hand injury, which won’t help.
Therefore, give me the Magic -5 at home.
Pick: Magic -5 (-110)
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors added three wins in four regular-season matchups against the Grizzlies. In all three wins, the Warriors scored at least 121 points. Meanwhile, in the one Grizzlies win, Memphis won 144-93. But this was before the Warriors brought in Jimmy Butler.
The Warriors won their most recent game against the Grizzlies on April 1st. In that game, Steph Curry scored 52 points and nearly earned a triple-double after hitting 12 three-pointers on 20 attempts. Jimmy Butler added 27 points in that win, and the two combined for 79 points.
Ultimately, the Grizzlies aren’t a bad defense. They’ve limited teams to a 53.5% effective field goal percentage. However, once Curry and Butler catch fire, no defense can stop those two. Plus, Memphis ranks 25th in free-throw rate defensively and 19th in offensive rebounding percentage on defense. The Warriors should be able to take advantage of those two areas.
On the other hand, Memphis has added 118.3 points per 100 possessions. That’s all good. However, the Grizzlies rank 24th in turnover percentage. Since Golden State has added 15.8% of turnovers on defense, it’s very likely the Warriors will win the turnover battle in this game as well.
Therefore, I’m betting on Warriors -7.
Pick: Warriors -7 (-110)
