NBA Odds, Best Bets and Expert Tips | April 4

Saturday’s NBA tips cover three games from midday NZT. I’ve got a Knicks line that looks generous given Chicago’s decimated roster, plus a bet on NBA spread in Philly that hinges on one player’s availability. There’s also a Magic number in Dallas worth a punt.

Knicks -11.5 | $1.90 @ Betista

I’m not going to overthink this one. Chicago are eliminated from the playoffs. They’re missing half their rotation too - Zach Collins is done for the season and Jalen Smith is nursing a calf problem. Jaden Ivey’s knee ended his campaign months ago. The Bulls lost 129-114 in San Antonio last time out.

New York are third in the East. Playing at MSG helps, and Jalen Brunson has been cooking all month. I expect the Knicks to pull away in the second half. 

A double digit spread feels about right on the NZ betting sites I’ve checked.

Timberwolves -4.5 | $1.95 @ VipLuck

This is the pick I’ve spent the most time on. Minnesota are locked into a playoff spot, but Anthony Edwards has been managing an injury and sat out recent games. If he plays, this spread is too small. If he doesn’t, it gets trickier - but I still lean Minnesota.

Here’s why: Philadelphia have had a chaotic few weeks. Joel Embiid was listed as out on April 1 with an illness. Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre only recently returned from extended absences. The Sixers have lost two straight, including 119-109 to Miami, and now they host a Timberwolves side that beat them comfortably earlier this season.

Even without Edwards, Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert give Minnesota enough to cover. I’m backing the visitors.

Mavericks +8.5 | $2.15 @ Betandplay

Dallas are going nowhere. Kyrie Irving is out for the season with a knee injury. But Cooper Flagg has been the story - the rookie looks every bit the player people expected when he went first overall.

Orlando have injury headaches too. Franz Wagner has been out with an ankle problem (might be back here though) and Jonathan Isaac is sidelined. Anthony Black is also missing with an abdominal issue. The Magic are in the playoff hunt, but inconsistent away from home. 

On the best betting apps I use, $2.15 for Dallas to keep it within 8.5 is decent value. Flagg will want to put on a show, and Orlando aren’t deep enough to run away with it.