NBA Odds, Best Bets and Expert Tips | April 21

I’ve got three NBA Playoff Game 2 tips across NZ betting sites this Tuesday. Toronto are searching for answers after Cleveland carved them up in Game 1, and Nikola Jokic has the Timberwolves needing a new plan in Denver.

Cavaliers -8.5 | $1.90 @ Betandplay

I wasn’t sure about this spread before Game 1. Cleveland went 0-3 against Toronto in the regular season, and that felt like a real concern. Then the Cavs shot 54% from the field and won 126-113.
 
Donovan Mitchell scored 32 and James Harden had 22 with 10 assists. Cleveland are 21-9 since acquiring Harden, and the two of them gave Toronto’s defence nothing to lock on to.
 
Immanuel Quickley missed Game 1 with a hamstring strain. Without him, the Raptors turned it over 18 times and scored just three fast-break points - a season low for a team that led the league in that category. Coach Darko Rajakovic hasn’t ruled Quickley out for Game 2, but I’d be surprised if he’s cleared on one day’s rest. I’m comfortable with the Cavs covering 8.5 at home.

Knicks -5.5 | $1.85 @ VipLuck

I don’t see how Atlanta claw this back at the Garden. Jalen Brunson scored 19 in the first quarter of Game 1 and the Knicks won 113-102.
 
Atlanta got within two at halftime after a furious comeback, but couldn’t sustain it. A Karl-Anthony Towns-led 10-0 run in the fourth blew the game open. CJ McCollum scored 26 for the Hawks but committed five turnovers doing it.
 
Madison Square Garden was hostile and Mitchell Robinson altered things defensively even though he went 1-for-4 at the stripe. I’m tipping the Knicks to cover again on NBA betting platforms.

Timberwolves +6.5 | $2.00 @ Betista

I’m going against the grain here. Denver won Game 1 by 11 and Jamal Murray scored 30 while going 16-for-16 from the line. Jokic finished with a 25-point triple-double.
 
Minnesota led early before a 14-0 Denver run in the third quarter broke it open. Anthony Edwards had 28 but couldn’t find consistent support. This is the third playoff meeting between these two in four years, and Minnesota won the 2024 series in seven after Denver clawed back from 2-0 down to lead 3-2. I expect a better effort.
 
Peyton Watson is out for Denver and could miss the entire series, which limits their wing rotation. On new betting sites paying $2.00, I’m taking the points before the series heads north.