NBA Odds, Best Bets and Expert Tips | April 23

I’ve got three NBA playoff tips for Thursday across NBA betting NZ sites. Detroit need a response after Orlando stunned them at Little Caesars Arena in the opener, and OKC’s demolition of Phoenix in Game 1 suggests the defending champs are ready to put this series to bed early.

Pistons -7.5 | $1.90 @ Betista

I’m not reading too much into Game 1. Cade Cunningham scored 39 points and the Pistons still lost by 11 - that was Detroit’s supporting cast going cold, not Orlando being the better side. A 60-22 team doesn’t drop a home playoff game as the No. 1 seed and shrug it off.

Jalen Duren managed just eight points and seven rebounds in the opener, and Tobias Harris was the only other Piston in double figures with 17. Detroit had the second-best defensive rating in the league this season, and I’d be surprised if Bickerstaff doesn’t have adjustments ready for Banchero and Wagner after their efficient Game 1 outings.

Thunder -13.5 | $1.85 @ VipLuck

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went 5-for-18 from the field and the Thunder still won by 35. That’s how deep this OKC roster is. Jalen Williams scored 22 and Chet Holmgren put up 16 in just 25 minutes before resting the entire fourth quarter.

Jordan Goodwin left Game 1 with a calf injury and is a game-time decision. Mark Williams hasn’t suited up since aggravating his foot against Portland in the play-in, leaving the Suns without their starting centre for the series. 

I’m happy to lay the big number here on best legal betting sites given how depleted the Suns look. OKC had the NBA’s best defensive rating this season and I don’t see that easing off in front of their playoff crowd.

Under 218.5 | $1.95 @ Betandplay

I’m doubling up on the Pistons-Magic game because I think the total is too high. Game 1 came in at 213 and I reckon Game 2 goes lower. Detroit are going to be more deliberate on offence after getting burned in transition.

Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr combined for 40 on 16-for-24 shooting in the opener. I don’t expect Orlando to sustain that, especially with Detroit’s defence likely to tighten up at home. I’m backing the under with free bets at Betandplay.