NBA Odds, Best Bets and Expert Tips | April 24

We’ve got Friday afternoon NBA Playoffs here in NZ, and I have three Game 3 tips across betting apps NZ punters can use. Atlanta stole home-court advantage at MSG on Monday, and Minnesota’s defence on Nikola Jokic is threatening to flip an entire series. Toronto need a win at home to avoid going down 3-0 to Cleveland.

Hawks +3.5 | $1.95 @ Betista

CJ McCollum scored 32 points in Game 2 and became the newest villain at Madison Square Garden. The Hawks trailed by 12 entering the fourth quarter, and McCollum dragged them back almost single-handedly - scoring bucket after bucket down the stretch before Jalen Johnson’s layup with 10 seconds left sealed a 107-106 win.

The Hawks are heading home with momentum. Jalen Brunson averaged 28.5 points through two games but got almost nothing from his bench in Game 2 - McBride, Shamet and Alvarado combined to go 0-for-7.

I’m not calling Atlanta to win the series. But getting 3.5 at home after stealing one in New York is good value, and Onyeka Okongwu contributed 19 points in Game 1.

Cavaliers -4.5 | $1.85 @ VipLuck

Cleveland have been clinical. Donovan Mitchell and James Harden combined for 58 points in Game 2, and the Cavs controlled it wire to wire in a 115-105 win. Evan Mobley added 25.

Immanuel Quickley has been out with a hamstring strain since the regular-season finale, and without him the Raptors turned it over 18 times in Game 1. Scottie Barnes scored 26 in Game 2 and RJ Barrett had 22. Neither could stop Cleveland from dictating pace through Harden’s playmaking.

I’m expecting Toronto to be more competitive at home, but 4.5 is a modest spread for a team that’s won both games comfortably. I’m backing the Cavs again as I bet on NBA NZ spreads.

Timberwolves -2.5 | $2.10 @ Betandplay

I fancy Minnesota at home here. Anthony Edwards scored 30 in Game 2 and the Wolves came back from 19 down to steal one at Ball Arena. Donte DiVincenzo drained four threes for the second straight game.

Gobert has been giving Jokic real problems as his primary defender in this series. Jokic still finished Game 2 with 24 points overall, but he struggled when matched up directly with Gobert - and that dynamic only gets tougher for Denver on the road.

Denver closed the regular season on a 12-game winning streak and Jamal Murray had 30 points in Game 1. But Edwards is dialled in and the Wolves have home court. I’m taking Minnesota on betting promotions offering $2.10.