NBA Odds, Best Bets and Expert Tips | April 30

Three NBA Game 5s go down this Thursday and there’s a different storyline in each one. I’ve got picks across online NBA betting markets, with the Lakers’ trying to close out Houston as the headliner.

Pistons -3 | $1.90 @ Betista

I think Detroit get one back here.

Orlando are 3-1 up but they nicked Game 4 with Franz Wagner limping off in the third quarter, and his Game 5 status is uncertain. Wagner only featured in 34 regular-season games for the Magic, so they know how to function without him - but losing a 19-point scorer in an elimination spot is a different ask.

The other thing is Cade Cunningham. Eight turnovers in Game 4 killed Detroit’s offence even with 25 points and nine rebounds.

I expect cleaner basketball from him at home with elimination on the line.

Cavaliers -9.5 | $1.85 @ VipLuck

This number looks big, yes, but I’m laying it.

Toronto won Game 4 shooting 32% from the field and 13.3% from three - that’s not a formula they can replicate at Rocket Arena. The Cavs have dropped their last two with Donovan Mitchell mid-slump, but slumps this ugly don’t usually last.

Without Immanuel Quickley, out for the whole series, Toronto’s offence goes through Scottie Barnes as the primary ball handler. Cleveland have started to take that away - Barnes had six assists in Game 4 in a brutal team shooting night.

With Mitchell due to bounce back at home, I’m laying the points on the best betting sites giving this number.

Lakers ML | $1.95 @ Betandplay

Houston needed a 19-point Game 4 win at home to even get back into this.

Now they go on the road for an elimination game with Kevin Durant expected to miss Game 5 per Shams Charania - meaning Houston’s leading scorer is in serious doubt with the season on the line.

The Lakers might also get Austin Reaves back. He hasn’t played since April 2 with an oblique injury but is reported to be a game-time decision, with an optimistic outlook to make his playoff debut. His 23.3 points per game in the regular season would be a serious boost to a side that’s been leaning hard on LeBron James, Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard and Deandre Ayton.

Luka Doncic is still out for the series.

I don’t love laying the spread given LA’s bench depth questions, but with Reaves possibly returning and Durant in doubt, I’m happy with the moneyline. Always check your betting promotions for Game 5 boosts.