Apr 23, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) defends against Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) during game two of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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NBA Best Bets Today | Top Picks & Predictions for 4/26/2025

A brilliant slate of NBA games is upon us again. From player props, spreads, to money line, find the best bets here. Go through the predictions for the April 26, 2025, action.

NBA Best Bets Today – 4/26/2025

The festivities will begin when the Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Miami Heat for Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs’ First Round. The Cavs have a 2-0 lead in the series. Then, the Memphis Grizzlies will host the Oklahoma City Thunder for Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs’ First Round. The OKC Thunder can seal the deal as they have a 3-0 lead.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers will host the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs’ First Round. The Clippers have a 2-1 lead after an emphatic win in Game 3. To round it off, the Golden State Warriors will host the Houston Rockets in Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs’ First Round. The series is tied, so the Chase Center will be rocking.

Relish the BetMGM NBA best bets for the player props in this section. Also, NBA predictions about the spread and the favorite to win for the matchups on 4/25/2025.

Best NBA Bets for 4/26/2025

Bet #1: Cleveland Cavaliers -6.5 vs Miami Heat (+105 at BetMGM)

The Cavaliers have been dominant in the first two games. However, they were given a spread of -12.5 in their favor for Game 2, but they won by 9 points. Meanwhile, they were 8.5 points over the assigned mark in Game 1.

The Cavs have scored 121 points in each of the first two games, implying their dominant offensive ways. Meanwhile, the Heat did a good job of putting up 112 in Game 2. Miami will be back on its home floor with more confidence.

However, I don’t see a big comeback on the cards here and believe the Cavs will be ready for a big effort here. I see them winning by 10+ points here.

Bet #2: Player Points: Nikola Jokic: 30+: Yes (+120 at BetMGM)

Jokic’s scoring has lessened with each game in the series. He started from 29 points and reached the 23-point mark in Game 3 (Game 2-26). Thus, he is due for a big scoring night because, as a playmaker, he has dished 10+ assists in each game thus far. I believe he will be up for a big night in one of the major nights for his team this season. A 30+ piece from Jokic doesn’t sound far-fetched for a team that needs an immediate offensive boost.

Bet #3: Alperen Sengun O 19.5 Points (-110 at BetMGM)

Sengun scored 17 points in Game 2 after a strong 26-point outing in Game 1. He is doing well against the gutsy defense of Draymond Green and has used his 6’11” frame brilliantly. The center has thrived as a shot-creator in the post and cutting to the rim. He may be in for a big night here. I see him in the 20+ points range.

NBA Betting Trends to Know:

The Warriors haven’t scored more than 95 points in any game in the Rockets’ series.
Both games between the Heat and the Cavs have touched the “over” mark. (Game 1: +5, Game 2: +20).
The last four games for the Memphis Grizzlies have gone “under” the mark.

Final Picks Recap

Summarize the bets in a simple list:

Cleveland Cavaliers -6.5 vs Miami Heat (+105)
Player Points: Nikola Jokic: 30+: Yes (+120)
Alperen Sengun O 19.5 Points (-110)

Betting Tips of the Day

Bookmakers pay close attention while assigning odds. Often, there is a temptation to put on risky bets, but the odds can hit home more often than not. But there is an area to exploit.

When betting on the spread, it is usually wise to stake on a more favorable spread towards a team like the heavy favorites Cavaliers, taking on the underdog Heat. Thus, sometimes the bookmakers may be conservative, but there is a huge potential to make big on such bets.

Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Alperen Sengun

Cleveland Cavaliers

Golden State Warriors

Miami Heat

NBA 2024-25

NBA Betting

NBA Predictions

Nikola Jokic

Shubham Singh

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Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!