The 2025-26 NBA Playoffs should deliver some memorable moments, and we’re going to work hard to make them as profitable as possible for all of our VSiN subscribers. So, make sure you head over to the VSiN NBA Playoffs Betting Hub for all of our postseason content. I’ll continue giving out NBA best bets and player props here throughout the playoffs, and I’ll also occasionally write up features on anything big that shakes up the league. So, make sure you check out my work over the next couple of weeks. With that out of the way, let’s get into some NBA best bets and NBA player props for Sunday, April 19. Also, make sure you check out the picks page (linked right below) before games tip off. I occasionally add picks throughout the day. That’s also where you’ll get picks from my talented VSiN colleagues.
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Game 1: Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics – 1:00 pm ET
VJ Edgecombe had 19 points against the Magic in the 7-8 Play-In Tournament matchup on Wednesday, marking the sixth time in the last eight games that he has scored at least 16 points when playing with Paul George and without Joel Embiid. Well, that’s the way it’s going to continue to be for Philadelphia, as George is healthy and Embiid is recovering from an appendectomy that he underwent 10 days ago. That means that Edgecombe is going to have a massive role in this series.
Edgecombe actually had a lot of success against the Celtics during the regular season, averaging 20.0 points per game in four meetings with them. One of those games was a 34-point outburst in the very first game of the 2025-26 NBA season.
Of course, playing in a playoff setting — and doing so in TD Garden — will be a real test of Edgecombe’s nerves. However, I believe this rookie is built different, and this matchup isn’t awful when you look underneath the hood. I know the Celtics are one of the best defensive teams in the league when looking at most defensive metrics, but they’re lousy at defending above-the-break threes and they’re a bottom-five team when it comes to defending PnR ball handlers. That means Edgecombe will have plenty of opportunities to score.
Bet: VJ Edgecombe Over 14.5 Points (-113)
Game 1: Phoenix Suns at Oklahoma City Thunder – 3:30 pm ET
Booker has been atrocious the last two games, but he’s going to have no choice but to be aggressive on Sunday. This Thunder team is No. 1 in the NBA in adjusted defensive rating (106.7), and their ability to play physical defense at the point of attack is going to make the Suns uncomfortable. That said, Booker’s poise and postseason experience will mean that Phoenix will be relying heavily on the superstar.
We also saw Booker score 24 points in a win over a healthy OKC team on January 4, so it’s not like he’s not capable of reaching this mark. On top of that, several other high-usage guards have had success against the Thunder this season, with Jalen Brunson and Jaylen Brown coming to mind. Great players tend to make plays even in the face of great defense. It’s the other guys that Phoenix will have to worry about, as this could be a rough series for players like Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks.
Bet: Devin Booker Over 22.5 Points (-120)
Game 1: Orlando Magic at Detroit Pistons – 6:30 pm ET
Thompson averaged 9.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game this season, which put him right over his total of 17.5 PRA in Game 1. Thompson also happened to average 21.5 combined points, rebounds, and assists against the Magic, and I expect to see an increase in counting stats throughout this series.
I just don’t think Orlando is going to be able to play Thompson off the floor, which is what opponents look to do with the 23-year-old being a non-factor from behind the three-point line. In a series that could very well turn into a low-scoring war, there will just be no reason for JB Bickerstaff to go away from his best perimeter defender — and somebody that does an awesome job making plays as a roller/cutter.
Last year, in an opening-round seres against the Knicks, Thompson and Jalen Duren flashed some awesome chemistry when the ball was forced out of Cade Cunningham’s hands. I can see something similar happening here, but Thompson is one year older and a heck of a lot better. That said, I see him making an impact right from the jump, and I also imagine his energy and athleticism will be tough for the Magic to handle after a quick turnaround from Friday night’s Play-In Tournament game.
Bet: Ausar Thompson Over 17.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-105)
Game 1: Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs – 9:00 pm ET
The Spurs have had a week to prepare for the opening round of the NBA Playoffs, so Victor Wembanyama should be close to 100% health after having suffered a rib contusion towards the end of the regular season. However, while the Trail Blazers did play in the Play-In Tournament, they haven’t played since Tuesday. So, I’m having a hard time considering this a rest advantage for San Antonio, as Portland should be just fine playing on four days of rest.
The real question is, can the Blazers hang with the Spurs? Whether you’re looking at offense or defense, San Antonio’s advanced numbers are much better than Portland’s. The Spurs also have the best player in the series in Wembanyama, who is so good on both ends of the floor that you might be able to say that no matter who San Antonio goes up against. Also, Wembanyama will be playing the Blazers for the first time this season, so it’s not even like you can put much weight in the fact that Portland was decent against San Antonio during the year.
Despite all of that, I do think this spread is a little out of hand in Game 1. While San Antonio is a much better offensive team than Portland, the Blazers have been the best defensive team in basketball for weeks now. And if this game ends up turning into a slow, physical slugfest, it’ll be nice to have the points — especially with it being this many.
I also like that the Blazers have a massive body in Donovan Clingan to contest shots around the basket, plus they have Jrue Holiday and Toumani Camara to make life rough on two of the Spurs’ perimeter players.
Bet: Blazers +11.5 (-115)
Additional Plays
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