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 Friday, April 24. 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.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have!
Game 3: Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers – 7:00 pm ET
Game 3: Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets – 8:00 pm ET
The Celtics and Rockets are both prime Zig-Zag teams this evening. Both are big favorites having lost their last games, and good teams tend to cover in these situations. However, I don’t feel comfortable laying points with either of them. Instead, I’m playing them together in a two-leg moneyline parlay.
With the first game, I do see some shooting regression coming from Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Both of those players enjoy the drop coverage Boston plays, but what happened last game was wild. The two combined to score 59 points and were scorching hot from deep. Tonight, I think they’ll be a little less efficient, and I also think the Celtics will get more out of their supporting cast — everyone outside of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. However, I will say that Joel Embiid’s potential return looms large. He’s doubtful for this Game 3 matchup, so I don’t think we’ll see him here. But if he returns for Game 4, Philadelphia becomes live to win the series.
As for the other game, the Rockets have thoroughly dominated on the glass, but the Lakers have had a major edge when it comes to knocking down shots. However, it has been guys like Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart rising to the occasion for Los Angeles. I don’t see that act traveling well. Meanwhile, the Houston role players should be way more comfortable in their home arena. Of course, the fact that Austin Reaves could be returning tonight is big. The Lakers can use his shot-making ability. But how will he look after suffering a significant injury? Also, will he hold up defensively? Overall, I don’t see Los Angeles losing the series from here, but I do believe this will get more interesting.
In addition to the two-leg parlay, I’m also playing Derrick White to finish with at least 14 points. The guard has been in a massive shooting slump lately, but he’s one of the best volume three-point shooters in basketball. It’s only a matter of time before he snaps out of it. Also, Payton Pritchard was hunted endlessly in Game 2, so Joe Mazzulla might need to play White a little more than usual. But even if that’s not the case, I like White to have at least 15 points in a majority of the games we’ll see him play the rest of the playoffs. That isn’t any different against a weak defensive backcourt.
PARLAY: Celtics ML & Rockets ML (-133 – 1.5 units)
Bet: Derrick White Over 13.5 Points (-119)
Additional Plays
Nothing yet.
