It’s officially time for the NBA Playoffs. We’ve been working hard to get you ready for some of these awesome opening-round matchups, 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 27th. Also, make sure you check out the picks page (linked right below) before games tip off. I occasionally add picks throughout the day.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have on April 27th
NBA Best Bets Today – April 27th
Game 4: Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic – 7:00 pm ET
I don’t love backing this Magic team right now, as it’s hard to keep games close without a competent offense. But Orlando is still an elite defensive team, and Boston is currently shorthanded. Jrue Holiday remains out with a hamstring strain, and Jaylen Brown is questionable with the same knee injury that bothered him during the regular season. Well, just having Holiday out means the Celtics could be in for a competitive game. And if Brown doesn’t go, we might see a 2-2 series heading back to TD Garden.
The reality is that the Magic are so good defensively that you really need to have your full suite of players to put them away. And just missing another playmaker like Holiday will be noticeable against them.
Also, while Orlando won Game 3, the team can still play a little better. I know this team is miserable offensively, but the Magic shot just 25.0% from 3 in Game 3. And guys like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Gary Harris can be counted on to make a few when they’re out there. We could also see a little more efficiency from Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, who combined for 61 points in Game 3 but can definitely shoot a little better from the floor.
The Celtics have also had trouble covering against good defensive teams all year. They’re just 4-9 against the spread when facing teams that allow 108.0 or fewer points per game. Meanwhile, Orlando is an impressive 4-2 straight-up and 5-1 ATS when trailing in a playoff series under Jamahl Mosley. This team doesn’t go away.
Bet: Magic +7 (-112)
NBA Player Props Today – April 27th
Game 4: Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves – 3:30 pm ET
After Game 3, Anthony Edwards said, “Julius gotta shoot more. Took f***ing 13 shots. You alright?” Well, Julius Randle had 22 points in Game 3, marking the second game in a row in which he cruised over Game 4’s 19.5-point total. And given what we know about Randle, you never need to dare him to be more aggressive. He’s going to find ways to get himself buckets. But with Edwards pleading with him to shoot more in Game 4, I’d be surprised if Randle doesn’t oblige. Either way, Randle should flirt with 20 points in this game, even if he plays within the flow of the offense. Randle has just been unstoppable when going to the basket, where Los Angeles doesn’t even have a rim protector. Randle is also in a nice groove as a 3-point shooter, and any shots he hits from behind the arc will help put a big dent in this total. And I’d be surprised if he doesn’t knock down a few, as he likes shooting in this building.
Bet: Randle Over 19.5 Points (-108)
Additional Plays
This is where I’ll include any late added plays, teasers/parlays or in-season futures. Come back before tip if you don’t want to miss anything. It’s always possible I’ll add something to my card.
PARLAY: Pistons Alt +7.5 vs. Knicks & Timberwolves Alt +7.5 vs. Lakers (-147 – 1.5 units)
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2024-25 NBA Record: 385-386-2 (+4.06 units)
