We’re nearing the end of the 2024-25 NBA season. I’ll continue giving out NBA best bets and player props here as often as possible, and I’ll also occasionally write up features on big news that shakes up the league. So, make sure you check out my work throughout the season. With that out of the way, let’s get into some NBA best bets and NBA player props for Saturday, April 5th. 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 5th
NBA Best Bets Today – April 5th
Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat – 8:00 pm ET
The Grizzlies snapped the Heat’s six-game winning streak last game, but that was the second night of a back-to-back for Miami and the team still had a great shot at winning. So, I hardly view that as a poor performance. And this Heat team still has a really strong profile over the last 10 games. In that span, Miami is sixth in the NBA in net rating (9.9). The Heat are also 12th in offensive rating (118.3) and fourth in defensive rating (108.3) in that span. This team is just getting the job done on both ends of the floor, and they’re now hosting a Bucks team that remains without Damian Lillard and Bobby Portis. So, Milwaukee, which has been struggling lately, is vulnerable at the moment. That said, I’m firing up the Heat to get this one home. Let’s just hope Tyler Herro sheds his questionable tag and plays. If he’s not out there, you’re going to want to lay off. So, it might be worth waiting and taking a slightly worse number for some peace of mind. I would play this up to -140, so there’s some wiggle room to wait.
Bet: Heat ML (-114 – 2 units)
UPDATE: No Herro tonight. I wouldn’t play the Heat anymore. If you took it, I’d consider buying back on the Bucks ML at -120.
NBA Player Props Today – April 5th
Memphis Grizzlies at Detroit Pistons – 7:00 pm ET
Since Tuomas Iisalo became the interim head coach of the Grizzlies, Ja Morant is averaging 28.5 points and 6.0 assists per game. Morant also happens to have a usage rate of 34.1%, which is a pretty sizable jump when compared to his 31.0% usage rate on the season. Part of the reason Memphis moved on from Taylor Jenkins is that the head coach’s offense was designed in a way to empower the team’s role players. Well, it’s pretty clear that the front office wants a heavy pick-and-roll offense that brings out the best in Morant. They’ll figure out how to get more out of the other guys later. Well, as long as the team is rolling the ball out to Morant and letting him do his thing, how can you not like some Overs on his props? I know Detroit is a tough matchup this season, but I’m not sure the Pistons have what it takes to keep him from lighting things up. Morant just torched a Heat team that has been good defensively. So, I’m going back to Morant here. Just be careful with the amount you’re wagering. You don’t want to lose more on this play than Morant will lose for another finger gun celebration.
Bet: Morant Over 32.5 Points + Assists (-110 – 1.5 units)
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.
Hawks ML (+140 – 1.5 units) vs. Knicks
Mavericks +8.5 (-110 – 1.5 units) vs. Clippers
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2024-25 NBA Record: 346-350-1 (-2.67 units)
