My Phoenix Suns didn’t show up for Game 1, thwarting my attempt to go undefeated with my playoff picks. Back on the horse for Monday. Here are my NBA picks for April 22nd. Go here for the latest NBA odds
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NBA Picks April 22nd
Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Tipoff – 7:00 pm EST
Spread: Cavaliers -5.5
Total: 204
What’s with this total?! Both of these teams were below average in terms of scoring in the regular season, and things typically tighten up in the playoffs.
That was certainly the case in Game 1, which Cleveland won 97-83. By my math, that’s a total of 180 points. Sure, Cleveland and Orlando beat this 204-point total in three of their four regular-season meetings, but as I mentioned before, this is the playoffs. And this is looking like it’s going to be a rock fight of a series. I don’t see them scoring 24 more points in Game 2 than in Game 1.
Best Bet: Magic/Cavaliers Under 204 (-110)
Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks
Tipoff – 7:30 pm EST
Spread: Knicks -5.5
Total: 209
It appears like the Philadelphia 76ers escaped disaster and Joel Embiid didn’t do any serious damaged after tweaking his knee in Game 1 against the New York Knicks. But Philadelphia still lost the game.
I think the Sixers bounce back in Game 2, or at the very least cover the 5.5 points for us. Embiid played terribly in Game 1, shooting 8-22 and only grabbing eight rebounds. Yet Philly only lost by seven points. A more Embiid-esque performance on Monday should help Philadelphia win this bet for us.
Best Bet: 76ers +5.5 (-115)
If you’d like even more info to help make your NBA bets for April 22nd, check out the NBA Gambling Podcast. They’re dropping episodes five days a week to make you the smartest guy/gal at the bar.
