Ok, now we’re finally there. We survived all the abysmal regular-season games, and all the teams more interested in their draft slot have gone home, leaving only serious teams remaining. Here are your NBA Playoffs predictions and preview for Saturday, April 18th.
NBA Playoffs Predictions & Preview For Saturday, April 18th
Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Start Time – 1:00 PM EST
One of the issues with betting on the NBA Playoffs, however, is that the spreads are usually pretty dialed in, so there aren’t huge discrepancies to take advantage of. But I have a play for this Eastern Conference First Round Game 1 between the Toronto Raptors and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley is listed as questionable to play tomorrow, but he says he’ll be ready. Which is good news, because my line is Cleveland -6, so the Raptors plus the points is my play.
Best Bet: Toronto +8.5 (-107)
Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks
Start Time – 6:00 PM EST
I’m sticking in the East with my plays tomorrow, and I’m going in on the New York Knicks as they host the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden for Game 1 on Saturday night.
The Knicks were one of the strongest home teams in the league this year, going 30-10 in front of the MSG faithful. My line for tomorrow’s Game 1 is New York -7.5, so I’m taking the Knicks to cover.
Best Bet: New York -5 (-110)
2025/6 Overall Record: 179-148 (55%)
Profit (based on $100/bet): $1,313.30
Return on Investment: 5%
SGPN Daily Content for April 18th, 2026
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