Betting on the spread for NBA Playoff games can be a cruel mistress, as the data that works so well in the regular season often goes out the window come playoff time. Let’s try to nail a couple tomorrow. Here are your NBA Playoffs predictions and preview for Wednesday, April 22nd.
NBA Playoffs Predictions & Preview For Wednesday, April 22nd
Orlando Magic vs Detroit Pistons
Start Time – 7:00 PM EST
Case in point: this Eastern Conference First Round series between the Orlando Magic and the Detroit Pistons. My numbers pegged the line as Detroit -10.5, then the underachieving Magic came out and won Game 1 by 11 points.
So which Orlando team are we going to see tomorrow, the 82-game regular season version, or Game 1’s version? I think the Pistons will win, but I think the Magic will cover, so I’m going with Orlando plus the points.
Best Bet: Orlando +9.5 (-105)
Phoenix Suns vs Oklahoma City Thunder
Start Time – 9:30 PM EST
Boy oh boy, did Game 1 not go well for my Phoenix Suns, as the defending-champion Oklahoma City Thunder thumped them by 35 points. Disappointing, but not surprising.
Are the Suns going to win a game this series? Magic 8 Ball says “doubtful”. Will Phoenix at least cover the spread Wednesday night in OKC? Likely. My line is Oklahoma City -12.5, so let’s take the Suns plus the points.
Best Bet: Phoenix +17.5 (-108)
2025/6 Overall Record: 183-152 (55%)
Profit (based on $100/bet): $1,277.84
Return on Investment: 4%
SGPN Daily Content for April 22nd, 2026
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