The NBA playoffs are underway, and Monday, April 21 features two exciting matchups as teams look to advance in their journey for the championship. Here’s a look at the best betting picks on DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Pistons at Knicks, 7:30 p.m.
- Clippers at Nuggets, 10 p.m.
Knicks -6.5 (-112)
The New York Knicks rallied in dramatic fashion to win Game 1 against the Detroit Pistons, and they’ll look to carry that momentum into Game 2. After trailing by eight entering the fourth quarter, Jalen Brunson led the charge with 12 of his 34 points in the final period, propelling the Knicks to a 123-112 victory. The Knicks also benefited from strong performances from OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns, who contributed 19 and 23 points, respectively.
Detroit had a solid game plan, with Tobias Harris scoring 25 points, but its inability to finish in the fourth quarter—shooting just 31.8%—proved costly. The Pistons will need a more consistent effort from Cade Cunningham, who struggled with his shooting in Game 1, going 8-of-21 from the floor for 21 points.
The Knicks are built for the postseason, and with Brunson continuing his stellar play, they should cover the -6.5 spread and take a commanding 2-0 series lead. The Pistons have struggled to close games, and New York’s depth will continue to prove difficult for Detroit to match.
Clippers -1 (-112)
After a thrilling Game 1, the Los Angeles Clippers look to bounce back against the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of their Western Conference first-round series. In Game 1, the Clippers played with intensity but were undone by 20 turnovers, including seven by Kawhi Leonard, in a 112-110 overtime loss. Despite this, Los Angeles remains confident heading into Game 2.
Head coach Tyronn Lue emphasized that the team just needs to execute better and limit mistakes, saying, “We’re in good shape; we just have to do what we’re supposed to do.”
The Clippers have shown they can control the tempo and play strong defense, as evidenced by their 49-point first-half effort in Game 1. The Nuggets are also riding high after securing a win in Game 1, led by Nikola Jokic’s dominant performance with 27 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds. But Denver’s win wasn’t without some question marks, including Michael Porter Jr.’s lack of production in the second half, and it’s unclear if the Nuggets can sustain this level of performance. With the Clippers’ playoff experience and the talent of Leonard and James Harden, look for the Clippers to cover the -1 spread and even the series.
Nikola Jokic Over 49.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-115)
Jokic was exceptional in Game 1, posting a near triple-double with 27 points, nine rebounds and 12 assists. His all-around impact makes him a prime candidate to stuff the stat sheet, and with the goal of taking a 2-0 series lead, Jokic will be relied upon to carry the team once again. The Clippers struggled to contain him, and as Denver’s primary playmaker, Jokic is well-positioned to exceed the 49.5 combined points, rebounds and assists line in Game 2. Expect another dominant performance from the MVP candidate.
Jalen Brunson Over 35.5 Points + Assists (-110)
Brunson was the driving force behind New York’s comeback in Game 1, finishing with 34 points and eight assists. He played a crucial role in orchestrating the offense down the stretch, leading the Knicks to a dominant 40-point fourth quarter. With Detroit’s defense focusing on slowing him down, Brunson’s ability to both score and facilitate for his teammates makes this over/under a strong pick. Given his recent form and the importance of Game 2, expect Brunson to exceed the 35.5 points and assists line once again.
