The NBA playoffs are in full swing, and Tuesday, April 22, features three exciting matchups as the first round continues. Here’s a breakdown of the best betting picks on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Here’s the full NBA schedule for Tuesday, April 22 (all times Eastern):
- Bucks at Pacers, 7 p.m.
- Grizzlies at Thunder, 7:30 p.m.
- Timberwolves at Lakers, 10 p.m.
Pacers -4 (-110)
After a dominant Game 1 victory, the Indiana Pacers will look to build on their success against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round series. The Pacers easily won Game 1, 117-98, with Pascal Siakam leading the charge with 25 points, while Myles Turner added 19 points. The Pacers held the Bucks to just 24.3% shooting from beyond the arc and dominated both ends of the floor, leading by 28 points at one point.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had 36 points and 12 rebounds, was the sole bright spot for the Bucks in Game 1, but they struggled to find consistent scoring support elsewhere. Damian Lillard is expected to return for Game 2, but with Indiana’s success at home (16-3 since the All-Star break) and the way it shut down the Bucks’ offense in Game 1, the Pacers are favored to cover the -4 spread once again.
Grizzlies +14.5 (-110)
The Oklahoma City Thunder made an emphatic statement with a 131-80 blowout win over the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1, but it’s hard to imagine that performance being replicated in Game 2. Memphis struggled mightily in the opener, with Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. shooting just 25% combined. Despite this, Memphis is confident it can bounce back, knowing that a series isn’t over after one bad game.
“It’s one game. We have an opportunity to go to their place and get one,” Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo said. Expect a much more competitive effort from Memphis in Game 2. The Grizzlies are not a team that usually backs down, and with a more effective performance in shooting and physicality, they should keep the game within the 14.5-point spread.
Timberwolves +6 (-110)
The Minnesota Timberwolves stunned the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1, cruising to a 117-95 victory. Despite a slow start to the season, Minnesota has been on fire since the All-Star break and showed its potential with a complete team effort in Game 1. Anthony Edwards led the way with 22 points and nine assists, while Jaden McDaniels contributed 25 points in a standout performance.
The Lakers, however, are not to be taken lightly, especially with LeBron James and Luka Doncic leading the charge. The Lakers’ poor second-quarter performance and defensive struggles in Game 1 were the primary reasons for their loss. James has acknowledged the need for better physicality and intensity in Game 2.
“Maybe it took us one playoff game to now get a feel for it and know what type of intensity, the type of physicality, is gonna be brought to the game,” James said. “But that’s just the way they play. So we should be more than prepared for that on Tuesday night.”
While the Lakers will be more prepared in Game 2, Minnesota’s strong start to the series and the momentum it’s built throughout the season should help it cover the +6 spread.
Tyrese Haliburton Over 29.5 Points + Assists (-125)
Tyrese Haliburton played a crucial role in Indiana’s Game 1 victory over the Bucks, posting a double-double with 10 points and 12 assists. Though he wasn’t at his best shooting the ball, Haliburton’s playmaking ability remains the key to Indiana’s success. In the regular season, Haliburton averaged 20.6 points and 11.0 assists after the All-Star break, and he has been a consistent performer for the Pacers.
In Game 2, Haliburton is due for a better offensive showing. With the Pacers at home and riding high after their Game 1 win, Haliburton is poised to exceed the 29.5 combined points and assists mark. Expect him to play a pivotal role in running the offense and contributing to a potential 2-0 series lead for Indiana.
Luka Doncic Over 46.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-105)
Luka Doncic had a spectacular start to the series in Game 1, finishing with 37 points in a tough loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Doncic was the only consistent offensive threat for the Lakers, but the team’s overall performance in the second and third quarters hurt their chances.
In Game 2, Doncic will need to continue his dominant play to help the Lakers even the series. He has averaged 31.0 points, 9.4 rebounds and 7.8 assists in his playoff career, and he is capable of filling the stat sheet once again. Expect him to be involved in nearly every offensive possession and look for him to exceed the 46.5 combined points, rebounds and assists line.
