The NBA playoffs continue with three exciting matchups on Wednesday, April 23. Let’s dive into the top betting picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for today’s games.
Here’s the full NBA schedule for Wednesday, April 23 (all times Eastern):
- Magic at Celtics, 7 p.m.
- Heat at Cavaliers, 7:30 p.m.
- Warriors at Rockets, 9:30 p.m.
Celtics -10.5 (-110)
After taking a commanding 1-0 lead in their first-round series against the Orlando Magic, the Boston Celtics return home to secure a dominant Game 2 victory. In the series opener, Boston’s supporting cast showed their strength, with Derrick White scoring 30 points and Payton Pritchard adding 19, while Orlando’s defense relatively contained Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Tatum is considered doubtful to play after suffering his wrist injury, but there is plenty of talent to keep Boston in a good spot.
Despite Paolo Banchero’s 36 points and Franz Wagner’s 23, Orlando struggled to get much scoring from their other starters, and their bench production was minimal. Orlando head coach Jamahl Mosley emphasized the need for the Magic to be more deliberate and focused to compete with Boston’s depth and defensive intensity. The Celtics’ defense clamped down in the second half of Game 1, and with home-court advantage, Boston is poised to cover the 10.5-point spread. Expect a similar performance from their role players, as they continue to give the Magic trouble on both ends of the court.
Heat +12 (-112)
The Cleveland Cavaliers came out on top in Game 1, defeating the Miami Heat 121-100, but the Heat can bounce back in Game 2. Cleveland was led by the outstanding play of Donovan Mitchell (30 points) and Darius Garland (27 points), while Ty Jerome played a pivotal role off the bench with 16 fourth-quarter points. Miami struggled to contain Cleveland’s backcourt, and its defensive lapses allowed the Cavaliers to pull away in the second half.
The Heat received solid impact from the top of its roster, especially Bam Adebayo, who posted 24 points and nine rebounds in Game 1, and Tyler Herro, who added 21 points. However, a collective improvement will be needed, but it shouldn’t be too much to ask for Miami to cover a double-figure spread. Despite the Cavaliers’ edge in firepower, the Heat are known for their ability to adjust after losses. Miami should be able to cover the 12-point spread, keeping it close in Game 2.
Warriors +3 (-110)
The Golden State Warriors head to Houston for Game 2 of their series against the Rockets, looking to extend their lead after a solid Game 1 win. Stephen Curry, who dropped 31 points in the series opener, was key in helping Golden State shoot 47.4% from the field and 37.5% from three. With the Rockets struggling to convert on second-chance opportunities and failing to capitalize on their rebounding advantage, the Warriors exploited Houston’s shooting woes.
Houston showed resilience, closing the gap after trailing by as many as 23 points, but ultimately fell short. The Warriors’ depth and Curry’s clutch performances make an intriguing underdog to tail again for Game 2, but Houston’s effort and the potential for a bounce-back game mean this contest will likely stay close. Expect a competitive matchup, with the Warriors covering the spread to take a 2-0 series lead.
Derrick White Over 16.5 Points (-110)
Derrick White had a standout performance in Game 1, scoring 30 points and contributing to Boston’s offensive surge in the second half. With Jayson Tatum likely sidelined and Jaylen Brown to see more defensive attention, White is primed for another big game in Game 2. Remember, White has averaged over 17.1 points per game since the All-Star break.
White’s scoring ability has been crucial to Boston’s success this season, and as the Celtics continue to rely on their depth, especially if Tatum gets ruled out, White will be asked to step up once again. Given his recent production, White is well-positioned to exceed the 16.5-point line.
Ty Jerome Over 11.5 Points (-105)
Ty Jerome played a pivotal role in Game 1, finishing with 28 points and five rebounds as the Cleveland Cavaliers cruised to a 121-100 victory. Jerome’s scoring was instrumental in breaking open the game in the fourth quarter, and his ability to make plays off the bench has been a key part of Cleveland’s success all season. He’s averaged 15.5 points per game since the All-Star break, making this an attractive betting pick.
With the Cavaliers facing a Heat squad that has struggled to defend on the perimeter, Jerome is well-positioned to continue his strong play and exceed the 11.5-point prop in Game 2. His ability to contribute both as a scorer and playmaker makes him a valuable asset for the Cavs in this series.
