NBA Playoffs Best Bets for April 22: Will the Zig Zag Theory Be In Effect Tonight?
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Spread Astaire
- April 22, 2025
Top NBA Pick: Los Angeles Lakers -5.5 (-110) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
The NBA Playoffs continue tonight with exciting matchups that will determine each team’s fate. The Milwaukee Bucks will look to bounce back after a poor performance in Game 1 in Indiana. Can the Bucks improve, or do the Pacers have their number?
Also, the Los Angeles Lakers desperately need a win to avoid going down 0-2 heading back to Minnesota. The Lakers looked lethargic and small in Game 1. Can the Lakers put on a show, or are the Timberwolves going to eliminate the league’s glamor franchise?
When these games tip off, who should you back to make winning NBA picks? Let’s break down the betting odds from top sportsbooks.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 – 07:00 PM EDT at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Doc’s Dilemma: Can He Adjust?
Man, was I wrong about this Game 1. I thought Milwaukee had a great chance to win this game outright, and at least keep it close and cover the spread. However, the Pacers proved me wrong with a dominating performance from start to finish.
The Pacers made the Bucks look old and slow, and the defense the team showed was poor. Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers is not known for his strategic prowess. Will he be able to find a way to turn things around for his team?
Pacers forward Pascal Siakam led the way in Saturday’s 117-98 win. Siakam finished with 27 points and 7 rebounds on an efficient 10-15 shooting night. The Bucks are going to need to play better defense on Siakam if they want to turn things around tonight.
The Bucks have areas to improve on, and that is shooting. The new NBA has simply become a “Make or Miss” league from the three-point line. The Bucks went 9-37 for 24% from 3 point range. If the Bucks can just get to about 35%, things will be much better. Also, the Bucks will need to improve on their 67.9% free throw percentage. Come on guys, you’re a professional team! Those are college numbers!
The Bucks did make a late run where they cut a 28-point lead down to 12. Unfortunately for Milwaukee, they could not capitalize on that momentum and the Pacers punched back and put them away for good.
Milwaukee Has to Wake Up Early
The Bucks will need to look at what they did during that section of the game, but most importantly, they cannot afford to start slow again. The Pacers are simply too good on offense to think that you can play lackadaisical in the first half and then bounce back with amazing defensive effort. The Bucks are going to need to be focused from the start of the game.
The Bucks can bounce back here and keep this game close. I know they failed to be competitive in Game 1, but they have many issues they can address to improve. It’s tough to count on Doc Rivers to make the proper adjustments, but sometimes the toughest bets to make are the best bets.
Let’s hope that’s the case tonight when we take the Milwaukee Bucks +4.5.
NBA Pick: Milwaukee Bucks +4.5 (-110) at BetOnline
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 – 10:00 PM EDT at Crypto.com Arena
Can the Wolves Stay on Fire or Cool Off?
The Minnesota Timberwolves made a statement on Saturday night when they not only defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, but they beat them by 22 points. It was the Timberwolves’ 18th win in their last 22 games. The Timberwolves used size and defense in order to shut down the Los Angeles Lakers.
What can the Lakers do to improve? Of course, making your three-point shots is always an option, but the Lakers are going to have to play bigger and not go to a “small ball” lineup.
Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels made a point that when Jaxson Hayes is out of the lineup, he is the tallest player on the floor, and the Timberwolves have much more size, rim protection, and defensive rebounding. The Lakers will probably not allow the Timberwolves to play so big in Game 2 and will play larger lineups.
The Timberwolves will probably not shoot as well from 3 point range either. The Timberwolves were 21-42 for 50% from 3 point range. Most likely, we will see some regression there, and that will give the Lakers an opportunity.
We must also factor in what the league wants. The Los Angeles Lakers and Luka Doncic are a ratings bonanza and a cash cow for the league. As awesome as Anthony Edwards is, unfortunately, the Minnesota Timberwolves do not move the needle for the casual fan. The Lakers usually get the advantage when it comes to foul calls, and I think tonight will be obscene with the way the game is officiated.
Expect a Heavy Whistle in Hollywood’s Favor
The Lakers will get many calls, and I expect many Timberwolves stars to be in foul trouble early in the game. On the heels of WrestleMania weekend, we’re in line for some more Sports Entertainment tonight!
The combination of the Lakers’ adjustments and the ridiculous whistle they will receive will help them tie the series, heading back to Minnesota. If the Lakers lose tonight, the series is all but over. The league doesn’t want that, and unfortunately for Timberwolves fans, I don’t think we will see a fair contest tonight.
Take the Los Angeles Lakers -5.5.
NBA Pick: Los Angeles Lakers -5.5 (-110) at BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
