NBA Playoffs Betting Picks: Best ATS Bets for April 24

I think in the playoffs, both the NBA and NHL, the toughest game to pick is Game 3. That’s because the scene shifts from one stadium to the other, obviously. Teams do have different identities at home compared to what they do on the road.

But I’m up for the challenge. I’m looking at two Game 3s in the Western Conference tonight and feel really good about both picks.

NBA Playoffs Betting Picks for April 24

Thunder vs. Grizzlies Odds

The numbers are staggering. The Thunder have won 11 in a row over the Grizzlies, and during that time, they are 10-1 against the spread. Tonight’s spread is 9.5 points. I think that’s weirdly low. In these last 11 meetings, only one of those games has been closer than 9.5 points.

The last five meetings have all hit the under. The total tonight is posted at 226.5. Neither Game 1 nor Game 2 came close to that total. The under is looking good to me.

OKC is 57-24-4 against the spread this year and has won six straight playoff first round games. It swept New Orleans last year. Memphis is 43-42-1 against the spread. They are better at home, 27-15, but I don’t see it helping that much.

Thunder vs. Grizzlies Prediction

My prediction is, why would you even think about going against the Thunder right now? The Thunder have won six straight games against the spread. They’ve won the first two games of this series without star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing great. They outrebounded the Grizzlies 55-33 in Game 2.

Memphis can’t suddenly add a bunch of rim runners and rebounders. It’s a fatal flaw in this series. Ja Morant will play hard. Take him and the over tonight, he’s scored 30 or more points in four of his last five home playoff games.

OKC has been so dominant, they’ve won each half against Memphis in the last four games. I’m betting it all on OKC.

The pick: Thunder -9.0 (-110 at Caesars)

Nuggets at Clippers Odds

This has been the best first-round series by far. Game 1 went to overtime, and Game 2 was decided by three points. The series is tied at 1-1. Now it shifts to the Intuit Dome in LA.

LA is 13-1 in its last 14 games. They are 48-35-1 against the spread this season and 30-11 at home. They come in tonight as 5.5-point favorites. Denver has been a bad bet against the spread, 38-45-1 this season.

Nuggets at Clippers Prediction

I love this stat. The underdog has covered the spread in seven of the last eight playoff games between these two teams. That’s the way I am going. Only two of the last 10 meetings between these two teams have been decided by 10 points or more. When I see that, I’m taking the points, no matter who is getting them.

Clippers center Ivica Zubac has had double-doubles in his last 17 straight games, if you’re looking for a solid prop bet. LA has also led at halftime in each of its last nine games.

The games between these two teams are close because they match up so well with each other. Kawhi Leonard was brilliant with 39 points in Game 2 for LA, but would anyone be surprised if Nikola Jokic went off for 40 or 50 tonight for the Nugs? Bet on this being close, that’s what I’m going to do.

The pick: Nuggets +5.5 (-110 at BetMGM)