Wednesday’s NBA Playoffs slate is certainly a juicy one with three important Game 5’s on the schedule. As usual, we preview the games and provide our best spread and player prop bets!
Also, be sure to check out our NBA Tips page regularly to find our best betting tips for the key slates each and every week. On top of that, we provide NBL betting tips for every round of the season for those who love a good punt on the basketball as much as we do!
NBA Playoffs Betting Tips: Wednesday April 27th
Atlanta Hawks at Miami Heat
FTX Arena, 9am AEST
After grinding out a one-point win in Game 3, the Hawks regressed back to their Games 1-2 form with a heavy 24-point defeat on Monday. They simply had no answer for the talent and intensity levels of superstar Jimmy Butler who led the Heat with 36 points and 10 rebounds. The Heat now lead 3-1 in this first round series and all three of their wins have been by double-digits.
Clint Capela continues to battle some niggling injuries but still suited up for the Hawks in Game 4, as did Bogdan Bogdanovic who’s also listed as questionable to play in Game 5. In line-up news for the Heat, Kyle Lowry is listed as out and PJ Tucker is also questionable.
It’s win or go home for the Hawks in Game 5 and being on the road for this pivotal game will only make things tougher. On top of that, the Heat have won all four games on their home deck against the Hawks this season including each of their last two by 10+ points. With that said, I’ll be on the Heat to cover the spread and close out the series.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Memphis Grizzles
FedExForum, 9:30am AEST
After providing very little for his team in the first three games of the series, Karl-Anthony Towns answered the call in a big way in Game 4 with 33 points and 14 rebounds in a crucial 119-118 Timberwolves win. Importantly, that result brought them back to level-pegging in this intriguing series and will give them confidence ahead of Game 5 on Wednesday.
Both teams have all of their starters and key rotational players available for their upcoming clash, which has been the case for most of the series to date. As a result, I expect both teams to bring in the same starting five that we saw from them last game.
The Timberwolves fought with everything they had to level up the series at home in Game 4, but I just feel they won’t have enough on Wednesday against a better overall team in the Grizzlies. They finished with the second-best record in the NBA in the regular season for a reason and I expect them to show just why with a good win in Game 5.
Memphis Grizzlies -6
$1.90
New Orleans Pelicans at Phoenix Suns
Footprint Center, 12pm AEST
What a win it was for the #8 seed Pelicans in Game 4, coming out on top at home in a 118-103 scoreline to level up the series at 2-2. Brandon Ingram led the way again with his beautiful scoring touch, pouring in 30 points for the third straight game. Chris Paul had a really off night for the Suns, managing only four points on 2-8 shooting.
The big news ahead of Game 5 is that 2x All-Star Devin Booker remains on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. He picked up that injury in Game 2 and is a chance to miss the remainder of the series. He’s the only one from either team to have picked up an injury through the first four games.
It’s been a really entertaining series so far and I’m expecting more of the same on Wednesday. The Pelicans have put up a much greater fight than anyone could’ve anticipated, however, the Suns have only lost back-to-back games twice for the entire season, which is the best in the NBA. Expect them to make the necessary adjustments to secure an important win here.
Player Props
9am Hawks at Heat – DeAndre Hunter 15+ Points $1.90 Picklebet
9:30am Timberwolves at Grizzlies – Ja Morant 27+ Points $1.90 Picklebet
12pm Pelicans at Suns – Jae Crowder 11+ Points $1.90 Picklebet
