The gruelling NBA regular season has finally come to an end which means it’s almost time for the playoffs! First up however, we have the Play-In Tournament, where the 7-10 seeds in each conference fight for their place in the first round of the playoffs. We’ll be bringing you free previews and best bets for each and every Play-In Tournament game right here. Good luck to everyone following along!
NBA Play-In Tournament Betting Tips: Wednesday, April 16th 2025
Atlanta Hawks at Orlando Magic (9:30am AEST)
The Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks meet in a pivotal Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament game, with the winner securing the seventh seed.
Orlando enters the matchup with a 41–41 record, clinching the Southeast Division title for the second consecutive year. Their success is largely attributed to a stifling defence that led the league by allowing just 106.2 points per game and ranking second in defensive rating at 109.8. The Magic's methodical pace, ranked 28th in the league at 96.4, allows them to control the game's tempo and capitalize on defensive stops.
In contrast, the Hawks finished the regular season at 40–42, struggling with defensive consistency. They allowed 118.4 points per game, placing them near the bottom of the league, and ranked 27th in defensive rating. While their offense is potent, averaging 118.2 points per game, it often fails to compensate for their defensive lapses.
Given Orlando's defensive prowess and Atlanta's vulnerabilities, the Magic are poised to dominate this matchup. Expect Orlando to leverage their home-court advantage and cohesive play to secure a comfortable victory and advance in the postseason.
Memphis Grizzlies at Golden State Warriors (12:00pm AEST)
The Golden State Warriors face the Memphis Grizzlies in a high-stakes Western Conference Play-In Tournament matchup at Chase Center. Both teams finished the regular season with a 48–34 record, but Golden State earned the higher seed via tiebreaker. With playoff implications on the line, the encounter is expected to be fiercely contested and high in scoring output.
The Warriors have been in strong offensive form, averaging 113.8 points per game and dishing out 29.1 assists, highlighting their fast-paced, ball-sharing approach. They shoot 37.1 percent from beyond the arc and maintain a pace of 100.7 possessions per game. Defensively, Golden State has held opponents to 45.4 rebounds but has shown occasional lapses, especially in transition, allowing opportunities for opposing scorers to capitalise. Their games have frequently pushed totals into the 230+ range, with tempo playing a significant role.
Memphis, meanwhile, averages 113.3 points per game and has been involved in several high-scoring affairs down the stretch. Despite defensive concerns – including a 141-point concession to Minnesota – they remain capable of keeping pace offensively, especially in transition. Their defensive rating of 116.5 and pace of 100.3 indicate a tendency towards faster, less structured games where points are easier to come by on both ends.
Given both teams' quick tempo, scoring efficiency, and inconsistent defence, this Play-In game is well set up to go over the total of 228.5 points. Expect a free-flowing, end-to-end contest with ample scoring from both sides.
Over 228.5 Points
$1.85 (1 Unit)
NBA Play-In Tournament Betting Tips: Thursday, April 17th 2025
Miami Heat at Chicago Bulls (9:30am AEST)
The Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat meet at United Center in a high-stakes Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament clash. With the Bulls finishing the regular season at 39–43 and the Heat at 37–45, both sides enter with little margin for error. Chicago, however, appear to have found their rhythm at the right time.
Since the LaVine trade, the Bulls have been a significantly more cohesive and energised outfit. Coby White has emerged as a key offensive engine, while Josh Giddey’s playmaking and tempo control have proven to be a key dimension to Chicago’s attack. The Bulls are averaging 117.8 points per game and have posted 28.3 assists per game since the All-Star break, showing much-improved ball movement and offensive flow. They also shoot 36.4 percent from three and maintain a solid pace of 102.9 possessions per game.
Miami, by contrast, has struggled to generate consistent scoring, averaging just 110.2 points per game across the season. Their slower style – just 96.3 possessions per game – relies heavily on half-court execution, but they’ve had difficulty keeping up with faster-paced, high-scoring opponents. While their defence has remained steady, conceding just 110.6 points per game, their offensive rating continues to lag behind the league average.
Given Chicago’s recent resurgence, improved offensive rhythm, and superior chemistry led by White and Giddey, the Bulls should be too strong on home court. Expect them to control the tempo, move the ball efficiently, and comfortably progress in the Play-In Tournament.
Bulls to Win
$1.88 (2.5 Units)
Dallas Mavericks at Sacramento Kings (12:00pm AEST)
The Sacramento Kings host the Dallas Mavericks in a pivotal Western Conference Play-In Tournament matchup at Golden 1 Center. The Kings, who finished the regular season with a 40–42 record, enter the game as the ninth seed, while the Mavericks, at 39–43, arrive as the tenth seed looking to cause an upset.
Sacramento have been one of the more consistent offensive teams throughout the 2024–25 season, averaging 115.7 points per game and recording 26.5 assists per contest. Their tempo has been a defining feature, with a fast-paced style that allows them to generate efficient looks across the floor. They’ve also controlled the rebounding battle more often than not, pulling in 44.2 boards per game and showing balance on both ends.
Dallas, meanwhile, have struggled to find stability. While they’re still averaging 114.2 points per game and dishing 25.2 assists, their defence has been vulnerable. The team has had issues containing opponents in transition and defending the three-point line, contributing to several high-scoring defeats. Their overall efficiency has dipped in the second half of the season, and questions remain over their ability to keep pace with teams that push the tempo and execute consistently in the halfcourt.
With home-court advantage and a more balanced and disciplined style of play, the Kings appear well-positioned to come out on top. Their ability to score efficiently, share the ball, and control the glass should prove too much for a Mavericks side that has lacked cohesion down the stretch. Expect Sacramento to advance.
Kings -4.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
NBA Play-In Tournament Betting Tips: Saturday, April 19th 2025
Miami Heat at Atlanta Hawks (9:00am AEST)
The Miami Heat visit the Atlanta Hawks in a high-stakes Play-In game with the final Eastern Conference playoff spot on the line. Miami enter with a clear identity built around discipline, defence, and execution. They’ve been one of the league’s most consistent teams in slowing down opponents, using strong perimeter defence and smart rotations to limit clean looks. Their ability to force turnovers and control the tempo gives them an edge in tight, playoff-style games where every possession matters. Offensively, Miami don’t rush—they prefer methodical, half-court sets that wear down defences and generate efficient shots.
Atlanta, on the other hand, lean into pace and scoring, but their defensive issues have followed them all season. While they can shoot well from the perimeter and push the ball effectively in transition, they’ve struggled to contain structured offences. Their defence often breaks down in key stretches, allowing high field goal percentages and easy opportunities around the rim. In a one-off elimination game, that lack of consistency on the defensive end could prove costly.
Miami’s poise, defensive strength, and ability to slow the game down should allow them to dictate the rhythm. In a pressure-filled environment, the Heat’s experience and control are likely to secure them the eighth seed.
Heat to Win
$1.95 (2 Units)
Dallas Mavericks at Memphis Grizzlies (11:30am AEST)
The Memphis Grizzlies host the Dallas Mavericks in a pivotal Play-In showdown, with the winner clinching the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Memphis, despite a late-season slump, boasts a strong home record and has dominated the Mavericks in recent matchups, winning three of four regular-season games, including a decisive 132-97 victory.
The Grizzlies' success hinges on their defensive prowess and the leadership of Ja Morant, whose status remains uncertain due to a right ankle injury. Even without Morant, Memphis has demonstrated depth and resilience, making them formidable opponents.
Dallas enters the game with momentum after a convincing win over Sacramento. Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson have been instrumental in their recent success, providing scoring and veteran leadership. However, the Mavericks have struggled against the Grizzlies this season and face challenges in maintaining consistency on both ends of the court.
Given Memphis's home-court advantage, defensive capabilities, and recent dominance over Dallas, the Grizzlies are well-positioned to cover the -6.5 spread. Their ability to control the game's tempo and exploit the Mavericks' defensive lapses should pave the way for a comfortable victory, securing their spot in the playoffs.
Grizzlies -6.5
$1.92 (1 Unit)
