The NBA Playoffs move into a crucial Game 2 phase this Thursday as the top seeds face very different realities. While Oklahoma City lived up to their billing with a series-opening blowout, the Detroit Pistons are reeling after a shock home defeat. Below, we take you through our best bets for both of Thursday’s Game 2’s!
NBA Playoffs Betting Tips: Thursday, April 23rd 2026
Orlando Magic at Detroit Pistons (9:00am AEST)
Orlando ripped up the script in Game 1, using physical defence to secure a 112 to 101 upset. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner dominated the paint while Jalen Suggs stifled Detroit’s backcourt. The Magic turned every mistake into a bucket, making the top seeds look frantic as they successfully neutralised the perimeter. Orlando’s size was the deciding factor, forcing the Pistons into stagnant half-court sets for most of the night.
Cade Cunningham’s 39-point masterpiece was wasted as his teammates went cold. Detroit has now lost 11 straight home playoff games, a drought dating back to 2008. While the Pistons are favourites to level the series, Orlando’s physical edge and the 8.5-point cushion offer great value. Expect the Magic to stay gritty and keep this within a couple of possessions.
Magic +8.5
$1.95 (2 Units)
Phoenix Suns at Oklahoma City Thunder (11:30am AEST)
The Thunder were far superior in Game 1, winning 119 to 84 and leading wire to wire. They crushed Phoenix 32 to 10 in transition points and scored 34 points off 17 Suns turnovers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a poor shooting night, going 5 for 18 from the floor, but still managed 25 points by hitting 15 of 17 free throws. Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein dominated the boards, helping OKC to a 54 to 45 rebounding advantage.
Phoenix struggled to generate clean looks for the whole night, with the Thunder’s perimeter defenders wreaking havoc. With Grayson Allen and Mark Williams carrying injuries, the Suns' depth is being tested at the worst possible time. A 17-point spread is enormous for the playoffs, so expect a prideful performance from the Suns in Game 2. If they can turn this into a grind and find some rhythm, they should cover the line.
Suns +17.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
