The first round of the NBA Playoffs resumes with a jam packed 4-game slate this Saturday, with staggered start times scheduled throughout the day, as Cavaliers-Heat Game 3 and Thunder-Grizzlies Game 4 will get us started this afternoon, and then we'll close the evening with Nuggets-Clippers Game 4 and Rockets-Warriors Game 3.
Our staff of basketball betting experts dug into the latest odds and identified NBA picks for all 4 of today's contests. Continue below for our NBA best bets and predictions for Saturday, April 26.
NBA Best Bets for First Round Playoff Games: Saturday, April 26
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 1 p.m. | |
  | 3:30 p.m. | |
  | 6 p.m. | |
| 6 p.m. | |
  | 8:30 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Grizzlies vs. Thunder
Zach Edey has struggled to make an impact in this series. He's averaged 5.7 points and 7.7 rebounds. Edey did finally play 30 minutes in Game 3, but he's only averaged 25.3 MPG in the series. This isn't the 32+ minute role he had to close the season.
Oklahoma City allowed the fewest points in the paint per game in the regular season. The Thunder are mediocre on the glass, but Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein have kept Edey in check there. Edey has converted just 43.4% of his rebound chances in the playoffs. There could be positive regression there, but it seems like OKC's versatile big men are giving Edey trouble.
Edey hasn't seen much of an increase in usage with Ja Morant (ruled out) off the floor. His absence shouldn't affect Edey's playing time.
Pick: Zach Edey Under 18.5 Points + Rebounds (-115)
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Nuggets vs. Clippers
By Joe Dellera
The Nuggets have their backs against a wall down 1-2 on the road here in Game 4. This is a must-win game and I expect Jokic to see extended run.
Jokic has put together a strong series so far, despite not going off as a scorer. He is averaging 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 11.7 assists in these three games. He’s recorded a triple double in two of the three.
Jokic has played 37, 43, and 46 minutes in this series, and even though Zubac has done a decent job on him, Jokic can burn a defense in a million different ways.
Pick: Nikola Jokic Over 49.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-114)
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Nuggets vs. Clippers
It wouldn’t be a stretch to say the Clippers could easily be up 3-0 in this series against the Nuggets. After all, Los Angeles has completely dictated the tempo by almost taking the air out of the ball to control possessions and play at its preferred slower pace.
The Clippers ranked 22nd in pace during the regular season, averaging 98.2 possessions per game, but that number has dropped to 91.3 in the postseason. In comparison, the Nuggets ranked eighth in possessions, so this slower pace is certainly not to their liking.
Defensively, the Clippers also ranked third in efficiency, allowing 109.4 points per 100 possessions. But when at home, they’ve been even better, boasting a 106.4 rating.
While this total might seem a bit low, the Under is 10-6 (62.5%) during the playoffs when the point total is no higher than 213. But if you’re still not convinced, note that the Clippers are a perfect 3-0 to the Under this season with a total of 213 or fewer points.
Pick: Under 212.5 (-110)
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Rockets vs. Warriors
The Warriors will host the Rockets on Saturday night. The two teams split a pair of games in the first two games of this series. Tonight is a key swing game, and the major headline of this game is the absence of Jimmy Butler for the Warriors.
