The NBA Playoffs resume with an excellent trio of Game 2s on Tuesday night, with Bucks vs. Pacers and Grizzlies vs. Thunder set to tipoff in the early window, and then Timberwolves vs. Lakers will take center stage later in the evening.
Our staff of basketball betting experts dug into the latest odds and identified 4 NBA picks for tonight's contests. Continue below for our NBA best bets and predictions for Tuesday, April 22.
NBA Best Bets for First Round Playoff Games: Tuesday, April 22
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7:30 p.m. | |
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 10 p.m. | |
| 7:30 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
By Joe Dellera
The Thunder face off against the Grizzlies in a matchup they should be able to control from start to finish. Both of these teams play with pace and continued to do so even in Game 1’s blowout.
Historically, Jalen Williams sees about a 6-minute uptick on his postseason minutes. Barring another blowout, we should see that today. He averaged 5.1 assists per game, including 6.6 against the Grizzlies this season.
When he has played at least 30 minutes, he has cleared this 4.5 assists line in 64% of games.
In Game 1, he recorded 6 assists off of 10 potentials in just 25 minutes. I figure he sees more run today as l'd expect a closer game.
Hartenstein was 4/4 on his passes, but nobody could make a 3-pointer on them. I figure that should even out today.
I expect another strong performance from Jalen Williams as OKC should be able to run on this Grizzlies team.
Pick: Jalen Williams Over 4.5 Assists (-120)
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Bucks vs. Pacers
I am expecting Dame Lillard back for the Milwaukee Bucks in this game and that to provide a huge boost.
The Bucks were 3-1 in the regular season series between these two teams, and the one loss is the one worth exploring. Dame and Giannis were active, the game was in Indiana, and the Pacers closed as a -1 point favorite. The Bucks had the game in the bag until Haliburton's game-ending 4-point play to win by 1 point.
What has changed between that March contest and now, so much to move this line 3.5 points? I expect Lillard active and the line to close around 2.5, and thus the Bucks remain an actionable spot.
Pick: Bucks +4.5 (-110) / Bucks Moneyline (+160)
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Timberwolves vs. Lakers
By Joe Dellera
The Timberwolves look to build on their 1-0 series lead and steal the first two games of this series on the road. One player that should continue to see floor time is Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
NAW played 20 minutes in Game 1, despite shooting just 2/9 from the field. It’s evident that Mike Conley is going to struggle in this series and NAW is someone the Wolves can turn to.
