NBA Playoffs Best Bets of the Night: Monday, April 25

Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz

Photo by Alex Goodlett; Getty Images

Facing elimination tonight, the Toronto Raptors and the Brooklyn Nets need a win tonight to stay alive.

Elsewhere, Luka Doncic has returned to the Mavericks lineup and will look to deliver a crucial Game 5 victory to give his team the lead. Dallas is currently tied with Utah at two games each. Let’s check out the best bets for tonight’s NBA playoff games.

Best Bets of the Night

Game: Boston Celtics at Brooklyn Nets -1 (BOS Leads 3-0)

The question is whether or not Brooklyn will get a consolation victory tonight at home. The Boston Celtics have unlocked any of the functioning offensive playbooks that put Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving at the forefront. Ime Udoka and his staff have their own version of the Bad Boy Pistons’ “Jordan Rules” on Brooklyn’s two superstars.

Heading into Game 4, things really don’t look great for the Nets. But will they really get swept? The defensive nightmare the Nets are facing has ended this first-round series. However, the Nets will avoid the sweep with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant scoring at least 20+ points each tonight.

The Pick: Brooklyn Nets -1

Game: Toronto Raptors at Philadelphia 76ers -8 (PHI Leads 3-1)

The O/U for tonight’s Game 5 between the 76ers and Raptors is currently set at a fairly low 211 points. In Game 1, both teams combined for 242 points. Facing elimination, the Raptors will compete on the road and score at least 100 points to the 76ers' 115 tonight at home. On the injury front, Embiid sustained a torn ligament in his right thumb that will require surgery at the end of the season. Nonetheless, the MVP candidate has committed himself to play for the remainder of the season. While this could impact his offensive production, Philadelphia has a multitude of weapons. James Harden is the team’s main ball-handler, but he can definitely shoot more if need be. In the meantime, Tyrese Maxey has continued to exceed expectations while Tobias Harris has stepped it up on offense as of late. If Embiid were to score 10-15 points, the 76ers overall scoring wouldn’t be in too much jeopardy. In addition, Scottie Barnes returned to the Raptors lineup in Game 4 and is not facing a minutes restriction even if he comes off of the bench.

The Pick: Over 211 Total Points

Game: Utah Jazz at Dallas Mavericks -3 (Series Tied 2-2)

Luka Doncic is back in action and now he’ll be returning in front of the home crowd. In Game 4, the Mavericks seemed somewhat discombobulated. Jalen Brunson had to readjust his role in the rotation upon Luka’s return. Brunson scored a career-high 41 points in Game 2 followed by another 31 points in Game 3 without Luka in the rotation. Even though the Mavericks lost Game 4, the final score was 100-99. Jordan Clarkson even outscored Donovan Mitchell with 25 points (9-16 FG). Tonight, Luka is back in Dallas, and it will be his turn to be at the forefront.

The Pick: Dallas Mavericks -3

NBA Player Props of the Night

Game: Utah Jazz at Dallas Mavericks -3 (Series Tied 2-2)

Prop #1: Luka Doncic, Over 30.5 Points

Luka made his postseason debut in Game 4 and dropped 30 points (11-21 FG). It was a strong return, especially on the road. Since the Mavs lost by one point on the road, expect Luka to erupt for something like 35+ points in the hopes of securing a home win in Game 5. The Utah Jazz did not target Luka on defense the way the Celtics smothered KD and Kyrie through the first round.

Prop #2: Jordan Clarkson, Over 14.5 Points

Although Miami’s Tyler Herro will likely take home the 2021-22 NBA Sixth Man of the Year trophy, Jordan Clarkson won it last year, and he’s certainly playing like the best sixth man of the postseason. Clarkson has scored in double-figures in each of the games of the first round. After scoring 21 points (8-11 FG) in Game 2, Clarkson earned more minutes off the bench. He played 30 minutes in Game 3 and produced 14 points (5-9 FG), and scored 25 points (9-16 FG) in 36 minutes of action in Utah's pivotal Game 4 victory.

He’s a player who’s especially capable of turning it on when it matters and simply looks unstoppable at the moment. Watch him explode tonight.

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