NBA Best Bets Today: Expert NBA Betting Picks for 04/24/2025

The New York Knicks head into Little Caesars Arena looking to regain control of this series after Detroit pulled off an impressive Game 2 upset. While the Pistons are buzzing with momentum after their first playoff win in 15+ years, there are several factors pointing toward a Knicks bounce-back in Game 3.

Jalen Brunson continues to perform at an elite level, dropping 37 points in Game 2, but he desperately needs more help from his supporting cast. The Knicks bench contributed just 8 points in Game 2 compared to Detroit's 35, and Karl-Anthony Towns went scoreless in the second half - clear areas for improvement that an experienced playoff team should address.

The blueprint for New York's success exists - they won in Detroit during the regular season by forcing 22 turnovers, a defensive intensity they'll need to recapture tonight. While Cade Cunningham has been spectacular (33 points and 12 rebounds in Game 2), the bright lights and pressure of hosting their first playoff game since 2018 could affect this young Pistons squad.

Experience matters in these pivotal Game 3 situations. The Knicks have veterans who understand playoff adjustments, while many Pistons players remain relatively untested in high-pressure postseason moments. This was evident in Game 1 when Detroit struggled down the stretch.

Multiple betting trends support New York, including the fact that the Knicks have won each of their last six Eastern Conference First Round games against Central Division opponents following a loss. Look for Tom Thibodeau's squad to make the necessary adjustments and squeak out a narrow road victory in what should be another tight contest.

While the Thunder have been absolutely dominant in the first two games of this series, winning by 51 and 19 points respectively, there are reasons to believe Memphis can keep Game 3 closer at home. Our analysis shows the Grizzlies covering the 8.5-point spread provides solid betting value.

Memphis showed some improvement in Game 2 despite the loss, shooting much better (42.9% from the field and 32.3% from three) compared to their disastrous Game 1 performance. Playing at home should give them an additional boost, even if the arena lacks the typical playoff intensity given the series situation.

The Thunder compiled an amazing 32-8 road record during the regular season, so the venue change isn't likely to rattle them. However, with a commanding 2-0 lead, there's potential for slightly decreased intensity from Oklahoma City, especially with the series outcome appearing inevitable.

Statistical models give the Grizzlies a 57.4% probability of covering this spread, representing a 5% edge at the current line. While Oklahoma City remains the superior team by a wide margin, this number feels a touch too high for a playoff road game.

The rebounding battle has been decisively in OKC's favor through two games (54-43 in Game 1, 55-42 in Game 2), but Memphis should put forth their best effort on the glass at home, potentially narrowing this gap enough to keep the margin under double digits.

The Nuggets-Clippers series has been thrilling so far with both games decided by one possession. While the first two contests have stayed under the total (222 combined points in Game 1 and 207 in Game 2), there are several compelling reasons to back the over for Game 3 in Los Angeles.

Both teams should benefit significantly from the extra day of rest between Games 2 and 3. This additional recovery time particularly helps Jamal Murray, who's been battling illness during the series. Denver's offense typically flows much better when Murray is at full strength alongside Nikola Jokic.

The Nuggets found success when pushing the tempo in transition during the first two games in Denver, something coach David Adelman will likely emphasize more in Game 3. Despite the Clippers' strong defensive reputation, Denver should find ways to generate more early offense and easy buckets.

While Denver's defensive effort has improved compared to the regular season, they remain a bottom-10 unit in defensive rating. The Clippers' high-powered offense featuring James Harden and Kawhi Leonard has been impressive through two games, and that duo should continue to produce at a high level on their home court.

Game 1 featured 222 total points despite regulation ending with the score tied at 103, which aligns more closely with what we should expect in Game 3. With both offenses likely to be more efficient after the rest day and Denver pushing pace, this game should finish closer to 220 points, making over 213.5 a strong play.