Rockets vs Lakers Win Probability for Game 2 at Prediction Markets
Free NBA Expert and Computer Picks For Every Game April 21, 2026
The Celtics led by 18 at halftime in Game 1, and they did not even play that well. Boston shot just 6-of-18 from beyond the arc in the first half on Sunday, Philadelphia took four more free throws in the half as well as three more shots, and the rebounding margin was even.
Expect Portland to continue to lean on Avdija after his 30-point performance in Game 1, where he logged a team-high 39 minutes and led the team with 21 shot attempts, well above his season average. The usage mirrors his 41-point outing in the play-in against Phoenix, when he took 22 shots in 38 minutes. He’s in elite form with 25+ points in eight straight games, and he’s consistently torched San Antonio with totals of 29, 29, and 37 this season.
Focus on Victor Wembanyama's last few weeks. The Frenchman scored at least 34 points in four of his final five regular-season games. He has been locked in for a bit. And as Sunday night made clear, the Portland Trail Blazers do not have a defender to slow down Wembanyama. Donovan Clingan may be a massive human being, but he is simply not quick or agile enough to defend Wembanyama outside the paint.
Sharp NBA bets and market edges - available only to subscribers.
I expect the lopsided shooting results of Game 1 to come closer to the middle in Game 2 as well as smell a potential letdown for the Lakers, who got a Luka-like effort from reserve-turned-starter Luke Kennard on Saturday. Los Angeles won’t connect at the same clip and Houston tightens the bolts on offense, with or without Durant. Head coach Ime Udoka is emphasizing spacing and more screen action – both on and off ball – after iso-heavy sets stagnated the Rockets in Game 1. I’m holding out hope that Durant returns for the sake of this bet, but I’m confident Houston will perform better than Game 1 if he doesn’t.
Covers’ NBA analysts have over 25 years of experience making smart basketball picks from the season’s opening tip to the NBA Finals.
We find the best NBA odds and share our picks and NBA best bets for the biggest games of the basketball season — right here on this page.
Our picks are researched and analyzed by experienced sports bettors looking for an edge to get the best value from their NBA betting
Making smart NBA picks means looking beyond the favorites. Our free expert NBA picks will include a wide variety of bet types and markets.
NBA point spreads even the odds between two teams, offering bettors as close to an even pick as possible. Our analysts research stats, matchups, injuries, and more to give you the best edge possible before making your NBA point spread bet.
Covers’ analysts make NBA Over/Under picks throughout the basketball season. Betting on NBA Over/Unders means choosing whether you think the combined total score of a game will be Over or Under a specific total set by oddsmakers.
Betting on the NBA moneyline means picking which team will win a game outright. While less common than picking the spread, or a prop, our analysts will always look for high-value NBA moneyline picks if they feel it’s the best bet.
There’s always value in NBA props. Our team scours through game, team, and player props to try and find opportunity and value. From player points to total threes made, expect well-researched NBA prop picks from Covers.
Covers’ consensus NBA picks highlight the odds and predictions that our vibrant community of bettors and players are making. Try our picks on with our free NBA contests for a chance at prizes and more.
If you’re ready to bet on NBA picks, you first need to find the right sportsbook. The best NBA betting sites offer secure banking, best odds, bonuses, and reliable customer service.
Covers’ staff of sports betting fans also offers a wide array of free picks for the NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA basketball, and NCAA football.
Covers NBA picks generally release on game day. Some significant matchups like playoff games release in the days leading up to the game.
Covers provides free NBA picks covering many markets, including point spreads, totals, moneylines, player props, and more.