Free NBA Expert and Computer Picks For Every Game April 29, 2026
ORL
@
DET
Wed, Apr 29 • 7:00 PM ET
u110.5 Team Total (-102)
Detroit may not be built for this moment, as their offense has completely stalled in this series. They rank dead-last in playoff offensive rating and are the only team averaging under 100 points per game, despite getting to the free throw line at a high rate. Including the play-in, the Magic are allowing just 98.5 points per game this postseason.
Cade Cunningham u28.5 Points Scored (-120)
The reality is, missing three weeks because of a collapsed lung was undoubtedly going to impact Cunningham’s conditioning, and the physical nature of the Magic defense has exacerbated that. Cunningham has shot 15-of-46 (32.6%) in the last two games, both Detroit losses. His 3-point shooting has fallen to 6-of-21 in those two games, 28.6%.
TOR
@
CLE
Wed, Apr 29 • 7:30 PM ET
TOR +9.5 (-112)
This is simply too many points for the Toronto Raptors—I make them closer to a 7-point underdog in this spot. I like what Darko Rajaković has done in this series to exploit mismatches and hunt favorable matchups. The Raptors’ roster construction allows them to consistently target James Harden defensively and force him into isolation situations. Cleveland can’t easily hide him because Toronto’s offense doesn’t rely on a single primary ball handler. Instead, they have multiple wings—Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Brandon Ingram—who can initiate actions and attack Harden. With the ability to play Collin Murray-Boyles at the five and stay athletic on the wing, the Raptors aren’t forced into a traditional drop coverage. That allows them to apply consistent perimeter pressure on both Harden and Donovan Mitchell. Overall, the Raptors have the matchups to keep this game within double digits.
Donovan Mitchell o27.5 Points Scored (-102)
This sets up as a solid bounce-back spot for Mitchell after poor scoring outputs in Toronto. The volume is clearly there, coming off 24 shot attempts in Game 4, and his track record at home in the playoffs is elite. In his Cleveland career, he’s scored 28 or more points in 13 of 15 home playoff games, including in 10 straight, making him a strong candidate to get back on track tonight.
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HOU
@
LAL
Wed, Apr 29 • 10:00 PM ET
LeBron James o23.5 Points Scored (-115)
This number is the shortest scoring O/U listed for James since losing Reaves and Luka Doncic late in the regular season. Even if Reaves does return, he’ll likely be restricted and the scoring load remains on James’ broad shoulders. Player projections for Game 5 don’t discount “The King”, pegging him between 24.5 and more than 27 points Wednesday night. The pressure of giving Houston a glimmer of hope as well as cleaning up his mess from Game 4 has me leaning toward the high side of those forecasts.
Alperen Sengun is the Rockets top option with KD out. I see this as more of a halfcourt game and he can go after the Lakers weak interior defense. His projections call for 24+ points, 11+ rebounds and he’s been a shot swatter on the defensive end all series.
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