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
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.
RJ Barrett o19.5 Points Scored (-105)
With the Cleveland Cavaliers mixing up their defensive matchups and throwing more attention at Scottie Barnes, Barrett’s 22 field goal attempts marked his second largest shot total of the entire season. Barrett’s usage spiked from 25.6 to start the series to 28.0 in Game 4. Player projections for R.J. range from 20.9 to more than 22 points in Game 5. Prior to Game 4’s blackhole of basketball sorrow, Barrett has scored at least 20 points in nine of his last 11 games overall.
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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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