NBA Picks

Free NBA Expert and Computer Picks For Every Game April 22, 2026

Houston Rockets logo HOU @ Los Angeles Lakers logo LAL Tue, Apr 21 • 10:30 PM ET
1 Expert Pick 5 Computer Picks
Spread
Houston Rockets logo HOU -4.5 (-120)
Best Odds
Pick made: 12 hours ago
Jason Logan image
Jason Logan
Senior Betting Analyst

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.

Points Scored
Marcus Smart logo
Marcus Smart u12.5 Points Scored (-116)
Projection 10 (Under)
Best Odds
Pick made: 3 minutes ago
EV Model Rating
Star rating: 5 out of 5
The Lakers have played at the 3rd-least up-tempo pace in the league over the last 5 games as the home team.. The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to suffer a drop-off in plays today from squaring off against the 2nd-least up-tempo pace team in the league this year (the Houston Rockets).. The Lakers have been the worst offensive rebounding offense in the league over the last 20 games at home (offensive rebounds maintain possession, and a lack of them may therefore eliminate further chances for scoring and assists).
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Orlando Magic logo ORL @ Detroit Pistons logo DET Wed, Apr 22 • 7:00 PM ET
1 Expert Pick
1st Half Spread
Detroit Pistons logo DET 1st Half -5.5 (-115)
Best Odds
Pick made: 8 hours ago
Jason Logan image
Jason Logan
Senior Betting Analyst

Don’t expect a replay of the opening 24 minutes in Game 2. Detroit has been one of the top teams in first halves all season, boasting a +5.9 1H margin of victory at home and an overall 1H net rating of +9.2 – fourth highest in the NBA. Those derivative splits helped the Pistons pump out one of the better records against first-half spreads, going 45-35-3 1H ATS on the season. The Magic run the risk of complacency in Game 2. Most road teams aim for a split in those first two tilts of a series and the Magic have already achieved that. Mix in Orlando’s infuriating inconsistency and I have a tough time trusting in a repeat performance. The Magic are 23-23 SU and 19-27 ATS when coming off a win this season. 

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Phoenix Suns logo PHO @ Oklahoma City Thunder logo OKC Wed, Apr 22 • 9:30 PM ET
1 Expert Pick
Points Scored
Dillon Brooks logo Dillon Brooks o17.5 Points Scored (-110)
Best Odds
Pick made: 7 hours ago
Douglas Farmer image
Douglas Farmer
Betting Analyst

Brooks already chucked plenty in Game 1, partly out of necessity. Phoenix knows it is out-gunned. It needs its backcourt of Brooks, Devin Booker and Jalen Green to get hot and stay out, and even then the Suns may not have enough.

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