76ers vs Celtics Win Probability for Game 1 at Prediction Markets
Free NBA Expert and Computer Picks For Every Game April 19, 2026
With Jayson Tatum sidelined for most of the season and key players from the Celtics title run playing for new teams, Jaylen Brown asserted his dominance and delivered the best statistical campaign of his career. Brown averaged career highs in points (28.7), rebounds (6.9), and assists (5.1). Brown finished with 37 PRA in 52 of 71 games overall, including 27 of 38 games at TD Garden. His production didn’t slip much with Tatum back in action. Brown averaged 41.2 PRA without Tatum and 31.4 in 13 games with Tatum in the lineup. He accumulated 37+ PRA in nine of 13 games played with his superstar teammate. Brown found success against the 76ers this season, averaging 38.6 PRA across four matchups. He delivered 37+ PRA twice and finished with 35 twice more. The 76ers will be without defensive anchor Joel Embiid yet again, making this a favorable matchup for Brown. Philadelphia’s 116.5 defensive rating without Embiid would rank ninth-worst in the Association.
Oklahoma City had the best defensive rating in the NBA and allowed the second-fewest points per game in the league, despite not playing at an exceedingly slow pace. The Thunder essentially took the last week of the regular season off, benching 10 rotation players. That means a team that struggled with injury all year has had 11 days of rest.
Sharp NBA bets and market edges - available only to subscribers.
Thompson’s stock went up in the 2025 postseason after a feisty effort guarding Jalen Brunson, and he could hit new heights in these playoffs, especially in an opening matchup that plays to his strengths. With averages of 9.9 PPG, 5.7 RPG and 3.1 APG this year, Thompson is already on pace to hit this combo Over as one of the Pistons’ key engines. He’s gone past this number in five of his past eight contests — and, if anything, his minutes should climb in more meaningful games. Thompson posted a 9-11-3 line against Orlando in March, so don’t be surprised if he has his fingerprints all over Game 1.
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.