Free NBA Expert and Computer Picks For Every Game April 29, 2026
ORL
@
DET
Wed, Apr 29 • 7:00 PM ET
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%.
What is more exhausting, driving into the lane against a physical and long defense or chucking 3-pointers for much of the night? Based on his choices in the last two games, Cade Cunningham would rather live beyond the arc right now. Before his collapsed lung, he took 30.8% of his field-goal attempts from deep. In this series, it has jumped to 38.0%. In the last two games, it has been an even more alarming 45.7%. Cunningham should hit multiple 3-pointers simply because he is taking so many rather than getting to the rim, and that inefficient approach helps keep Orlando in every game.
TOR
@
CLE
Wed, Apr 29 • 7:30 PM ET
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.
After both teams shot a collective 14 for 70 from beyond the arc in Game 4, the lid comes off the rim in Game 5. Barrett has made more than two triples in two of the first three games while Donovan Mitchell still knocked down four 3-pointers Sunday – the third time he’s hit four 3PMs in the first four games.
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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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