NBA Picks

Free NBA Expert and Computer Picks For Every Game April 21, 2026

Philadelphia 76ers logo PHI @ Boston Celtics logo BOS Tue, Apr 21 • 7:00 PM ET
1 Expert Pick 6 Computer Picks
1st Half Spread
Boston Celtics logo BOS 1st Half -8.0 (-110)
Best Odds
Pick made: 20 hours ago
Douglas Farmer image
Douglas Farmer
Betting Analyst

The Celtics led by 18 at halftime in Game 1, and they did not even play that well. Boston shot just 6-of-18 from beyond the arc in the first half on Sunday, Philadelphia took four more free throws in the half as well as three more shots, and the rebounding margin was even.

Points Scored
Payton Pritchard logo
Payton Pritchard o13.5 Points Scored (-115)
Projection 16 (Over)
Best Odds
Pick made: 1 hours ago
EV Model Rating
Star rating: 4 out of 5
The Philadelphia 76ers have played at the 9th-speediest pace-of-play in the NBA over the last 10 games away from their home court, which should lead to increased possessions for the Celtics.. Offensive rebounds continue possession and spark more opportunities for scoring and assists, and the Celtics grade out 6th-best in in the NBA while playing at home with 12.5 offensive rebounds per game this year.
View 7 Picks
Portland Trail Blazers logo POR @ San Antonio Spurs logo SA Tue, Apr 21 • 8:00 PM ET
1 Expert Pick 8 Computer Picks
Points Scored
Victor Wembanyama logo Victor Wembanyama o28.5 Points Scored (-105)
Best Odds
Pick made: 19 hours ago
Douglas Farmer image
Douglas Farmer
Betting Analyst

Focus on Victor Wembanyama's last few weeks. The Frenchman scored at least 34 points in four of his final five regular-season games. He has been locked in for a bit. And as Sunday night made clear, the Portland Trail Blazers do not have a defender to slow down Wembanyama. Donovan Clingan may be a massive human being, but he is simply not quick or agile enough to defend Wembanyama outside the paint.

Points Scored
Scoot Henderson logo
Scoot Henderson o9.5 Points Scored (-123)
Projection 12.74 (Over)
Best Odds
Pick made: 7 minutes ago
EV Model Rating
Star rating: 5 out of 5
The matchup against the San Antonio Spurs is a good one for field goals; the opposition's starting PGs have compiled the highest field goal percentage in the league this year (50.2%).. Offensive rebounds maintain possession and generate extra opportunities for scoring and assists, and the Portland Trail Blazers grade out 2nd-best in in the league with 14.0 offensive rebounds per game this year.. The matchup vs. San Antonio is a strong one for getting to the free-throw line; the other team's starting PGs have attempted a colossal 4.5 free throws per game this year when the Spurs are at home (8th-most in the league).
View 9 Picks
Houston Rockets logo HOU @ Los Angeles Lakers logo LAL Tue, Apr 21 • 10:30 PM ET
6 Computer Picks
Points Scored
Marcus Smart logo
Marcus Smart u12.5 Points Scored (-125)
Projection 10.12 (Under)
Best Odds
Pick made: an hour 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).
Points Scored
Josh Okogie logo
Josh Okogie o3.5 Points Scored (-130)
Projection 5.42 (Over)
Best Odds
Pick made: 7 minutes ago
EV Model Rating
Star rating: 4 out of 5
This year, the other team's starting SFs have averaged 5.8 three attempts per game (highest in the league) against the Lakers, designating this as a strong matchup.. Offensive rebounds continue possession and create additional opportunities for scoring and assists, and the Rockets rank best in in the league with 15.1 offensive rebounds per game this year.
View 6 Picks

What are Covers’ NBA Free picks and predictions?

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

Free NBA Expert Picks

Making smart NBA picks means looking beyond the favorites. Our free expert NBA picks will include a wide variety of bet types and markets.

Free NBA Point Spread Picks

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.

Free NBA Totals Picks

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.

Free NBA Moneyline Picks

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.

Free NBA Prop Picks

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.

NBA Consensus Picks

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.

Best Basketball Betting Site

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.

More Free Picks

Covers’ staff of sports betting fans also offers a wide array of free picks for the NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA basketball, and NCAA football.

NBA Free Picks FAQs

When do we release our NBA picks?

Covers NBA picks generally release on game day. Some significant matchups like playoff games release in the days leading up to the game.

What kinds of NBA picks do we make?

Covers provides free NBA picks covering many markets, including point spreads, totals, moneylines, player props, and more.