The first round of the NBA Playoffs resumes with an excellent doubleheader of Game 5s on TNT this Wednesday, with Warriors-Rockets set to tipoff the action at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by Timberwolves-Lakers at 10:00 p.m. ET.
Our staff of basketball betting experts dug into the latest odds and identified 4 NBA picks for tonight's contests. Continue below for our NBA best bets and predictions for Wednesday, April 30.
NBA Best Bets for First Round Playoff Games: Wednesday, April 30
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7:30 p.m. | |
  | 10 p.m. | |
| 7:30 p.m. | |
| 10 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Timberwolves vs. Lakers
Gobert has stayed under this number in four straight games for the Timberwolves.
He hasn't exceeded 29 minutes in any game this series, and has generally been in the 24-26 range.
He has taken (in order) 2, 5, 0 and 6 field goal attempts this series — making just 4-of-13. He's shot four free throws in each of the last three games of the series, making just six of the 12 attempts.
He still can't do anything with the ball, and he looks to continue being a negative on offense this series. This number should probably be at 5.5.
Pick: Rudy Gobert Under 7.5 Points (-140)
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Timberwolves vs. Lakers
By Joe Dellera
Gobert nearly went over this number last game, but it was due to him securing 10 rebounds, 7 of which were offensive. That is not a common performance for Gobert.
Considering this line closed closer to 15.5 last game, I like this little bump he got from the offensive boards last time out.
He has really struggled to score in this series, and his minutes have been severely capped. He has not cleared this 16.5 line in any of the four games.
He also has not played more than 28 minutes in any game. When Gobert has played fewer than 30 minutes in a game, he is only hitting this line in 32% of games this season.
Pick: Rudy Gobert Under 16.5 Points + Rebounds (-115)
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Warriors vs. Rockets
By Joe Dellera
The Warriors have a potential close-out game on Wednesday night, and Jimmy Butler has been tremendous so far in this series.
Aside from the game he got hurt, he has scored 25 and 27 points. He has relentlessly attacked this Rockets’ defense, and converted all 12 of his free throw attempts last game.
The key for Jimmy is he has played 40 minutes in both healthy games. He rarely ever plays 40 minutes. However, when he does, this number is simply too low.
While the teams are different, the last 20 times he has played 40+ minutes, he has cleared this line in 19 of those games, with the one miss ringing in at 19. He averages closer to 30 as well.
While the ceiling is a bit tougher to reach against this Rockets’ defense, and with Steph Curry’s level of usage, 25+ points is definitely within range as well.
Pick: Jimmy Butler Over 19.5 Points (-110)
Warriors vs. Rockets
Role players usually step up at home, and if Houston wants to avoid going down 4–1, Steven Adams has to help swing the rebounding battle.
With the total trending under, expect more missed shots — and more put-backs for Adams.
The Warriors also used a hack-a-Adams strategy, giving him a shot at easy points despite shooting just 50% at the line.
This line is -115 at multiple books and I would play it out to -135.
Pick: Steven Adams Over 12.5 Points + Rebounds (-135)
