Round 1 action in the 2024-25 NBA Playoffs continues on Wednesday with a huge four-game slate to sink our teeth into. The game of the day comes last on the schedule with Game 5 between the Clippers and the Nuggets in Denver. We bring you our best bet for that clash plus more below!
NBA Playoffs Betting Tips: Wednesday, April 30th 2025
Detroit Pistons at New York Knicks (9:30am AEST)
Game 5 between the Pistons and Knicks is set to be a tightly contested battle, with Detroit looking to extend the series and cover the +5.5 spread. While the Knicks have the edge in terms of seeding and home-court advantage, the Pistons have consistently shown they can keep games within striking distance. Their ability to grind out possessions and control tempo has frustrated New York throughout the series. Detroit's recent defensive improvements—holding the Knicks to under 45% shooting in two of the last four games—could again play a key role.
New York will likely try to dictate pace and exploit their superior depth, but Detroit has found success limiting transition chances and forcing half-court sets. The Pistons have also kept turnovers low and have been effective on the glass, which has helped them stay close even in losses. Their perimeter defence has limited New York's three-point production to just 33.2% over the series, and that could be the difference-maker again in Game 5.
With the spread set at +5.5, Detroit’s gritty play and defensive focus make them strong candidates to cover. Even if New York edges out the win at home, expect the Pistons to keep it close and competitive throughout.
Pistons +5.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics (10:30am AEST)
Game 5 between the Magic and Celtics returns to TD Garden, with Boston holding a 3–1 series lead. Despite the Celtics being heavy favourites, the Magic have proven they can make things uncomfortable. Their defensive effort has kept Boston’s high-powered offence in check at times, and they’ve forced the Celtics into tougher looks from beyond the arc, limiting them to just 12.3 made threes per game in the series—well below their regular season average. That sort of defensive pressure gives Orlando a strong chance to cover the +11.5 spread.
Offensively, the Magic have found success targeting Boston’s bigs in pick-and-roll actions, particularly exposing defensive gaps when Kristaps Porziņģis is involved. This has led to high-percentage opportunities inside and helped maintain scoring consistency. Orlando’s physicality has also allowed them to control the tempo in stretches, and they’ve used that to frustrate Boston’s rhythm on both ends. With smart execution and rebounding, the Magic have shown they can remain competitive deep into games.
Even with Boston expected to progress, Orlando’s resilience and tactical discipline suggest they’re well equipped to stay within the number. If they continue to limit transition chances and contest shots effectively, the Magic should keep this one closer than the line suggests.
Magic +11.5
$1.92 (1.5 Units)
Los Angeles Clippers at Denver Nuggets (12:00pm AEST)
Game 5 between the Clippers and Nuggets shifts back to Ball Arena, where Denver will look to regain control of the series with a win. After a competitive stretch of games, the Nuggets’ strengths at home and their ability to impose their pace should come to the forefront. Denver’s ball movement and interior presence have consistently posed problems for the Clippers, who have struggled to contain scoring in the paint and deal with second-chance points. With the altitude advantage and home crowd behind them, the Nuggets are well positioned to bounce back.
The Clippers have had moments of efficiency, particularly from mid-range, but their inconsistency in defending pick-and-roll actions has allowed Denver to find rhythm offensively. The Nuggets have also done a strong job of limiting turnovers and capitalising on transition chances, which has been critical in a series where every possession matters. Defensively, they’ve tightened up on the perimeter and rotated effectively to challenge outside shots, holding the Clippers below their season averages from three-point range.
With their depth, rebounding edge and sharper execution at home, Denver look poised to take Game 5. If they can continue winning the battle inside and limit second-unit scoring from the Clippers, the Nuggets should emerge with a key series lead.
Nuggets to Win
$2.10 (2 Units)
