The first round of the NBA Playoffs continues Sunday with a four-game slate that tips off at 3:00am AEST. Highlights include the Clippers hosting the Nuggets in Game 4 followed by the Warriors hosting the Rockets in their Game 3 clash. We have you covered with our best bets for all four games on Sunday.
NBA Playoffs Betting Tips: Sunday, April 27th 2025
Cleveland Cavaliers at Miami Heat (3:00am AEST)
The No. 1 seeded Cleveland Cavaliers have had no trouble defending their home court in the first two games of the series against the No. 8 seeded Miami Heat. They smashed the Heat 121-100 in Game 1 and then showed a dominant second quarter in Game 2 to win 121-112. Donovan Mitchell led the way for the Cavs with 30 points, including 7/10 from deep. Darius Garland dropped 21 points, while newly crowned Defensive Player of the Year, Evan Mobley, added 20 points.
Miami relied on first-time All Star Tyler Herro to provide the bulk of the offense in Game 2 as he finished with 33 points. Bam Adebayo had a solid night scoring 11, grabbing 14 rebounds and dishing out nine assists, but the Heat are going to need much more offensively from their big man who averaged 18.1 PPG throughout the regular season.
The series shifts to Miami, Florida, for Game 3 and Herro will be expected to do the bulk of the scoring for the Heat. The concern will be on the defensive end of the floor as the Cavaliers have scored 121 in both games this series. Keep a close eye on the status of Garland with the All Star point guard considered a game-time decision with a toe sprain. Regardless, the Cavs look too good for the Heat and can take a commanding 3-0 lead in the series.
Cavaliers -5
$1.87 (2 units)
Oklahoma City Thunder at Memphis Grizzlies (5:30am AEST)
Things just went from bad to worse for the No. 8 seeded Memphis Grizzlies. After leading by as much as 29 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3, their two-time All Star point guard Ja Morant suffered a nasty injury in the second quarter and would not return to action. This seemed to be the catalyst for Memphis’ fortunes as they eventually lost 114-108. In the second half, the Grizzlies scored just 31 points, while the Thunder piled on 63 in that time.
The Thunder showed tenacious fight to come back in Game 3, led by likely MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who scored 31 points and had eight assists. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren added 26 and 24 respectively, but plenty of credit must go to Alex Caruso who was brilliant on the defensive end of the floor with four steals and a block. His elite defence is why the Thunder originally traded Josh Giddey to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Caruso; not only does Caruso bring incredible lock-down defensive attributes, but he also has postseason experience, winning the 2020 NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Morant is considered a game-time decision for Game 4, but he is listed as doubtful. Their season is about to end, and I think you can safely get your brooms out as this is about to be a sweep. The Thunder pack way too much of a punch and this could be a blowout to finish the series.
Thunder -15
$1.90 (1.5 units)
Denver Nuggets at LA Clippers (8:00am AEST)
One of the highlights of the first round of the Playoffs is the LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets series. Games 1 and 2 were epic with the Nuggets winning 112-110 in OT in Game 1 followed by the Clippers 105-102 triumph in Game 2. It was a one-sided demolition in Game 3 as the Clippers and the Intuit Dome crowd were buzzing – the final score 117-83.
Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic was frustrated during Game 3 as he was shown yelling on the bench during their blowout loss. For the Serbian center, it was business as usual as he recorded a “quiet” triple double with 23 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists. Jokic simply needs more help with the likes of Michael Porter Jr. struggling this series. Porter Jr. has scored three, 15 and seven on a combined 9/24 from the field throughout the first three games. He is now battling a shoulder injury too.
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard has turned back the clock, including a brilliant 39-point outing in Game 2. “The Claw” has scored more than 20 in all three games and the whole starting unit is firing with James Harden, Ivica Zubac and Norman Powell sharing scoring duties in Game 3.
Game 4 feels like a must-win for the Nuggets and interim head coach David Adelman. Russell Westbrook is questionable for the game with left foot inflammation and Porter Jr. is not 100 per cent healthy with his shoulder. Regardless, Jokic will look to carry the Nuggets once again and I expect him to take more than 14 shot attempts this time around, as the Nuggets look to even the series; it could be a close encounter again and the away team at the line appeals.
Nuggets +6
$1.95 (1.5 units)
Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors (10:30am AEST)
The series is tied 1-1 as it shifts to the Chase Center in San Francisco, California. Game 1 saw the Golden State Warriors win on the road with a 95-85 triumph before the Houston Rockets got some payback, winning 109-94. The biggest story though was the injury to Jimmy Butler after a hard fall as Amen Thompson accidentally made contact to Butler in mid-air when competing for a rebound.
Houston would have been pleased to see Jalen Green go ballistic with 38 points, including eight three-pointers made. Alperen Sengun stuffed the stat sheet also with 17 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists. In contrast, it was a game to forget for the Warriors as the starters combined for only 43 points – a part of it due to the Butler injury as he only played seven minutes before his injury occurred.
A lot will depend on whether Butler is able to play Game 3 which makes it tough to predict the winner of the game. The total points line is set at 203.5 which seems low considering the Warriors gave up 110.49 points throughout the regular season. Granted, this is Playoff basketball and defensive efforts are enhanced during the postseason when the likes of Draymond Green, Amen Thompson and Dillon Brooks come to the fore, along with slower-paced ball movement and a more physical contest. Curry is likely to go on a heater soon and we could see another 30-point game from one of the greats.
Over 203.5 Points
$1.90 (2 units)
