The 2025-26 NBA Playoffs should deliver some memorable moments, and we’re going to work hard to make them as profitable as possible for all of our VSiN subscribers. So, make sure you head over to the VSiN NBA Playoffs Betting Hub for all of our postseason content. I’ll continue giving out NBA best bets and player props here throughout the playoffs, and I’ll also occasionally write up features on anything big that shakes up the league. So, make sure you check out my work over the next couple of weeks. With that out of the way, let’s get into some NBA best bets and NBA player props for Wednesday, April 22. Also, make sure you check out the picks page (linked right below) before games tip off. I occasionally add picks throughout the day. That’s also where you’ll get picks from my talented VSiN colleagues.

MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have!

Game 2: Orlando Magic at Detroit Pistons – 7:00 pm ET

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After seeing Orlando defeat Detroit in Game 1, I really thought I’d be in on the Pistons in Game 2. This is a prime “Zig-Zag Theory” spot, and Steve Makinen, our analytics guru, has some good trends available in his Game 2 trends piece. One of the noteworthy ones is that No. 1 seeds are 10-3 straight-up and 9-4 against the spread in their last 13 first-round games when trailing in a series. However, I couldn’t bring myself to lay the points with Detroit. I just see this being an absolute slugfest, with both defenses showing up — and the Pistons playing with some nervous energy because of their home playoff losing streak. If anything, if you’re looking for a side or a total here, I’d probably take the points with Orlando. Or I’d simply go Under the total. I actually used the Under as a selection in the KillerSports Playoff Challenge, where I’m competing with some of my VSiN colleagues and other top industry NBA handicappers.

In terms of actual plays, I only have one here: Ausar Thompson Over 2.5 Assists (-128). Thompson wasn’t much of a factor in Game 1, playing only 25 minutes in the loss. And the fact that Orlando stormed out to an early lead made it difficult on JB Bickerstaff to play Thompson. The talented wing’s lack of a jumper makes him tough to keep on the floor when you’re looking for shot-making. However, with this expected to be a game that goes the Pistons way, I see Bickerstaff having more minutes for his best perimeter defender — and a guy that understands how to make plays on offense.

As far as the assists go, Thompson did have five potential assists in Game 1, which is a decent number given his minutes. Thompson also ended the regular season having recorded at least three assists in seven of his final eight games. On top of that, Thompson had at least three assists in three games against this Magic defense this year, and he had six assists in two of those contests.

Bet: Ausar Thompson Over 2.5 Assists (-128)

Game 2: Phoenix Suns at Oklahoma City Thunder – 9:30 pm ET

This is another one in which I don’t have a side or a total. I do lean Phoenix +18.5, which is available at one usual shop and then one of the prediction markets. I understand Game 1 was extremely ugly, but 18.5 is a lot of freaking points. The Suns are a good defensive team, a well-coached team overall, and a group that sits at 48-37 ATS on the year. However, once again, I’m going with a player prop only. That prop is Oso Ighodaro Over 8.5 Rebounds and Assists (-125).

Mark Williams is listed as questionable for Phoenix tonight, but Suns beat writers have noticed him rocking a walking boot. Williams is also nursing an injury that has plagued him throughout his career, so I just don’t see Phoenix throwing him out there. That said, I do see this being another game in which Ighodaro plays a majority of the center minutes. If that’s the case, I see him putting up some numbers.

This season, in games Ighodaro has played without Williams, the second-year big is averaging 9.2 rebounds and assists per game. He also had 12 combined rebounds and assists in Game 1, and there was a regular season game against the Thunder in which he had 11.

Ighodaro is a good enough athlete to make an impact on the glass, plus he’s a very good connective piece. Phoenix will get him some touches and trust in him to make plays as a passer.

Bet: Oso Ighodaro Over 8.5 Rebounds + Assists (-125)

Additional Plays

Nothing yet.

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