X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Free NBA Betting Picks and Best Bets (4/19/24)

Keegan Murray - NBA DFS Picks, Daily Fantasy Basketball Rankings, Injury News - rotoballer icon

Josh Wiesel's top NBA betting picks and best bets for today's NBA games on 4/19/24. Use his free picks against the spread, teasers, parlays, and NBA player props to win money betting on the NBA!

The 2024 NBA playoffs are almost set, but there are two games to take care of tonight. On Tuesday, the Lakers beat the Pelicans in New Orleans and the Kings lit the beam at Golden 1 Center after ending the Warrior's season (and possibly their core). New Orleans hosts Sacramento tonight, with the winner taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder. In the East, the Sixers emerged victorious in a tight game against the Heat. Philadelphia now plays the New York Knicks in round one. The late game saw the Chicago Bulls hang 131 points on the Atlanta Hawks to win 131-to-116. Chicago will go on the road tonight to Miami to determine the final seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

On Wednesday, I ended up missing both of my picks. The under-208.5 in Sixers vs. Heat looked great the entire game, but then tragedy struck. It turned into a foul fest at the end, and Tyler Herro hit a three with 0.3 seconds left to put the total at 209. I had the right read; I'd take the under again, given the chance, and that was just an unfortunate ending. My second pick was the Hawks to cover the first quarter and they got crushed. I know I should've split my picks so I don't feel too bad about it. Let's sweep the two picks tonight.

In this article, I'll be providing my favorite picks against the spread, game totals, parlays, and teasers for the NBA slate that tips off at 7:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, April 19. Follow me on X, @Jwiesel13.

Featured Promo: Get any Props Premium Pass for 30% off using code WIN. Win more with our two new Props Optimizer tools -- one for PrizePicks Props, and one for Sportsbook Betting Props. Find optimal prop bets and get our recommended picks daily! Go Premium, Win More!

 

NBA Betting Picks: ML & Spreads

Chicago Bulls (+2.5) at Miami Heat (207.5 total)

Not only did the Miami Heat lose a close game on Wednesday, they also lost Jimmy Butler. Butler was seen limping while leaving the arena last night and is reported to be out for several weeks with an MCL injury. The Heat are not in the playoffs and still have to face a Bulls team that looked great on Wednesday night.

I'm going with the road team and taking Chicago in the first half. I do think the Heat could outlast the Bulls over the course of the full game, but it may take them time to get going. Jimmy averaged 10.3 first-half points in 60 games this season. Against the Sixers, he led the team with 10 points at halftime. The offense will shift towards Herro, who looks good when he's on, but when he's off, he's not very impactful. Chicago can hone in on him and try to force the ball out of his hands.

The Bulls put up 73 points in the first half against the Hawks on Wednesday. They gave up 67 points, but it was nice to see them generate some offense. Chicago had pretty decent ATS in the first half on the road this season, finishing with a 22-18-1 record. Miami will be a harder test, but without Jimmy, I think this game is really even.

Chicago has veteran leadership with DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, and Alex Caruso, along with younger players like Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu, who are hungry. DeRozan and White combined for 35 points in the first half vs. the Hawks. White had 25 in the second half to finish with a career-high 42 points. They typically haven't been great on offense but still managed to hit 47.5 percent of their FGAs and nearly 38 percent from three in the opening two quarters in enemy territory this season.

In the last 10 games of the season, the Bulls finished ninth in first-half net rating. Among all the play-in teams, they finished first in offensive rating. The Heat finished first in defense but Butler played nearly 20 minutes and had an excellent 79.5 defensive rating. Not having him quarterback the perimeter is a big deal and should create open shots for the Bulls.

Miami was 22-19 in the first half ATS at home so it's not like they were elite in these situations. I don't think the Bulls will hit 60.4 percent of their FGAs and 53.8 percent from three again, but they could tighten up the defense. It should be a competitive first half and I'll roll with Chicago, who should be coming into Miami with confidence.

The Pick: Bulls First Half +0.5 (-110 ESPN BET)

 

Sports Betting Promo Offers

Featured Promo: Get any Betting Premium Pass for 30% off using code WIN. Win more with exclusive betting picks from proven winners across 9 sports! Find optimal bets with our Betting Picks Tool and Bet Weighting Tool and follow along in our VIP chat rooms! Go Premium, Win More!

 

NBA Betting Picks: ML & Spreads

Sacramento Kings (-1.5) at New Orleans Pelicans (212.5 total)

Although the Pelicans lost the game to the Lakers on Tuesday, they did give me a win by leading after the opening quarter. New Orleans had a much better start Tuesday than they did on Sunday and led 34-to-26. Los Angeles had a big second quarter and led by 10 at halftime. The Lakers went up a lot in the second half, but New Orleans fought back, and it ended up being a great game. As everyone saw, Zion Williamson unfortunately had to exit the game with 40 points and three minutes left. Williamson is out tonight, which is really disappointing.

Sacramento looked really good in their win over the Warriors. Golden State cut the deficit to four at halftime, but the Kings didn't let that bother them. Mike Brown's team outscored GS 64-44 in the second half to win by a commanding 24 points.

With Zion out, I'm going to go with the Kings to cover the first quarter. Keegan Murray was the star of the opening quarter for the Kings against the Warriors. The second-year forward hit three three-pointers in the first three minutes of the game and finished the quarter with 14 points. I would be surprised if Murray had 14 again in the first but he showed he's capable of it. More defensive pressure on Murray means more open shots for the other four players. Sacramento finished the regular season strong by going 4-1 in their last five and 7-3 in their last 10 ATS on the road in the first quarter.

Against the Warriors, the Kings outscored them 31-to-22 while hitting 46.2 percent of their FGAs and 5-for-12 from three. They out-rebounded the Warriors 16-to-11 and 6-to-0 on the offensive glass. Rebounding will be key against a Pelicans team that finished in the top six in first-quarter boards. New Orleans held an 18-to-11 advantage on the glass after the opening quarter against the Lakers.

In the last 10 games of the season, the Kings were fourth in first-quarter defensive rating and 13th in offense. Their 15.2 net rating was the seventh-best in the league. Among the four Western Conference teams that played on Tuesday night, Sacramento had the best first-quarter net rating.

Williamson only averaged 5.3 first-quarter points against the Kings this season, but he had 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting in the first quarter vs. LA. He was the Pelicans offense. There are still questions about Brandon Ingram's health, and he hasn't looked sharp in his two games since returning. This Kings team is not my favorite and losing Monk and Huerter hurts, but I just think they have a better starting group right now.

Sacramento was in the top 15 in limiting points in the paint this season. That's a spot on the floor the Pelicans like to get to. In that final 10-game sample, the Kings held opponents to the fewest first-quarter points per game and the second-lowest field goal percentage.

The Pick: Kings First Quarter ML (-110 Sports Illustrated Sportsbook)

*Picks and odds are subject to change throughout the day. Monitor your books for the best lines. 



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy basketball mobile app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, lineup notifications & DFS articles. All free!

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Tyler Soderstrom

Returns to A's Lineup
Tyler Warren

Sidelined on Wednesday with Toe Injury
Jaylen Waddle

Questionable for Week 3 Against Buffalo
Joe Burrow

Bengals Not Closing the Door on Joe Burrow Returning This Year
CFB

LaNorris Sellers to Play Against Missouri?
Kyle Tucker

Progress has "Plateaued"
Isaac Paredes

has "Outside Chance" to Return This Weekend
CFB

Kaidon Salter Expected To Start for Colorado on Saturday
Willson Contreras

Goes on 10-Day Injured List, Done for Season
Justin Fields

Ruled Out for Week 3 Due to Concussion
Jayden Reed

Out Indefinitely After Foot and Shoulder Surgery
Washington Commanders

Preston Smith Signs With Commanders
Trey Jemison III

Joins Knicks on Two-Way Contract
Kevin McCullar Jr.

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Knicks
Matt Ryan

Returns to Knicks on Exhibit 10 Contract
New York Knicks

Alex Len Signs Exhibit 9 Deal With Knicks
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Expected to Take on Larger Offensive Role With Hawks
Thomas Sorber

Undergoes Surgery
Dominic Canzone

Has Five-Hit, Three-Homer Game Tuesday
Cal Raleigh

Sets Single-Season Home Run Record for a Switch-Hitter
Jayden Reed

Undergoes Clavicle and Foot Surgeries, Out for Foreseeable Future
Bo Bichette

to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Zach Neto

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Out on Tuesday, Dealing With "Significant" Ankle Sprain
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Place Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve With Hamstring Injury
CFB

Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
CFB

Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
CFB

Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Cole Ragans

to Return on Wednesday
George Kirby

Strikes Out 14 in Win
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP