NBA Best Bets Today: Expert NBA Betting Picks for 04/23/2025

The low total of 197.5 for Celtics-Magic is creating value on the over in Game 2. While Game 1 finished under with just 189 total points, there are several factors pointing to a higher-scoring affair tonight.

Boston's offensive firepower can't be ignored - they ranked 2nd in the NBA in offensive rating and led the league in three-point attempts per game. Even with Jayson Tatum listed as doubtful, the Celtics demonstrated their scoring depth in Game 1 with Derrick White pouring in 30 points and Payton Pritchard adding 19 off the bench.

Orlando's supporting cast was virtually non-existent in the opener, with no player outside Banchero and Wagner scoring more than 7 points. This drought is unlikely to continue as players like Cole Anthony and Wendell Carter Jr. should bounce back from their poor performances.

Two of the three regular season meetings between these teams surpassed 200 points, with the only under coming when Boston rested starters. With Tatum potentially out, Boston loses not just a scorer but one of their premier perimeter defenders, which should help Orlando's offense.

In today's NBA, a total under 200 is remarkably low. The Celtics remain a high-volume three-point shooting team capable of explosive scoring runs, and Orlando has added motivation to avoid falling into an 0-2 hole.

The Magic enter Game 2 as substantial 10.5-point underdogs, but several factors suggest they'll keep this game much closer than the final margin of Game 1. Most significantly, Boston will likely be without Jayson Tatum, who is listed as doubtful with an injury - removing both their leading scorer and one of their premier perimeter defenders.

Orlando has been remarkably resilient following losses this season, winning each of their last seven games after a defeat. This pattern shows a team that makes effective adjustments and responds well to adversity, which should translate into a stronger performance in this crucial road game.

Game 1 revealed Orlando's complete dependence on Paolo Banchero (36 points) and Franz Wagner (23 points), as no other Magic player scored more than 7 points. This statistical anomaly is unlikely to repeat, and role players like Cole Anthony and Wendell Carter Jr. (who combined for just 8 points in Game 1) should provide more balanced offensive support.

The Magic's poor second-half performance in Game 1 (outscored 55-37) marked a departure from their season-long competitiveness. With playoff experience now under their belt and a better understanding of Boston's defensive schemes, Orlando should maintain their offensive rhythm throughout the full 48 minutes.

With the Celtics potentially missing Tatum and statistical models showing a 54.8% probability of the Magic covering this spread, the double-digit cushion provides excellent value against a Boston team that sometimes relaxes when holding comfortable leads.

Game 1 between Miami and Cleveland easily cleared the total with 221 points, and signs point to another high-scoring affair in Game 2. Both teams found offensive rhythm throughout the opener, with Cleveland particularly hot from beyond the arc, knocking down 18 threes at nearly 42% efficiency.

Miami's offense should be more consistent with two full days of rest between games. Remember, the Heat were coming off two intense play-in games when they ran out of gas in the fourth quarter of Game 1. They still managed 100 points despite fading late, and their veteran shooters should be fresher tonight.

The Cavaliers demonstrated their offensive ceiling with Donovan Mitchell (30 points), Ty Jerome (28 points) and Darius Garland (27 points) all producing efficiently. This three-headed attack creates matchup problems for Miami's defense, which struggled to contain Cleveland's backcourt throughout Game 1.

Miami's defense was particularly vulnerable around the three-point line and failed to effectively hide Tyler Herro defensively. Cleveland repeatedly targeted these weaknesses and should employ a similar strategy tonight, leading to high-percentage looks from deep.

With both teams comfortable running in transition and Cleveland's commitment to protecting the ball (just 8 turnovers in Game 1), we should see plenty of possessions and scoring opportunities. The Game 1 defensive adjustments failed, and scoring should remain the priority for both squads.

Houston's backs are against the wall facing an 0-1 deficit on their home floor, making Game 2 a virtual must-win. Despite their offensive struggles in Game 1 (shooting below 40% from the field and an abysmal 20.7% from three), the Rockets only trailed by 3 points midway through the fourth quarter before eventually falling by 10.

The most encouraging sign for Houston was their complete dominance on the glass. The Rockets crushed Golden State 53-26 in total rebounds and 22-6 on the offensive boards. This massive disparity in shot volume should eventually translate to points if Houston can hit shots at even their normal rate.

The Warriors relied heavily on superstar performances from Curry and Butler, who combined for nearly 60 points in Game 1. It's unlikely both veterans can maintain that level of production on the road, especially against a desperate Houston team with a significant size advantage inside.

Houston's shooting woes (particularly their 20.7% mark from three) appear to be an anomaly rather than the new norm. With the home crowd behind them and facing playoff elimination if they go down 0-2, expect significantly better offensive execution and shot-making from Alperen Sengun and the supporting cast.

This matchup sets up perfectly for a physical, grinding game that favors Houston's size and youth. Golden State's lack of rebounding and interior presence was exposed in Game 1, and the Rockets should capitalize on these advantages even more effectively in Game 2 to even the series.