- Get expert NBA playoff picks for Saturday’s two late games
- The Wolves are 4-point underdogs against the Lakers in Game 1
- Read below for full NBA picks and analysis for Knicks-Pistons and Lakers-Wolves
The 2025 NBA playoffs tip off this Saturday, and we’ve got a pair of must-watch Game 1 matchups in the evening slot. In the East, the 3-seed New York Knicks host the 6-seed Detroit Pistons. Out West, the 6-seed Minnesota Timberwolves visit the 3-seed Los Angeles Lakers.
After digging into the numbers and watching these teams closely down the stretch, I’ve landed on one bet for each of these playoff openers. Let’s break down where the betting value lies, with odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
NBA Picks: Knicks -7 (-110) vs Pistons
First up, I’m riding with the Knicks as 7-point home favorites against the upstart Pistons.
New York has been money down the stretch, going 7-3 against the spread (ATS) over their final 10 games. They’ve been absolutely dominant at Madison Square Garden lately, covering in seven of their last eight as a home favorite.
Knicks ATS Home Results
| Date | Opponent | Result | Spread | ATS Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 13, 2025 | Cleveland | L 102-108 | -4 | Loss |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Boston | L 117-119 (OT) | +2.5 | Win |
| Apr 6, 2025 | Phoenix | W 112-98 | -9.5 | Win |
| Apr 1, 2025 | Philadelphia | W 105-91 | -13 | Win |
| Mar 30, 2025 | Portland | W 110-93 | -6.5 | Win |
| ATS Record: 4-1 in last five home games | ||||
Detroit, meanwhile, has struggled on the road, limping to a 1-5 ATS record in their last six away games. The Pistons have been one of the best stories in basketball this season with their incredible 30-win turnaround under J.B. Bickerstaff. But let’s be real – this is still a super young squad about to taste their first playoff atmosphere.
A few things that have me confident in a comfortable Knicks win in Game 1:
- That Brunson-Randle starting five has logged more minutes together than any lineup in the league. You can’t fake that kind of chemistry when the pressure’s on.
- The Knicks have been cooking since the All-Star break, ranking 5th in offensive rating and just outside the top 10 defensively. They’re hitting their stride at the perfect time.
- Detroit’s offense falls off a cliff on the road (22nd in rating). Good luck scoring against this tough Knicks defense with 19,000 fans screaming at you.
The Pistons will make this an entertaining series overall, but the Knicks have too much going for them in the opener. Lay the 7 points with confidence.
NBA Picks: Wolves +4 (-110) at Lakers
For the nightcap, I’m grabbing the points with Minnesota as 4-point road underdogs against the star-studded Lakers.
The Wolves made a massive 16-game improvement this year, and their roster is built to give the Lakers serious problems. It starts with their massive frontcourt featuring Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle. Those big bodies can make life difficult when LeBron and Luka try to get downhill – and we all know that’s the engine of LA’s offense.
Minnesota also brings the NBA’s 5th-ranked scoring defense to the table, giving up just 109.3 points per game. With elite stoppers like Gobert and McDaniels, they’ve got multiple ways to throw sand in the gears of the Lakers’ attack.
Other reasons I love the Wolves in Game 1:
- They’re absolutely rolling right now, going 8-1 straight up and ATS in their last nine. Ant Edwards has been in video game mode, dropping nearly 30 a night on 50% shooting during this stretch.
- These teams split their season series 2-2, with Minnesota taking two of the first three meetings. Their only matchup with Luka in purple and gold saw LA win by 9, but the Lakers shot 20 more free throws. The whistles should even out in Game 1.
- Everyone talks about LA’s playoff experience, but the Wolves were in the postseason last year too. They won’t be wide-eyed under the bright lights.
This line feels too high simply because of the Lakers’ star power and home court. The Wolves match up perfectly with the Lakers and should keep this one tight. Take the 4 points.
NBA Best Bets Recap
Here’s a quick look at the two plays I’m locking in for the NBA playoffs on Saturday night:
- Knicks -7 (-110) vs Pistons – Experienced NY takes care of business at home against green Detroit
- Wolves +4 (-110) at Lakers – Underrated Minnesota keeps it close with frontcourt to challenge LA’s stars
The Knicks and Wolves were two of my most profitable teams to bet on/against this season and I expect that to continue into the playoffs. Let’s start the postseason off right with a pair of winners and enjoy the basketball!
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As the 2025 NBA Playoffs kick off this weekend, basketball fans are eagerly anticipating two exciting matchups on Saturday: the New York Knicks facing off against the Detroit Pistons, and the Los Angeles Lakers taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of their respective series. Both games are sure to be thrilling contests between some of the league’s top teams, and here are our top picks for how each matchup will play out.
In the Knicks-Pistons game, the Knicks come into the playoffs as the higher seed, finishing the regular season with a strong record and a top-ranked defense. Led by their star player, who is averaging over 30 points per game, the Knicks have been a force to be reckoned with all season long. On the other hand, the Pistons have had a solid season as well, with a balanced scoring attack and a tough defense of their own. However, they will need to step up their game if they hope to compete with the Knicks in this series.
Our pick for this game is the Knicks, who we believe will come out on top in Game 1 thanks to their superior defense and the scoring prowess of their star player. Look for them to control the pace of the game and stifle the Pistons’ offense en route to a convincing victory.
In the Lakers-Wolves matchup, the defending champions Lakers are looking to make a statement in their first playoff game of the season. With a roster full of All-Stars and future Hall of Famers, including a dynamic duo of superstars who have been dominant all season long, the Lakers are a formidable opponent for any team. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, have had a solid season themselves, led by their young core of talented players who have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the year.
Our pick for this game is the Lakers, who we believe will come out on top in Game 1 thanks to their experience and talent advantage over the Timberwolves. Look for their superstars to shine on the big stage and lead the Lakers to a comfortable win in what should be an entertaining matchup.
Overall, both of these games are sure to be must-watch affairs for basketball fans, with plenty of excitement and drama expected as the playoffs get underway. Stay tuned for what promises to be an action-packed weekend of NBA playoff basketball.
