Wise n' Shine: What you need to know to bet better on Monday, April 18

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Phil Agius

NBA

Show Bio

I've been writing about the NFL and a host of other sports for the UK's top daily betting paper the Racing Post for more than 20 years. An incurable Browns fan (1-31 survivor), I also specialise in all kinds of motorsport betting including F1, MotoGP, IndyCar and NASCAR. For Phil Agius media enquiries, please email contact@pickswise.com.
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Welcome to another wonderful week of sports. The NBA Playoffs are providing all the entertainment we hoped for and we also have MLB and NHL action to entertain us. Let’s get straight into making your next bet better!

About Last Night

Tatum beats Nets at the buzzer as all 4 home teams win
The highlight of Sunday’s NBA Playoffs action was a Jayson Tatum layup that gave the Celtics a 115-114 win over the Nets at the buzzer. All 4 home teams won, with the Heat, Suns and Bucks all coming out on top by at least 7 points, although the Bulls did at least manage to cover in their 93-86 loss in Milwaukee. The Suns are +200 favorites for the championship at FanDuel Sportsbook, with the Bucks +470 and the Warriors +550.

Red-hot NHL run continues
Our NHL handicappers remain on a heater, going 4-2 on sides and 4-0-2 on totals on Sunday’s games, including cashing Best Bets on the over in Sabres vs Flyers and Blues vs Predators. We’re now an amazing 16-2-2 on NHL totals in the past 2 days!

Orioles upset the Yankees
The Orioles pulled off an upset against the Yankees — and a series win — with a 5-0 victory, but the western big guns are looking ominous already with the Dodgers winning their 6th straight game by crushing the Reds 9-1 and the Giants taking their streak to 5 with an 8-1 win over the Guardians.

Today’s Slate

Mavericks underdogs at home
The Warriors and 76ers are strong home favorites for their NBA Playoff games today, but the Mavericks are 5-point underdogs at home to the Jazz. The action starts at 7:30 pm ET. Read our preview of all today’s NBA games.

11 MLB games on the schedule
There’s an early start to the Twins vs Red Sox game today (11:10 am ET), with the rest of the 11-game slate starting between 6:10 pm ET and 10:10 pm ET. Giants vs Mets is being shown on ESPN+ at 7:10pm ET. Read our preview of all today’s baseball games.

Capitals vs Avalanche on NHL Network
We have a late 6-game slate in the NHL, with NHL Network showing the Capitals against the Avalanche at 9:oo pm ET. Check out our previews of today’s NHL games.

Best Bet of the Day

Golden State Warriors -7 vs Denver Nuggets
10:00 pm ET, TNT

Game 1 was a game to forget for the Denver Nuggets as they went 11-for-35 from 3-point land, contributing to a 16-point road loss. Nikola Jokic looked exhausted at times, which is not a good sign as they depend on him. The Warriors looked unstoppable at times, despite Stephen Curry coming off the bench and playing just 22 minutes. Golden State won easily with very little contribution from their best player. The Nuggets are outmanned at every position, and with Nikola Jokic struggling, take the Warriors to cover again at home. Check out our full preview of Nuggets vs Warriors.

Must-watch

Start your week the right way by watching our daily sports betting show Let’s Bet It!

Lauren Jbara and Jared Smith are your hosts today, and they will be joined by former NBA champion Brian Scalabrine to discuss the NBA playoffs and give out their picks for tonight’s games.

The team will also be looking at today’s NHL and MLB games, and giving their Plays of the Day.

Check it out at 10:ooam ET on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/c/Pickswise

Must-read

Get the lowdown on tonight’s NBA action with our same game parlays for Raptors vs 76ers and Jazz vs Mavericks, while we also have Monday mega parlays for today’s NBA games and MLB slate, plus the best NHL player props plays.

Also head over to the Analysis tab for even more great betting content.

Stat of the Day

The 76ers have allowed more than 113 points per game over their last 12 games, which is 6 points more than their regular-season average.

Boost of the Day

New York Mets to win the 2022 NL East division

The Mets have started the season 7-3, while every other team in the NL East already has a losing record. FanDuel Sportsbook has enhanced the odds of the Mets winning the division from +145 to +180.

Pickswise is the home of free sports picks, news, and best bets. Check out our expert NBA picks, NCAAB picks, NHL picks, Golf picks and Soccer picks for the latest game picks.

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