NBA Betting Preview – Thursday, April 10, 2025

The final Thursday of the NBA regular season brings a five-game slate with plenty of intrigue. We have a mix of contenders tuning up for the playoffs and lottery-bound teams giving their young players extended run. Let’s break down each matchup with the latest odds, key storylines, and our best bets and top player props for the evening.

Check out these articles for winning picks:

New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons (7:00 PM ET)

Odds: The Knicks enter as approximately 5-point road favorites in Detroit, with a moneyline around -209 for New York and +169 for the Pistons. The over/under for total points is set near 224.5, suggesting a moderately paced game.

Game Preview: New York (50-29) has had a strong season and is looking to secure their seeding, while Detroit (43-36) has been one of the surprise teams fighting for a playoff spot. The Knicks boast a balanced attack led by point guard Jalen Brunson and a rejuvenated Karl-Anthony Towns anchoring the frontcourt. New York’s defense has been sturdy down the stretch, holding opponents near 112 points per game, and they’ll aim to clamp down on Detroit’s key scorer Cade Cunningham. The Pistons, led by Cunningham’s playmaking and scoring, have a mix of young talent like Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren plus veteran wing Tobias Harris providing leadership. Detroit actually upset New York in their last meeting, so expect the Knicks to be extra focused. Neither team has major new injuries of note, though fatigue could be a factor with the season finale tomorrow. Look for the Knicks to push the pace early and try to quiet the Pistons’ home crowd, while Detroit will rely on Cunningham to keep it close.

Best Bet: Knicks -5 (-110). New York has more consistency and depth, and they’ll be motivated to avenge that previous loss to Detroit. The Knicks’ offense (about 116 points per game) should find success against a Pistons squad that can be streaky shooting the ball. With Brunson controlling the tempo and Towns and Mitchell Robinson dominating the paint, the Knicks have the edge to win by a comfortable margin. Laying five points on the road is never easy, but New York’s superior defense and playoff urgency make this spread attainable.

Top Player Prop: Cade Cunningham over 22.5 points. Cunningham is the centerpiece of the Pistons’ offense and typically rises to the occasion in big games. He’s averaging roughly mid-20s in points over the last couple of weeks and should see heavy usage tonight as Detroit tries to hang with a high-powered Knicks team. In what could be a competitive game, expect Cunningham to attack the rim and get up plenty of shots. A 25+ point outing is well within reach given his talent and the Knicks’ focus on stopping his teammates.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers (7:00 PM ET, TNT/truTV/Max)

Odds: Despite owning the league’s best record, the Cavaliers opened as around 6-point favorites on the road, with a moneyline near -215 for Cleveland and +175 for Indiana. The total points line sits about 228.5, reflecting both teams’ normally high-scoring offenses – though lineup changes could affect that.

Game Preview: The Cavaliers (63-16) have already locked up the top seed in the East, and it shows in their injury report. Cleveland is resting multiple stars – Evan Mobley (rest), Darius Garland (toe), and Donovan Mitchell (ankle) are all listed out – meaning the Cavs will lean on their supporting cast. Center Jarrett Allen and sixth-man Caris LeVert will shoulder more of the load, and we may see recent addition De’Andre Hunter take on a bigger scoring role. On the other side, the Pacers (48-31) are firmly in the playoff mix and would love a marquee win at home. Indiana has been led by All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton and veteran forward Pascal Siakam, who has fit in nicely since coming over this season. The Pacers play fast (ranking top-10 in pace) and put up 117+ points per game, but they’ll need to take care of the ball against Cleveland’s disciplined defense. Indiana’s only notable injuries are role players (Isaiah Jackson is out for the year, and rookie Ben Sheppard is day-to-day), so their core is intact. If Cleveland’s backups can’t keep up offensively, Indiana could seize the opportunity, especially with a national TV crowd behind them in Indianapolis.

Best Bet: Pacers +6 (-110). With Cleveland resting key contributors, this game should be much closer than the records would indicate. The Pacers have been playing well and have the firepower to exploit a shorthanded Cavs lineup. Haliburton’s playmaking and Indiana’s desire to fine-tune their offense before the postseason make them a live underdog here. Cleveland is still a tough defensive team, but without their primary scorers they may struggle to pull away. Taking Indiana plus the points (and even considering a sprinkle on the Pacers’ moneyline) looks like solid value. The Pacers’ home crowd energy and deeper motivation to win should keep this within a one-possession game or even an outright upset.

Top Player Prop: Tyrese Haliburton over 9.5 assists. Haliburton has been one of the league’s top assist men, averaging around 10 dimes per game. He’s the engine of Indiana’s offense and will be facing a Cavs team missing its best perimeter defenders. Look for Tyrese to push the tempo and find open teammates like Siakam and Buddy Hield in transition and off pick-and-roll action. With Cleveland likely focusing their defense on stopping Siakam’s scoring, Haliburton should have plenty of opportunity to rack up double-digit assists as he distributes the ball. A 10+ assist night is a strong possibility given his recent form and the pace this matchup could be played at.

Atlanta Hawks vs Brooklyn Nets (7:30 PM ET)

Odds: The Hawks are heavy favorites here, sitting at -13.5 on the point spread thanks to the talent gap, with an implied moneyline around -800 (Nets roughly +550 as big underdogs). The over/under is about 227.5 points. Odds makers expect Atlanta to score at will and for Brooklyn to have a hard time keeping up on the scoreboard.

Game Preview: Atlanta (37-42) is clinging to hope for a play-in spot, so they’ll come out with intensity. The Hawks offense has rounded into form lately, led by dynamic guard Trae Young and his backcourt mate Dejounte Murray. Young’s ability to penetrate and dish has Atlanta averaging over 115 points, and against Brooklyn’s leaky defense, the Hawks should find plenty of good looks. Forward John Collins and center Clint Capela provide interior scoring and rebounding to balance Atlanta’s attack. Meanwhile, Brooklyn (26-53) has had a rough season after trading away their former stars and is focused on developing young players. Mikal Bridges has emerged as the Nets’ go-to scorer, often putting up 20+ points, and second-year guard Cam Thomas can heat up off the bench. However, Brooklyn’s defense has been among the league’s worst, and they’ve struggled especially against teams with elite point guard play. The Hawks have dominated the Nets in prior meetings this season by pushing the tempo and capitalizing on turnovers. Barring an unusually hot shooting night from the Nets, this one could get out of hand early. The key for Atlanta will be to avoid any complacency – they need this win – and for Brooklyn, pride and the home crowd might spur a competitive first half before talent wins out.

Best Bet: Hawks -13.5 (-110). It’s a big number to lay, but the situation strongly favors Atlanta. The Hawks have everything to play for and match up extremely well with the Nets. Atlanta’s offense should slice through Brooklyn’s defense, and the Hawks’ weakness (defensive lapses) is something the undermanned Nets might not fully exploit. In their recent games, the Nets have been losing by wide margins, and Atlanta can smell blood knowing a postseason berth is on the line. Expect Trae Young and company to build a double-digit lead and keep the foot on the gas. Even if Brooklyn’s youngsters play hard, the talent disparity likely results in a comfortable Hawks win by 15+ points.

Top Player Prop: Trae Young over 9.5 assists. Young has been racking up assists as he orchestrates the Hawks’ offense, averaging just under double digits for the season. Against Brooklyn, he should have no trouble breaking down the defense and finding open teammates. In a must-win game, Trae will balance scoring with playmaking; he knows getting others involved early (Capela on lobs, Bogdan Bogdanović on spot-ups) will open up the floor. The Nets give up a lot of penetration, so look for Young to consistently get into the lane and either kick out to shooters or drop off passes to his big men. A double-double with points and assists is within reach, making the over on his assist total an attractive prop play.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Milwaukee Bucks (8:00 PM ET)

Odds: Milwaukee is a sizable favorite at home, laying about -15 points in this matchup. The Bucks’ moneyline is an overwhelming -1200, with the Pelicans at +696 as long-shot underdogs. The total is around 221.5 points – on the lower side, reflecting the Pelicans’ struggles on offense and the Bucks’ strong defense.

Game Preview: The Pelicans (21-58) are closing out a very disappointing season. With franchise forward Zion Williamson still out and the team long eliminated from playoff contention, New Orleans has turned to its young players. Expect Brandon Ingram (if active) and C.J. McCollum to lead the scoring, but the Pelicans have often had trouble cracking 100 points against quality opponents. They’re giving extended minutes to prospects like Dyson Daniels and Trey Murphy III as they plan for the future. On the other side, the Bucks (45-34) are gearing up for yet another postseason run. Milwaukee is close to locking in their seed and might be cautious with minutes, but even a Bucks team at 80% is formidable. Giannis Antetokounmpo remains an unstoppable force in the paint, and he’s flanked by Khris Middletonand Jrue Holiday, who provide shooting and veteran leadership. Milwaukee’s defense is one of the league’s best, and at home they’ve held opponents to very low scores consistently. In this game, the Bucks will look to sharpen their execution early, possibly hoping to build a big lead and rest starters in the second half. New Orleans will compete with energy from its younger roster, but talent-wise they are overmatched. Unless the Bucks sleepwalk through the game, it could be another rough outing for the Pelicans on the road.

Best Bet: Under 221.5 total points (-110). This game has blowout written all over it, which often leads to lower scoring totals. The Pelicans have had trouble scoring against strong defenses – and Milwaukee will contest every shot. The Bucks themselves could easily put up 120+ in three quarters, but if they get a big lead they may call off the dogs late, resulting in a slower-paced, low-scoring fourth quarter. Additionally, Milwaukee might opt to rest key players or limit their minutes, which could keep the final score down. New Orleans is unlikely to do much scoring beyond the 100-105 point range given their roster and the Bucks’ defensive intensity. All told, the under is appealing since one team might have to do almost all the work to hit the over. A 118-100 type of result in favor of Milwaukee feels realistic, which would cash the under.

Top Player Prop: Giannis Antetokounmpo over 12.5 rebounds. Giannis should feast on the glass in this matchup. The Pelicans often settle for outside shots and struggle to score inside without Zion, which means plenty of rebounding opportunities for Milwaukee’s star. Antetokounmpo is averaging around 12 boards per game and has hit 13+ rebounds frequently, especially in games where the Bucks control the paint. Even if he only plays, say, 30 minutes due to a lopsided score, Giannis can reach this over by dominating both offensive and defensive rebounding early. The Pelicans’ starting center Jonas Valančiūnas is a solid rebounder himself, but Giannis’s athleticism gives him an edge to track down misses all over the court. Back the Greek Freak to clean the glass and notch a big rebound total as he tunes up for the playoffs.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Memphis Grizzlies (9:30 PM ET, TNT/truTV/Max)

Odds: This should be the most competitive game of the night. The Grizzlies are slight home favorites, roughly -1.5 on the spread (about EVEN odds), with Memphis around -120 on the moneyline and Minnesota about +100. The over/under is one of the higher totals at approximately 233.5, signaling expectations of a fast-paced, high-scoring affair.

Game Preview: Two Western Conference playoff hopefuls collide in what could feel like a postseason preview. The Grizzlies (47-32) have caught fire lately, winning three straight, and are in a fierce battle for the West’s #4 seed. Point guard Ja Morant has been electric since returning to form, averaging around 27-30 points and 8 assists in recent games. He’s gotten plenty of help from sharpshooter Desmond Bane and defensive star Jaren Jackson Jr., who anchor a Memphis team that is tough to beat at FedExForum. Interestingly, the Grizzlies have been doing this under interim coaching after a late-season change, but it hasn’t slowed them down. On the other side, the Timberwolves (46-33) just had a five-game win streak snapped and sit in a very tight cluster of teams fighting for positioning (they’re currently 8th, but only a game behind a tie for 4th). Minnesota made a big mid-season trade, acquiring Julius Randle to bolster their frontcourt alongside Rudy Gobert, and that duo will be tasked with controlling the paint. Star guard Anthony Edwardscontinues to lead the Wolves in scoring and will need a huge night to conquer Memphis. In their last meeting, Memphis edged Minnesota 108-106 in a thriller, and we can expect another close contest. The Timberwolves have no key injuries at the moment, and the Grizzlies are without a couple of depth pieces (Brandon Clarke remains out), but all the main stars are ready to go. This national TV nightcap promises intensity: Memphis wants home-court in round one, and Minnesota wants to avoid the play-in.

Best Bet: Grizzlies -1.5 (EVEN). In essentially a pick’em game, lean toward the home team with momentum. Memphis is 25-14 at home this season and feeds off the crowd’s energy. Ja Morant has been unstoppable of late, and the Grizzlies’ depth (with guys like Tyus Jones and Luke Kennard chipping in) gives them a slight edge over Minnesota’s rotation. The Timberwolves’ road form has been solid, but their defense showed cracks against Milwaukee in their last loss. If Memphis pushes the pace, they can exploit Minnesota’s sometimes shaky transition defense. It’s likely to go back and forth, but down the stretch the Grizzlies have the go-to closer in Morant and the familiarity of crunch-time success. Laying a point or two at home is reasonable – look for Memphis to win by a few points in a hard-fought battle, clinching that cover.

Top Player Prop: Ja Morant over 27.5 points. Morant is on a mission as the playoffs approach, and he’s been torching opponents recently. He dropped 28 points in his last outing and has rediscovered his explosiveness and touch from mid-range. Against Minnesota, Ja will be aggressive, knowing how important this game is for seeding. The Timberwolves’ backcourt defense isn’t elite – while Patrick Beverley used to hound Morant in previous matchups, he’s no longer with Minnesota, leaving Edwards and Mike Conley to try to contain him. Morant should be able to get into the paint at will, and with Gobert occupied by Memphis’s bigs, there will be lanes for crafty layups and his trademark acrobatic finishes. In what should be a relatively high-tempo game, the shot volume will be there for Ja to clear 28+ points. Bank on the Grizzlies’ star to put up a big number on the scoreboard as he leads by example in this crucial contest.

Enjoy the games and good luck with your bets! Remember to wager responsibly. With playoff implications in play for several teams, Thursday’s action should be exciting and potentially profitable for sharp bettors. Let’s sit back and watch the drama unfold on the court.

Check out these articles for winning picks:

Kingpin PRO

Get ranked cards for this game in the app

Tracked experts, Edge scores, and alerts on iPhone and Android.

Start free trial

Choose app store

Simulated results. Entertainment only. Gambling involves risk.

Methodology and disclosure

Historical Kingpin articles preserve original body copy, authors, and publication dates. Structured pick or odds modules appear only when the source article provides them.

Kingpin PRO

Continue in the Kingpin app

Transparent simulated records. Entertainment only.

Start free trial

Choose app store

Simulated results. Entertainment only. Gambling involves risk.