April 30th NBA Playoffs Best Betting Picks and Predictions | Deadspin.com 
Apr 28, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) shoots the ball against Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88)nin the first quarter during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images Two home teams are facing elimination in the NBA playoffs on Thursday night.
The Philadelphia 76ers extended their series back home for Game 6 against the Boston Celtics, while the Atlanta Hawks try to stay alive against the New York Knicks in Atlanta.
We’ll break down three plays for the Thursday action. Remember to monitor the odds throughout the day, as the sides and totals market is constantly changing.
Here are the free NBA picks for Thursday, April 30. Odds Courtesy of DraftKings
Best NBA plays today
- Celtics (-5.5) at 76ers
- Knicks (-2.5) at Hawks
- Nuggets/Timberwolves Under (224.5)
Celtics (-5.5) at 76ers – 8:00 p.m. ET
Philadelphia stunned Boston in Game 5 as 10.5-point road underdogs, 113-97 to stay alive. The 76ers return home looking to force a Game 7, but Philadelphia has lost both home games to Boston.
The Celtics were held to 11 points in the fourth quarter in Game 5, while shooting 28% from 3-point range. Boston limited Philadelphia to an average of 98.0 points per game in two road wins, capped off by a 128-96 blowout in Game 4.
Philadelphia is 2-11 straight-up and 3-9-1 against the spread in the last 13 games as a single-digit underdog. Boston should bounce back tonight and eliminate Philadelphia with a road cover in Game 6.
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Knicks (-2.5) at Hawks – 8:00 p.m. ET
The Hawks led the Knicks, 2-1 through three games, but New York has rebounded with consecutive victories. New York seeks its fourth consecutive trip to the second round as the Knicks are favored on the road.
In each of the past two wins, the Knicks dominated with a pair of double-digit blowouts. Jalen Brunson dropped 39 points in the Game 5 rout, as the Knicks shot 57% from the floor.
Hawks G CJ McCollum is coming off his worst offensive game of the series, getting held to six points on 3-of-10 shooting. Atlanta’s two victories came by one point apiece, so New York was that close to sweeping this series. Let’s lay the short number with the Knicks to finish off the series.
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Nuggets/Timberwolves Under (224.5) – 9:30 p.m. ET
Minnesota Timberwolves can finish off the Denver Nuggets at home tonight, but has to do so without leading scorer Anthony Edwards. He remains sidelined after getting injured in Game 4, as the Nuggets took advantage with a Game 5 home triumph.
The Wolves still lead the series, 3-2 returning to Target Center off a 125-113 loss in Denver on a 225.5 total. Tonight’s total has dipped one point after the teams combined for 39 points from the foul line in Game 4.
Each of the two games in Minneapolis finished under the total easily, with the Nuggets getting held to 96 points each time. Look for a defensive battle after the highest-scoring game of the series in tonight’s pivotal Game 6.
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#April #30th #NBA #Playoffs #Betting #Picks #Predictions #Deadspin.com
Apr 28, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) shoots the ball against Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88)nin the first quarter during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images Two home teams are facing elimination in the NBA playoffs on Thursday night.
The Philadelphia 76ers extended their series back home for Game 6 against the Boston Celtics, while the Atlanta Hawks try to stay alive against the New York Knicks in Atlanta.
We’ll break down three plays for the Thursday action. Remember to monitor the odds throughout the day, as the sides and totals market is constantly changing.
Here are the free NBA picks for Thursday, April 30. Odds Courtesy of DraftKings
Best NBA plays today
- Celtics (-5.5) at 76ers
- Knicks (-2.5) at Hawks
- Nuggets/Timberwolves Under (224.5)
Celtics (-5.5) at 76ers – 8:00 p.m. ET
Philadelphia stunned Boston in Game 5 as 10.5-point road underdogs, 113-97 to stay alive. The 76ers return home looking to force a Game 7, but Philadelphia has lost both home games to Boston.
The Celtics were held to 11 points in the fourth quarter in Game 5, while shooting 28% from 3-point range. Boston limited Philadelphia to an average of 98.0 points per game in two road wins, capped off by a 128-96 blowout in Game 4.
Philadelphia is 2-11 straight-up and 3-9-1 against the spread in the last 13 games as a single-digit underdog. Boston should bounce back tonight and eliminate Philadelphia with a road cover in Game 6.
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Knicks (-2.5) at Hawks – 8:00 p.m. ET
The Hawks led the Knicks, 2-1 through three games, but New York has rebounded with consecutive victories. New York seeks its fourth consecutive trip to the second round as the Knicks are favored on the road.
In each of the past two wins, the Knicks dominated with a pair of double-digit blowouts. Jalen Brunson dropped 39 points in the Game 5 rout, as the Knicks shot 57% from the floor.
Hawks G CJ McCollum is coming off his worst offensive game of the series, getting held to six points on 3-of-10 shooting. Atlanta’s two victories came by one point apiece, so New York was that close to sweeping this series. Let’s lay the short number with the Knicks to finish off the series.
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Nuggets/Timberwolves Under (224.5) – 9:30 p.m. ET
Minnesota Timberwolves can finish off the Denver Nuggets at home tonight, but has to do so without leading scorer Anthony Edwards. He remains sidelined after getting injured in Game 4, as the Nuggets took advantage with a Game 5 home triumph.
The Wolves still lead the series, 3-2 returning to Target Center off a 125-113 loss in Denver on a 225.5 total. Tonight’s total has dipped one point after the teams combined for 39 points from the foul line in Game 4.
Each of the two games in Minneapolis finished under the total easily, with the Nuggets getting held to 96 points each time. Look for a defensive battle after the highest-scoring game of the series in tonight’s pivotal Game 6.
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Claim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to $250 in bonus!
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![Deadspin | LIV Golf seeks ‘long-term financial partners’ as Saudi Arabia’s PIF confirms exit [US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 5, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Bryson DeChambeau in action during the second round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reuters via Imagn Images LIV Golf plans to continue without the financial backing of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, touting “100% year over year” financial growth in 2026. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) formally announced it would end financial support of LIV Golf at the end of the 2026 season. “PIF has made the decision to fund LIV Golf only for the remainder of the 2026 season,” a PIF statement read Thursday. “The substantial investment required by LIV Golf over a longer term is no longer consistent with the current phase of PIF’s investment strategy. This decision has been made in light of PIF’s investment priorities and current macro dynamics.” Under a reshaped model, LIV established a new, independent board and envisions further commercial agreements to stabilize the intended PGA Tour competitor. “LIV Golf is transitioning from a foundational launch phase to a diversified, multi-partner investment model, with a formal process underway to attract long-term financial partners,” the circuit said in a statement Thursday, hours after learning the financial underpinning from the PIF was ended. Signs of a fracture in the PIF-LIV emerged earlier this year and simmered to the surface last week, when ESPN obtained an email LIV CEO Scott O’Neil sent to staff claiming the 2026 season will continue “exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle.” He made no mention of LIV’s future beyond 2026, however. LIV said the new board will be headed by Eugene Davis, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PIRINATE Consulting Group LLC and Jon Zinman, the founder and managing member of JZ Advisors LLC. They are tasked primarily with “institutionalizing the league, formalizing its ownership structure, and evaluating the range of strategic opportunities,” LIV Golf said Thursday. Founded in 2021, LIV Golf made its debut in June 2022 and used lavish, guaranteed contracts to lure dozens of stars like Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau away from the PGA. PIF has provided LIV with more than $5 billion, but the league has reportedly lost millions of dollars per year. Earlier this month, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, PIF’s governor and LIV’s main financial backer, shared a plan for the kingdom to cut back on international investments and focus on more domestic projects. DeChambeau, Cameron Smith and Rahm reportedly turned down the opportunity to return to the PGA Tour earlier this year. According to MSN.com, some LIV players have reached out to the DP World Tour. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #LIV #Golf #seeks #longterm #financial #partners #Saudi #Arabias #PIF #confirms #exit](https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28164461.jpg "Deadspin | LIV Golf seeks ‘long-term financial partners’ as Saudi Arabia’s PIF confirms exit [US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 5, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Bryson DeChambeau in action during the second round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reuters via Imagn Images LIV Golf plans to continue without the financial backing of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, touting “100% year over year” financial growth in 2026. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) formally announced it would end financial support of LIV Golf at the end of the 2026 season. “PIF has made the decision to fund LIV Golf only for the remainder of the 2026 season,” a PIF statement read Thursday. “The substantial investment required by LIV Golf over a longer term is no longer consistent with the current phase of PIF’s investment strategy. This decision has been made in light of PIF’s investment priorities and current macro dynamics.” Under a reshaped model, LIV established a new, independent board and envisions further commercial agreements to stabilize the intended PGA Tour competitor. “LIV Golf is transitioning from a foundational launch phase to a diversified, multi-partner investment model, with a formal process underway to attract long-term financial partners,” the circuit said in a statement Thursday, hours after learning the financial underpinning from the PIF was ended. Signs of a fracture in the PIF-LIV emerged earlier this year and simmered to the surface last week, when ESPN obtained an email LIV CEO Scott O’Neil sent to staff claiming the 2026 season will continue “exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle.” He made no mention of LIV’s future beyond 2026, however. LIV said the new board will be headed by Eugene Davis, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PIRINATE Consulting Group LLC and Jon Zinman, the founder and managing member of JZ Advisors LLC. They are tasked primarily with “institutionalizing the league, formalizing its ownership structure, and evaluating the range of strategic opportunities,” LIV Golf said Thursday. Founded in 2021, LIV Golf made its debut in June 2022 and used lavish, guaranteed contracts to lure dozens of stars like Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau away from the PGA. PIF has provided LIV with more than $5 billion, but the league has reportedly lost millions of dollars per year. Earlier this month, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, PIF’s governor and LIV’s main financial backer, shared a plan for the kingdom to cut back on international investments and focus on more domestic projects. DeChambeau, Cameron Smith and Rahm reportedly turned down the opportunity to return to the PGA Tour earlier this year. According to MSN.com, some LIV players have reached out to the DP World Tour. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #LIV #Golf #seeks #longterm #financial #partners #Saudi #Arabias #PIF #confirms #exit")
![Deadspin | LIV Golf seeks ‘long-term financial partners’ as Saudi Arabia’s PIF confirms exit [US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 5, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Bryson DeChambeau in action during the second round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reuters via Imagn Images LIV Golf plans to continue without the financial backing of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, touting “100% year over year” financial growth in 2026. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) formally announced it would end financial support of LIV Golf at the end of the 2026 season. “PIF has made the decision to fund LIV Golf only for the remainder of the 2026 season,” a PIF statement read Thursday. “The substantial investment required by LIV Golf over a longer term is no longer consistent with the current phase of PIF’s investment strategy. This decision has been made in light of PIF’s investment priorities and current macro dynamics.” Under a reshaped model, LIV established a new, independent board and envisions further commercial agreements to stabilize the intended PGA Tour competitor. “LIV Golf is transitioning from a foundational launch phase to a diversified, multi-partner investment model, with a formal process underway to attract long-term financial partners,” the circuit said in a statement Thursday, hours after learning the financial underpinning from the PIF was ended. Signs of a fracture in the PIF-LIV emerged earlier this year and simmered to the surface last week, when ESPN obtained an email LIV CEO Scott O’Neil sent to staff claiming the 2026 season will continue “exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle.” He made no mention of LIV’s future beyond 2026, however. LIV said the new board will be headed by Eugene Davis, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PIRINATE Consulting Group LLC and Jon Zinman, the founder and managing member of JZ Advisors LLC. They are tasked primarily with “institutionalizing the league, formalizing its ownership structure, and evaluating the range of strategic opportunities,” LIV Golf said Thursday. Founded in 2021, LIV Golf made its debut in June 2022 and used lavish, guaranteed contracts to lure dozens of stars like Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau away from the PGA. PIF has provided LIV with more than $5 billion, but the league has reportedly lost millions of dollars per year. Earlier this month, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, PIF’s governor and LIV’s main financial backer, shared a plan for the kingdom to cut back on international investments and focus on more domestic projects. DeChambeau, Cameron Smith and Rahm reportedly turned down the opportunity to return to the PGA Tour earlier this year. According to MSN.com, some LIV players have reached out to the DP World Tour. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #LIV #Golf #seeks #longterm #financial #partners #Saudi #Arabias #PIF #confirms #exit](https://i0.wp.com/images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28164461.jpg?ssl=1 "Deadspin | LIV Golf seeks ‘long-term financial partners’ as Saudi Arabia’s PIF confirms exit [US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 5, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Bryson DeChambeau in action during the second round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reuters via Imagn Images LIV Golf plans to continue without the financial backing of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, touting “100% year over year” financial growth in 2026. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) formally announced it would end financial support of LIV Golf at the end of the 2026 season. “PIF has made the decision to fund LIV Golf only for the remainder of the 2026 season,” a PIF statement read Thursday. “The substantial investment required by LIV Golf over a longer term is no longer consistent with the current phase of PIF’s investment strategy. This decision has been made in light of PIF’s investment priorities and current macro dynamics.” Under a reshaped model, LIV established a new, independent board and envisions further commercial agreements to stabilize the intended PGA Tour competitor. “LIV Golf is transitioning from a foundational launch phase to a diversified, multi-partner investment model, with a formal process underway to attract long-term financial partners,” the circuit said in a statement Thursday, hours after learning the financial underpinning from the PIF was ended. Signs of a fracture in the PIF-LIV emerged earlier this year and simmered to the surface last week, when ESPN obtained an email LIV CEO Scott O’Neil sent to staff claiming the 2026 season will continue “exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle.” He made no mention of LIV’s future beyond 2026, however. LIV said the new board will be headed by Eugene Davis, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PIRINATE Consulting Group LLC and Jon Zinman, the founder and managing member of JZ Advisors LLC. They are tasked primarily with “institutionalizing the league, formalizing its ownership structure, and evaluating the range of strategic opportunities,” LIV Golf said Thursday. Founded in 2021, LIV Golf made its debut in June 2022 and used lavish, guaranteed contracts to lure dozens of stars like Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau away from the PGA. PIF has provided LIV with more than $5 billion, but the league has reportedly lost millions of dollars per year. Earlier this month, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, PIF’s governor and LIV’s main financial backer, shared a plan for the kingdom to cut back on international investments and focus on more domestic projects. DeChambeau, Cameron Smith and Rahm reportedly turned down the opportunity to return to the PGA Tour earlier this year. According to MSN.com, some LIV players have reached out to the DP World Tour. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #LIV #Golf #seeks #longterm #financial #partners #Saudi #Arabias #PIF #confirms #exit")
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