The NBA Playoffs continue on Thursday, April 24, with a three-game schedule. Action starts with the Pistons facing the Knicks. Detroit managed to tie the series with a victory in Game 2, despite a strong 37-point performance from Jalen Brunson. Brunson, who averaged 26 points during the regular season, scored 34 in Game 1, and his projected points total for Thursday is set at 28.5.
Thursday`s slate also includes the Grizzlies taking on the Thunder and the Clippers matching up against the Nuggets. Nikola Jokic posted a triple-double with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in the recent loss to the Clippers; he is priced at +140 to achieve another triple-double on Thursday.
A respected sports model has simulated every game scheduled for Thursday and identified its top NBA picks. Combining these four selections into a single NBA parlay could yield a payout of +794, offering significant value compared to the model`s calculated odds of +536. This model has a strong track record, boasting a 156-116 record on all top-rated NBA picks since last season. Here are the optimal bets for an NBA parlay on Thursday, according to the model`s analysis.
Optimal NBA Parlay Picks for Thursday, April 24
Cade Cunningham Under 28.5 points (-118)
Cunningham delivered an impressive 33 points in 42 minutes during Game 2, helping his team level the series. However, his scoring was limited to 21 points in Game 1, and the current prop line of 28.5 is notably higher than his season average of 26.1 points. The model highlights that Cunningham has consistently finished below his projected total points in 7 of his last 10 games when playing at home and not favored. The model`s forecast for Cunningham on Thursday is 24.1 points.
Jamal Murray Over 5.5 assists (+114)
Jamal Murray averaged 6.0 assists per game throughout the regular season, which already suggests potential value on the Over 5.5 line at plus odds for Thursday night. He has played heavy minutes in the first two games of the series, recording seven assists in Game 1 and six in Game 2. With the series tied 1-1, Murray is expected to handle a large workload again. The model`s latest simulations project Murray to finish with 5.9 assists.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 1.5 steals (+126)
The Thunder have controlled the first two games against the Grizzlies, partly by limiting Memphis`s shooting efficiency (34% in Game 1) and forcing turnovers. Gilgeous-Alexander recorded two steals in Game 2, where he played 15 minutes more than in the series opener. Memphis is expected to put up a stronger challenge at home, likely leading to extended playing time for Oklahoma City`s star. Gilgeous-Alexander tends to elevate his defensive effort against strong opponents, hitting the Over on his steals total in four of his last five road games when the Thunder are favored against winning teams. The model projects him for 1.7 steals in Game 3, presenting clear value at the +126 odds.
Chet Holmgren Under 26.5 points/rebounds/assists (-102)
Holmgren has posted double-doubles in both of his first two playoff games, exceeding this combined points, rebounds, and assists total in both outings. However, his current prop line appears inflated due to these recent performances, especially considering his regular season average was 25.0 PRA. His minutes played in the postseason so far are slightly less than during the regular season, suggesting his PRA numbers might decrease on Thursday. The model notes that Holmgren has gone Under this total in 7 of his last 10 games, averaging 23.5 total PRA in those contests. The model projects him to finish with 25.5 PRA on Thursday.
Jasper Hawthorne