2025 NBA Playoffs: Top Picks for Saturday’s Knicks-Pistons and Lakers-Wolves Game 1 Matchups

• 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

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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

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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