As the NBA playoffs roll into Tuesday night, 29 April 2025, fans are in for a feast of high-stakes basketball as several series hang in the balance. With elimination looming for some and momentum shifts for others, each fixture on tonight’s slate carries significant narrative weight. The Milwaukee Bucks are clinging to their postseason lives without Damian Lillard, the New York Knicks aim to close out a bruising series against Detroit, the Boston Celtics are seeking to progress in front of a raucous home crowd, and the Denver Nuggets look to capitalise on a walk-off moment of history to tilt their series against the Clippers in their favour.
Milwaukee Bucks at Indiana Pacers
Match Info
- Eastern Conference First Round, Game 5
- Tuesday 29th April 2025, 18:00 EST / 23:00 BST
- Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, USA
Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee’s postseason hangs by a thread as they trail 3-1 in the series, further hampered by the devastating Achilles injury to Damian Lillard. With their star guard sidelined for the rest of the playoffs, the pressure mounts on Giannis Antetokounmpo to lead a miracle comeback. Lillard’s absence leaves a glaring void in offensive output and floor leadership, and while Giannis remains a dominant force, the Bucks’ supporting cast will need to produce at both ends of the floor. Kevin Porter Jr. stepped up admirably in Game 4, but Doc Rivers’ squad faces an uphill battle in a hostile Indiana environment.
Indiana Pacers
Indiana have dazzled so far, embracing a high-octane style that’s run Milwaukee off the floor in three of the four games. Their Game 4 rout, capped by 60% shooting and 36 assists, demonstrated a team in total sync. Tyrese Haliburton continues to orchestrate beautifully, and the depth of scoring options — eight double-digit contributors last game — shows just how balanced the Pacers are. Rick Carlisle’s approach to push the pace is clearly working, and even without Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana look primed to finish the job at home.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Indiana Pacers to win
The momentum is firmly with the Pacers, and Milwaukee’s injury woes may be too much to overcome on the road. Expect Indiana to finish the series emphatically.
America Bet Score Prediction
Milwaukee 106 – 119 Indiana
Even if Milwaukee find some scoring through Giannis and Porter Jr., Indiana’s offensive rhythm and home-court advantage should carry them through comfortably.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Indiana Pacers -6.5
- Over 222.5 Total Points
- Tyrese Haliburton Over 10.5 Assists
- Kevin Porter Jr. Over 17.5 Points
- Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 28.5 Points
- Myles Turner Over 2.5 Threes Made
- Indiana to Win Both Halves
- First Quarter Winner – Indiana
- Double Result – Indiana/Indiana
- Indiana to Score 115+ Points
Detroit Pistons at New York Knicks
Match Info
- Eastern Conference First Round, Game 5
- Tuesday 29th April 2025, 19:30 EST / 00:30 BST
- Madison Square Garden, New York, USA
Detroit Pistons
Detroit find themselves needing a response after a gut-wrenching one-point loss in Game 4. Despite rallying from 16 down to lead late, poor execution in the final minutes cost them dearly. Cade Cunningham remains their beacon of hope, but he’s carrying an enormous burden. Tobias Harris must rediscover his rhythm, and Tim Hardaway Jr. needs another hot shooting night to give the Pistons a fighting chance. The Pistons have battled bravely in a physical series, but they’ll need composure and consistent execution to stave off elimination at the Garden.
New York Knicks
The Knicks are poised to advance, backed by the brilliance of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Brunson’s steady hand and fourth consecutive 30-point performance have been pivotal, while Towns’ Game 4 heroics — capped by a late go-ahead three — showcased his expanded offensive arsenal. Tom Thibodeau’s side has grit and experience on their side, and they’ll be desperate to close out this bruising series on home soil, a feat they haven’t achieved in 26 years. Expect the Knicks to set the tone early in what promises to be another fierce battle.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
New York Knicks to win
With momentum, talent, and home-court advantage, the Knicks should outlast Detroit in another physical contest.
America Bet Score Prediction
Detroit 97 – 103 New York
Detroit will scrap to the very end, but New York’s clutch performers will once again prove the difference.
America Bet Betting Tips
- New York Knicks -4.5
- Under 202.5 Total Points
- Jalen Brunson Over 29.5 Points
- Karl-Anthony Towns Over 23.5 Points
- Cade Cunningham Over 24.5 Points
- First Half Points – Under 101.5
- Knicks to Win by 6-10 Points
- Towns to Make 3+ Three-Pointers
- Knicks to Win the 4th Quarter
- Knicks to Win and Under 210.5
Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics
Match Info
- Eastern Conference First Round, Game 5
- Tuesday 29th April 2025, 20:00 EST / 01:00 BST
- TD Garden, Boston, USA
Orlando Magic
The Magic have shown resilience in this series but are running out of road. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner have been the engines, combining for consistent scoring, but Orlando’s inability to close games — as seen in Game 4’s late collapse — has cost them dearly. The physicality they’ve brought has been commendable, yet fouls and a growing disparity at the free-throw line have made it difficult to keep pace with Boston. They’ll need a near-perfect performance to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Boston Celtics
Boston have one eye on a deep playoff run and the other firmly on closing this series efficiently. The defending champions were clinical late in Game 4, showing championship poise in pulling away when it mattered most. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are leading the charge, particularly at the line, where Boston’s edge has grown game by game. With the series back at TD Garden, the Celtics will be looking to put the Magic away early and secure crucial rest ahead of the next round.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Boston Celtics to win
Expect the Celtics to use their playoff experience and home advantage to close the series in convincing fashion.
America Bet Score Prediction
Orlando 101 – 111 Boston
Orlando will fight hard, but Boston’s late-game mastery and depth should prove too strong.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Boston Celtics -7.5
- Over 210.5 Total Points
- Jayson Tatum Over 27.5 Points
- Jaylen Brown Over 23.5 Points
- Paolo Banchero Over 24.5 Points
- Celtics to Win 1st Half
- Franz Wagner Over 2.5 Threes
- Celtics to Score 55+ First Half Points
- Double Result – Boston/Boston
- Total Free Throws Made – Over 40.5
LA Clippers at Denver Nuggets
Match Info
- Western Conference First Round, Game 5
- Tuesday 29th April 2025, 22:00 EST / 03:00 BST
- Ball Arena, Denver, USA
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers have battled toe-to-toe with the defending champions and will be ruing their missed opportunity in Game 4. Kawhi Leonard has led from the front on both ends, but inconsistent support and late-game lapses have been costly. James Harden’s early fireworks have dimmed, and with Denver’s starters logging big minutes, LA’s deeper rotation must find a way to take advantage. Tempers flared in Game 4, and the Clippers must now channel that energy constructively to avoid falling behind.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets arrive with the wind in their sails after Aaron Gordon’s historic buzzer-beating dunk tied the series. Nikola Jokic continues to dominate, averaging a triple-double, and Denver’s core is stepping up under David Adelman’s heavy minutes strategy. Their thinner bench, particularly without Russell Westbrook, remains a concern, but the altitude and raucous home crowd offer a significant edge. If Jokic and Murray continue their form, Denver will be difficult to stop.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Denver Nuggets to win
Momentum, home altitude, and superstar play from Jokic should be enough for Denver to edge ahead in the series.
America Bet Score Prediction
LA Clippers 103 – 109 Denver Nuggets
A close contest, but Denver’s late-game execution and star power should be decisive again.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Denver Nuggets -3.5
- Under 215.5 Total Points
- Nikola Jokic Over 28.5 Points
- Kawhi Leonard Over 26.5 Points
- Jamal Murray Over 21.5 Points
- Jokic to Record a Triple-Double
- Clippers to Lead After 1st Quarter
- Denver to Win the 4th Quarter
- Harden Under 19.5 Points
- Nuggets to Win and Under 220.5
