Grant Afseth breaks down his top NBA playoff picks using DraftKings Sportsbook odds for Friday’s three-game slate.

The NBA playoffs continue with three intriguing matchups on Friday, April 25. Here are the top betting picks on DraftKings Sportsbook.

Here’s the full NBA schedule for Friday, April 25 (all times Eastern):

Celtics at Magic, 7 p.m.

Pacers at Bucks, 8 p.m.

Lakers at Timberwolves, 9:30 p.m.

The Boston Celtics have dominated the first two games against the Orlando Magic, with a commanding 103-86 win in Game 1 and a 109-100 victory in Game 2. Despite Jaylen Brown nursing a right knee issue and Jayson Tatum sitting out Game 2, Boston’s depth has been evident. Derrick White and Kristaps Porzingis have stepped up, and the Celtics’ defense has been stifling.

Orlando, despite a valiant effort from Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, has struggled to keep up with Boston’s depth and efficiency. Heading into Game 3, Boston is favored to cover the -3.5 spread due to experience and depth. The Magic will need a strong home performance to turn the tide.

The Indiana Pacers shocked the Milwaukee Bucks with a 123-115 victory in Game 2, taking a 2-0 series lead. Tyrese Haliburton was instrumental in the win, while Pascal Siakam contributed 24 points and 11 rebounds. Despite a strong performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo (34 points, 18 rebounds), the Bucks’ defense faltered in crunch time.

As the series shifts to Milwaukee, the Bucks will look to bounce back, but Indiana has proven it can compete at a high level. With Haliburton and Siakam playing outstanding basketball, the Pacers are well-positioned to cover the +5.5 spread in Game 3. The Bucks will need more defensive consistency to avoid falling further behind in the series.

The Lakers split the first two games of their series with the Timberwolves in Los Angeles. After a tough 117-95 loss in Game 1, the Lakers bounced back to secure a dominant 94-85 win in Game 2. The Lakers’ defense was suffocating in Game 2, holding the Timberwolves to their lowest point total of the season.

Heading into Game 3 in Minneapolis, the Lakers look poised to carry over their defensive momentum. With both teams tied 1-1, this game is critical for taking control of the series. The Timberwolves have been inconsistent, while the Lakers’ defense and experience make them the better pick to cover the +3 spread on the road.

In Indiana’s 123-115 win over the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2, Andrew Nembhard played a key role, scoring 17 points and contributing five assists. His ability to step up in clutch moments has been crucial for the Pacers, and he has shown impressive growth in the postseason.

Nembhard’s confidence is at an all-time high, and with the Pacers leading the series 2-0, he is well-positioned to continue his strong play. With the game slowing down and Nembhard more involved in both scoring and playmaking, he should exceed the 15.5 combined points and assists line in Game 3.

Brown proved his star power in Game 2 of the Celtics’ series against the Magic, delivering a 36-point performance in the absence of Tatum. His ability to take over the game was evident from the start.

Brown is questionable for Game 3, but the Celtics will still lean on him if he plays, especially since Tatum is doubtful. Given his dominant showing and Orlando’s defense struggling to contain him, Brown is well-positioned to surpass the 24.5-point line once again.