Handicapper Bryan Bash finished with a split record on April 25, 2026, going 2-2 across four NBA playoff matchups. The day featured two winning underdogs and two losses, resulting in an even performance as the postseason action intensified.
Nuggets at Timberwolves
Bash opened his card with a winner, backing the Minnesota Timberwolves +1.5 at -110 odds for one unit. The Timberwolves dominated the Denver Nuggets 112-96 to take a commanding 3-1 series lead, covering comfortably by 16 points. The story of the game was reserve guard Ayo Dosunmu, who exploded for a career-high 43 points in the highest-scoring playoff performance by a bench player in 50 years. Dosunmu stepped up with Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo sidelined due to leg injuries. Minnesota’s shooting efficiency proved superior, hitting 43.8% from the field compared to Denver’s 37.9%, while the Nuggets struggled mightily from beyond the arc at just 21.4%. The Timberwolves seized control in the second half, outscoring Denver 32-24 in the third quarter and 30-18 in the fourth to pull away. Despite a near triple-double from Nikola Jokic (24 points, 15 rebounds, 9 assists), the Nuggets couldn’t overcome Minnesota’s balanced attack and defensive intensity.
Knicks at Hawks
Bash’s second selection resulted in a loss, as he took the Atlanta Hawks +2.0 at -115 odds. The New York Knicks controlled the game from start to finish, winning 114-98 to even their series at 2-2. Karl-Anthony Towns recorded his first postseason triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, becoming just the fourth Knicks player to achieve the feat in playoff history. The Knicks built their cushion early, outscoring Atlanta 27-20 in the first quarter and 31-24 in the second to establish a comfortable halftime lead. New York’s shooting was exceptional, hitting 49.4% from the field and an impressive 45.2% from three-point range, while the Hawks struggled at just 24.4% from beyond the arc. OG Anunoby added 22 points for the Knicks, while Atlanta’s top performer, Onyeka Okongwu, managed only 12 points. The Hawks never threatened to cover the small spread as the Knicks recovered from back-to-back losses.
Pistons at Magic
Bash secured his second win of the day with the Orlando Magic +2.5 at -110 odds. The Magic held off a furious Detroit comeback to prevail 113-105 and take a 2-1 series lead. Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane each scored 25 points, with Banchero adding 12 rebounds and nine assists. Orlando built a commanding 17-point lead in the fourth quarter, leading 96-79 with 8:34 remaining, before Detroit mounted a charge. The Pistons’ rally fell short despite 27 points from Cade Cunningham. The Magic’s three-point shooting was a decisive factor, as they connected on 45.5% from deep compared to Detroit’s 34.4%. Wendell Carter Jr. controlled the glass with 17 rebounds to go with 14 points, helping Orlando maintain enough separation down the stretch to cover the spread with room to spare.
Thunder at Suns
Bash’s final play of the evening resulted in a loss, as he backed the Phoenix Suns +8.5 at -110 odds. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 121-109, pushing the Suns to the brink of elimination with a 3-0 series lead. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a masterclass, scoring 42 points on an efficient 15-of-18 shooting performance. Despite a 33-point effort from Dillon Brooks, the Suns couldn’t keep pace with Oklahoma City’s offensive firepower. The Thunder shot 49.5% from the field and 90.5% from the free-throw line, building leads of 33-28 after one quarter and 62-53 at halftime. Phoenix made a brief push in the third quarter, outscoring OKC 26-25, but the Thunder closed strong with a 34-30 fourth-quarter advantage. The 12-point final margin left Suns backers short of the cover by 3.5 points.
Bryan Bash finished the day at .500, splitting his four-game playoff card with two wins and two losses. Both winning selections came on home underdogs, while his two defeats came on teams that struggled to match their opponents’ shooting efficiency and offensive execution.
