Quick Recap:
• Record: 2-1
• Units: +0.9
• Best Win: San Antonio Spurs -12.5 (+1.0u)
• Tough Loss: Celtics -11.5 (-1.0u)
Handicapper Bryan Bash posted a 2-1 record on April 28, 2026, securing wins on both playoff spreads while dropping his selection in the Celtics-76ers matchup. The day featured a dominant Knicks performance, a Joel Embiid-led upset in Boston, and a comfortable Spurs cover in San Antonio.
Hawks at Knicks
Bash opened the evening with a winning selection on the Knicks -6.5 against the Atlanta Hawks. New York delivered a commanding 126-97 victory, covering the spread by more than 22 points in a Won result at -110 odds. Jalen Brunson led the way with 39 points and 8 assists, nearly extending his own franchise record for 40-point playoff games as the Knicks took a 3-2 series lead in their first-round matchup. The game was never in doubt after New York jumped out to a 35-22 first quarter advantage, setting the tone early. The Knicks shot an impressive 57.0% from the field and 42.3% from three-point range, while the Hawks struggled to find offensive rhythm at just 44.6% shooting and 31.0% from beyond the arc. New York’s dominance on the glass was equally decisive, out-rebounding Atlanta 48-27. The Knicks’ second straight lopsided victory positioned them to close out the series in Game 6 in Atlanta, though they maintained home-court advantage for a potential Game 7 if needed.
76ers at Celtics
Bash’s lone loss of the day came on the Celtics -11.5 against Philadelphia. The 76ers stunned Boston with a 113-97 victory, avoiding elimination in their first-round series and handing Bash a Lost bet at -110 odds. Joel Embiid, less than three weeks removed from an emergency appendectomy, dominated with 33 points and 8 assists in his second game back from injury. The turning point came in the second half, particularly the fourth quarter where Philadelphia outscored Boston 28-11 to pull away decisively. The Celtics struggled mightily from the field, shooting just 40.4% overall and a dismal 28.2% from three-point range. Boston’s offensive woes were compounded by poor free throw shooting at 60.9%, while Philadelphia converted at an efficient 87.0% clip from the charity stripe. The 76ers shot 50.0% from the field and controlled the game’s tempo despite Jayson Tatum’s 24 points and 16 rebounds for Boston. Embiid’s second-half dominance proved to be the difference in keeping Philadelphia’s playoff hopes alive.
Trail Blazers at Spurs
Bash closed the night with another winner, backing the Spurs -12.5 against Portland. San Antonio cruised to a 114-95 victory, covering the spread by more than six points in a Won result at -105 odds. The Spurs built their cushion early, racing out to a 36-24 first quarter lead and extending it to 65-45 by halftime. Victor Wembanyama contributed 17 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 blocks in a well-rounded performance. San Antonio’s offensive efficiency was exceptional, shooting 54.7% from the field and 40.0% from three-point range, while Portland struggled throughout at just 35.1% shooting and a frigid 23.4% from beyond the arc. The Trail Blazers’ shooting woes made it impossible to mount any serious comeback despite Deni Avdija’s team-high 22 points. The Spurs also held advantages in rebounding (42-38) and assists (27-24), controlling the game from start to finish.
Bryan Bash’s 2-1 performance on April 28 demonstrated solid handicapping across the board, with both winning selections covering comfortably. The lone loss came on a Celtics team that couldn’t overcome Joel Embiid’s return to form, but the two playoff winners provided a profitable day overall for those following Bash’s recommendations.
