NBA picks today: Expert selections, odds for Knicks-Hawks, Suns-Lakers, Nets-Celtics and Clippers-Mavericks

The Athletic’s NBA writers continue to make their selections for every game of the NBA Playoffs. Can the Hawks pull away from the Knicks and take a 3-1 lead in the series? It sure feels that if the Knicks can’t win in Atlanta on Sunday that the series is over between the two teams.

LeBron James and the Lakers seem to be regaining their health and that could be problematic for the Phoenix Suns. It’s still crazy that the Lakers are the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference somehow.

Brooklyn had some weaknesses exposed against the Celtics in game 3, but does anyone expect this series to go more than six games?

Every day during the NBA Playoffs, The Athletic’s NBA writers will make their picks straight up.

If you’d like a free year of The Athletic (or an extension!), BetMGM is running a special offer, which also includes $100 in bonus bets.

Game 4 – New York Knicks at Atlanta Hawks (-4.5)
Total: 209.5

Game 4 – Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers (-6.5)
Total: 209.5

Game 4 – Brooklyn Nets (-7.5) at Boston Celtics
Total: 228.5

Game 4 – Los Angeles Clippers (-3) at Dallas Mavericks
Total: 220.5

NBA Playoffs

Where East NBA playoff field stands: Odds, rankings, what to like and what to worry about
Where West NBA playoff field stands: Odds, rankings, what to like and what to worry about
NBA predictions unplugged: Anonymous scout, coach and exec pick 2021’s first-round winners
John Hollinger picks: Early exit for LeBron and Lakers, Blazers over Nuggets and more

Scores & schedule | NBA podcasts | Complete NBA coverage

(Top photo: Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images; The Athletic may receive an affiliate commission if you open an account with BetMGM through links contained in the above article.)c