NBA Playoffs 2025: Schedule, format, play-in, where to watch, betting odds, tips and predictions
The NBA season may feel like it’s winding down as we approach the end of the regular season in mid-April, but the fun’s just beginning as the play-in and playoff games now come into focus.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers remain the bookies' favourites to lift the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy, but there’s a lot of basketball to play between now and the NBA Finals in June.
It all begins with the NBA play-in tournament, where the number seven to 10 seeds in each conference battle it out for a spot in the playoffs.
In this article, Sports News Blitz NBA expert George Dempsey breaks down everything you need to know about the playoffs and shares his predictions.
NBA betting tips: Three-point shooting to lift Indiana Pacers past Sacramento Kings
The NBA action is set to continue this week as the season draws to a close and the final play-off spots are determined.
Sports News Blitz resident basketball tipster George Dempsey is back with a pair of picks for Monday’s proceedings as the Indiana Pacers play host to the Sacramento Kings.
Championship betting tips: Leeds to bounce back, Blackburn’s struggles to continue
It feels like a lifetime has passed since we had Championship football on our screens, but that wait is finally over as the dreaded international break recedes into memory.
We have well and truly entered clutch time in the league season and focus now shifts to who will rise to the occasion and who will falter at the final hurdle.
Ahead of the weekend’s action, Sports News Blitz Championship tipster Ethan Pitts has selected four tips to help you cash in with the bookies.
FA Cup quarter-finals betting tips: Forest fancy another feast against Brighton and Pep’s Man City look to avoid another Cherries slip-up
The scars of Cheltenham have just about healed, and after 12/5, 18/5 and 4/1 winners last time out - which included Newcastle to stun Liverpool and win the Carabao Cup – we are f***ing back and ready to wage war on the Camel Coats again this weekend as the FA Cup reaches the quarter-final stage.
Before we kick on, though, what was that international break about? Jordan Henderson being in the England squad over Morgan Gibbs-White in 2025 is criminal.
Tuchel has been at the Bitburger Pils again, hasn’t he?
Right then, here’s your weekly fix of the Bookie Basher’s Sports News Blitz betting tips.
Golf betting tips: Aldrich Potgieter’s colossal drives give him an advantage in Texas
The PGA Tour heads to Texas this week as the players gear up for the Texas Children's Houston Open.
Played at the Memorial Park Municipal Golf Course, long hitters and elite putters are heavily favoured this week.
Generous fairways mean driving length is preferred over accuracy, while historically, golfers hot with the flat stick have also placed well.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Sam Condy breaks down four of the best picks ahead of the Houston Open.
Why you should bet on the Oklahoma City Thunder to win the NBA Playoffs
Sports News Blitz writer George Dempsey breaks down why the Oklahoma City Thunder are worth a wager this season.
With rising confidence, OKC is primed to make a serious run for the NBA Championship.
Golf betting tips: Sam Burns in with a shot at a third Valspar Championship title
The Players Championship has been and gone, with Rory Mcllroy crowned victor at Sawgrass after a Monday afternoon play-off round.
All eyes now turn to the Innisbrook Resort, as this year's Valspar Championship is set to tee off on Thursday.
Here Sports News Blitz’s golf betting tipster Sam Condy reveals some of the top picks ahead of this week's PGA event.
Man Utd triumph over Leicester City: A journey through hope, heartbreak, and Bruno Fernandes’ right foot
Robert Bore takes us on an emotional rollercoaster, filled with dodgy bets, misplaced optimism, and the undeniable power of Bruno Fernandes.
NBA betting tips: Oklahoma City Thunder pump the Detroit Pistons as West meets East
Sports News Blitz NBA expert George Dempsey breaks down Saturday night's clash between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Detroit Pistons.
With OKC eyeing another statement win and the Pistons fighting for a playoff spot, this showdown promises plenty of intrigue.
MMA news: Marvin Vettori to mark his return with another win over Roman Dolidze
Marvin Vettori is set to make his long-awaited return to the Octagon at UFC Fight Night 254, where he faces a familiar foe in Roman Dolidze.
Here, Sports News Blitz MMA writer Niall Togher breaks down how Vettori can replicate his 2023 victory and prove he’s still a top contender in the middleweight division.
Championship betting tips: Sunderland to slip up, Blackburn to bounce back
Matchday 38 is upon us, and with every passing game the stakes get even higher in this ever-chaotic Championship season.
Sports News Blitz resident Championship tipster Ethan Pitts picks a handful of the best bets ahead of the action.
Cheltenham Festival news: Galopin Des Champs the favourite as Gavin Cromwell backs Inothewayurthinkin for Gold Cup
William Hill ambassador Gavin Cromwell talks through his runners for Day Four of the Cheltenham Festival, suggesting Inothewayurthinkin can beat Gold Cup favourite Galopin Des Champs.
And with the Festival having proved lucrative for bookies so far, William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps offers a breakdown of how things might pan out for them on Gold Cup Day.
Premier League and Carabao Cup betting tips: A London Derby stalemate and Newcastle doing it for Ant & Dec
Despite having a tough week at Cheltenham, The Bookie Basher returns to Sports News Blitz with a weekend football guide that’s sure to split opinions, wallets, and the last remaining patience of punters everywhere.
Players Championship tips: Colin Morikawa and Sepp Straka set to rival Scottie Scheffler
The iconic 17th hole is back, with the world's best ready to tee off this week at the 2025 edition of The Players Championship, TPC Sawgrass.
Scottie Scheffler will be hoping to become the first man in the history of the tournament to win three in a row.
However, with a talent-packed field ready to compete at the ‘fifth major’, victory for the world number one will be no easy feat.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Sam Condy picks out some of the favourites to dethrone Scheffler.
Cheltenham Festival 2025 tips for the Gold Cup, Ryanair Chase, Champion Hurdle and more
Sports News Blitz are revving up for the roar of the first race at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival, and have pulled together some betting tips for all four days of glorious horse racing.
Co Founder Simon Wilkes attended a preview night hosted by Jonathan Doidge of JDZ Events, who hosted a panel made up of row-retired Grand National-winning jockey Daryl Jacob (DJ), award-winning Racing Post journalist David Carr (DC) and SkyBet PR manager Michael Shinners (MS).
The three horse racing experts gave their thoughts and tips for the Festival, and we have kindly pulled them altogether (you’re welcome) so you can bash the bookmakers.
Cheltenham Festival news: Ballyadam at his best, Ginny’s Destiny and No Ordinary Joe worth a shout
Ratings experts Timeform have highlighted three handicappers that have recorded standout figures at Cheltenham’s unique course, with last year’s Coral Cup runner-up Ballyadam topping the list.
Ginny’s Destiny and No Ordinary Joe, who both also finished second at the Festival last year, are two others not to be underestimated at Prestbury Park.
What the 2024 NFL season reveals about betting on the 2025 season
The 2024 NFL season offered valuable insights for bettors heading into the 2025 season. Several intriguing trends emerged that can help inform your betting decisions.
Understanding how frequently favorites prevailed and shifts in traditional betting strategies can give you a competitive edge in the upcoming season.
By analyzing these trends, you can refine your approach and make more informed wagers.
Cheltenham Festival 2025: Four days of racing excellence, betting tips and more
Every March, the rolling hills of Gloucestershire become the epicentre of horse racing as the prestigious Cheltenham Festival takes centre stage.
Synonymous with tradition, passion, and unrelenting competition, this four-day spectacle at Cheltenham Racecourse is the crown jewel of National Hunt racing.
Here, Sports News Blitz takes a close at the Festival, and offers up some free betting tips across the four days of thrilling horse racing.
Premier League betting tips: Bournemouth are bankrupting bettors, Man Utd and Arsenal are striker-less - What could go wrong?
The Bookie Basher thinks with blunt attacks and VAR officials with the foresight of a defrosting lasagne, this weekend could be another rollercoaster for punters.
11/4, 2/1 and 21/20 winners last weekend. Sports News Blitz readers, are you not entertained?
NBA betting tips: Underdogs on top as Cavaliers meet Celtics and Timberwolves face Jazz
It is set to be another exciting weekend in the NBA, with there a number of high-profile showdowns to look forward to.
Sports News Blitz tipster George Dempsey offers his best betting tips ahead of the action.