NBA Best Bets Today, 5/13: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - Tuesday
The Boston Celtics had an epic second-half collapse and allowed the New York Knicks to win a home playoff game. Not only that, they allowed the Knicks to take a commanding 3 - 1 lead in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. To make matters worse, Jayson Tatum appeared to suffer a nasty injury, the severity of which could keep him out for a pivotal game six. Since 2018, not one defending NBA champion has been able to repeat, and that appears to be the scenario again this season.
Tatum’s injury not only contributed to the Celtics being unable to cover the spread, but also caused his over to be unsuccessful on his rebounding proposition. A double gut punch for NBA best bets yesterday.
It is not all bad news, as the Minnesota Timberwolves completed a second-half comeback in dominant fashion. They ended up winning 117 - 110, covering the spread by 1.5 points. That successful NBA best bet kept the damage to a minimum.
NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 5/13
There are two game fives today, and the sportsbooks have a great deal of confidence in the home teams. The first NBA best bet today comes from the Eastern Conference match.
Pacers vs Cavaliers Prediction: Indiana Moneyline (+235 on Bet365) *BET OF THE NIGHT
The fact that the Indiana Pacers are up 3 - 1, and are much healthier than the Cleveland Cavaliers should be enough for Indiana to be the favorites. Four Cleveland players, three of whom are starters, are dealing with injuries, and Donovan Mitchell wasn’t able to play the second half of game four. Without him, the Cavaliers do not have much of a chance, if any, to win game five.
But the sportsbooks have other thoughts, they have given the Cavaliers a -7.5 spread at Rocket Arena. It has left several in the Fantasy Alarm Betting Bungalow dumbfounded. Although the sportsbooks run millions of simulations per game (and have retired pro bettors review their lines) there seems to be an error in the computing. How did this number come up with the Cavaliers blowing three spreads so badly, they lost the games?
Instead of taking a safe option, the spread, “risk it for the brisket,” and celebrate with the Pacers. +235 to close out a series and earn rest prior to the Eastern Conference Finals is priceless. The Indiana Pacers have better coaching, a healthier roster, and all the momentum on their side. The Cavaliers' roster finished the second half of game four like a team that had already checked out. The look in their eyes was screaming DEFEAT so loud that game five seemed over before it started.
Put a unit on the Pacers to win game five on Bet365, and for new customers, take advantage of the promotional offer at the end of this article.
Nuggets vs Thunder Prediction: Denver +5.5 (+187 on DraftKings)
The Denver Nuggets allowed game four to slip away from them. Despite only scoring eight points in the first quarter, they were up by double digits in the second half and had the crowd on their side. Now they lost home court advantage and will have to win at least one game in Oklahoma City to win the series.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are looking to win their first back-to-back games of this series. The sportsbooks believe in the Thunder like a six-year-old does the tooth fairy, wholeheartedly. They are -10.5 point favorites even though they are not ahead in the series. Is this another case of the simulations not understanding the moment? Perhaps, but not to the extent that they are in the Pacers vs Cavaliers, but once again, the set spread line is off.
Instead of taking a +10.5 spread on the Nuggets, tease it down to +5.5 with fantastic odds from DraftKings. The Nuggets have a great chance to win this match as Nikola Jokic has not played up to his standards since game one. A player can be schemed against, can be double-teamed, and gameplanned against. But you can’t keep a great player down forever, and doing it in three games is a feat in itself.
Jokic is going to be a problem for the Thunder, as he uncorks his bad play. He is well aware of what a win at the Paycom Center would do for the Nuggets' chances of advancing to the Western Conference Finals. Look for him to dominate this game and allow Denver to cover the teased down spread. Place this NBA best bet at DraftKings at +187, and for those new to the Sportsbook, make sure to take advantage of Fantasy Alarm’s promotional offer.
Best NBA Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 5/13
The last NBA best bet today comes from the Western Conference as well, and is essentially an extension of the last bet.
Nuggets vs Thunder Prediction: Nikola Jokic 30+ Points (+120 on BETMGM)
Nikola Jokic’s point line is currently set at 27.5 for a crucial game five in Oklahoma City. He has not scored over 27.5 since game one in this series, and only once in his last seven playoff games. It is no secret that opposing teams' game plan and try to eliminate Jokic’s offensive scoring and playmaking ability. The question becomes, can they do it for four games AND win those games?
The Thunder have been able to do it in two games, but game five will not be one of those games. Jokic has admittedly been bad, and does not shy away from it like some superstars. He is aware he must play better to keep games from going to overtime in order to earn a victory. He must improve on his field goal percentage, and quit attempting so many threes… and he knows it too.
Jokic will figure out a way to attack the interior of the Thunder’s defense, and it could be set up as a pick-and-roll game with Aaron Gordon. The Nuggets rely on the 1-2 punch of Jokic and Murray to close out games, but Jokic with Gordon could force issues for the Thunder’s frontcourt. Thunder centers Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren have both been in foul trouble, and the Thunder are fouling more than any other team in the playoffs.
Nikola could earn up to 15 points on the free throw line, which would make achieving this teased-up line much easier. He is fouled every time he has the ball, and he and Interim Head Coach David Adelman made undercover remarks in their post-game press conference. The gamesmanship is on as the series nears its end, and it should favor Jokic. Most multiple MVPs get a fair whistle, but due to Jokic’s size and lumbering movement, several go uncalled.
Look for that to change tonight. Put a unit on this best bet at BETMGM and make sure to take advantage of Fantasy Alarm’s offer for up to $1,500 in best bets.
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Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy
*All NBA odds accurate at time of writing and NBA best bets today to be placed at 1 unit unless specified otherwise
Player News
Tony Bradley (hip) is questionable for Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday.
Bradley suffered a strained left hip flexor during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. While he was made available for Game 6 on Saturday, the Pacers’ backup center did not see any time, with Rick Carlisle deciding to go with Thomas Bryant as Myles Turner’s backup instead. Even if Bradley is available for Thursday’s series opener in Oklahoma City, that does not guarantee he’ll get on the court.
Pelicans lead executive Joe Dumars told NOLA.com that Zion Williamson remains a “focal point” for the franchise moving forward.
While Williamson has shown flashes of the talent many expected him to be when selected first overall in the 2019 draft, there have been availability concerns. He’s surpassed 60 games twice in six seasons in New Orleans, most recently making 30 appearances in 2024-25. Add in the off-court concerns, including Williamson being named in a recent lawsuit , and it’s fair to question his place within the Pelicans’ hierarchy. Based on his recent comments, Dumars does not appear to share those concerns. “I’ve had really good conversations with Zion,” Dumars said. “We’ve had lunch. Dinner. Watched playoff games together. We’ve done it all. I’ve had some real honest conversations with him. Some real direct and honest conversations. We’re going to go forward with Zion. He’s going to continue to be a focal point here as we go forward.”
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that the Phoenix Suns have hired Jordan Ott as their next head coach.
Ott will replace Mike Budenholzer, who was fired after just one season in Phoenix. Five of the Suns’ last six head coaches have been one-and-dones, and Ott will look to buck that trend with a successful inaugural campaign. He has experience with the Hawks, Nets, Lakers and most recently, the Cavs. According to Shams, Ott got the stamp of approval from Devin Booker, who was actively engaged in the coaching search.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports the Knicks have relieved Tom Thibodeau of his duties as head coach.
One year after signing a three-year extension, Thibodeau is out as head coach of the Knicks. New York had back-to-back 50-win seasons and made the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years under Thibodeau, but the team is looking for a new voice to help the organization get over the hump after five years with coach Thibs. The Knicks’ pursuit of a championship for the first time since 1973 will begin this offseason with the search for a new coach.
The Suns have been aggressive in pursuit of trading Kevin Durant and regaining control of draft capital, according to Kelly Iko of the Athletic.
Since the end of the season, according to Iko, the Houston Rockets have fielded several calls from the Suns, who have gradually lowered their asking price for Durant. The Suns are interested in getting some of their first round picks back as Houston controls their first round selections in 2025, 2027 and 2029. The asking price is still not low enough for the Rockets, who aren’t keen on breaking up their young core of players for the 36-year-old small forward, casting doubt over a deal ever materializing.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said Jarace Walker will miss at least Games 1 and 2 of the NBA Finals against the Thunder.
At the earliest, Walker could return for Game 3 on June 11. Though Walker has had some solid minutes, he hasn’t played a significant role for the Pacers in the playoffs to this point. Obi Toppin will continue to fill out the majority of the backup power forward minutes.