The New York Knicks surprised the world with back-to-back 20-point comebacks over the Boston Celtics. Not only that, but they did it on the road and have an opportunity to win their first series at home this century. Part of the reason that the Celtics couldn’t win is the lack of production from Kristaps Porzingis. Just as we predicted, he did not score over 16.5 points; in fact, he was nowhere near it. He is really not himself, and that is a point line worth monitoring going forward.

Unfortunately, the Denver Nuggets at Oklahoma City Thunder did not bounce our way. The Thunder put up one of the most impressive playoff performances of all time. 87 points in a half tied a playoff record, and 149 points was a franchise playoff record. Oklahoma City made 50 field goals, made 8 more free throws than the Nuggets, had 13 more assists, 6 more rebounds, 21 more fast break points, and had 20 more points off of turnovers.

Denver was nowhere near covering the spread, and Jamal Murray only scored 14 points on just 9 field goal attempts. It was a rough outing for the Nuggets yesterday as the series is now tied 1 - 1.

 

 

 

NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 5/8

There is only one match today, as the Western Conference takes center stage. The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Golden State Warriors, and all three best bets come from that match. 

It is also the return of a Betting Bungalow favorite, “PRA”. That is Points, Rebounds, and Assists.

Warriors vs Timberwolves Prediction: Julius Randle Over 19.5 Points (-112 on FanDuel) *BET OF THE NIGHT 

The Timberwolves host the Warriors at the Target Center for game two, and Minnesota looks to even the series. Thus far, home teams are 1 - 6 in the Conference Semifinals, but the sportsbooks believe the Timberwolves will win this one. Mark wrote an excellent in in-depth article on Golden State vs Minnesota, so make sure to check it out as well. 

Julius Randle is the “X factor” for Minnesota, and without his offensive production, the Timberwolves are in jeopardy of losing this series. Minnesota lost game one due to excellent defense from the Golden State Warriors, and part of that was pestering Randle.

He made just 4 of 11 field goals and only scored 18 points in game one. That was his lowest total since game one against the Los Angeles Lakers, in which he scored 16. It was Randle’s lowest playoff game totals in amount of minutes played, tied his low in field goal attempts, he recorded his fewest rebounds, and it was the only game he did not make a three. Needless to say, the Warriors came in with a game plan and executed it well.

However, Minnesota Head Coach Chris Finch is one of the best in the Association. He called his players out after the loss (a good thing) and has displayed the ability to make adjustments within multiple series. Shifting the responsibilities of the starters, going to his bench for more minutes, and drawing up plays to help Anthony Edwards in double-team packages are just a few examples of what he has done.

When Randle plays well, this team wins, and with a -10.5 spread in favor of Minnesota, Randle is expected to play well. Take the over on his 19.5-point proposition, something he has accomplished in four of six playoff games thus far. Put the wager on FanDuel, and for those new to the sports betting app, place this NBA best bet today with a promotional offer from Fantasy Alarm.

 

 

 

Warriors vs Timberwolves Prediction: Rudy Gobert Over 10.5 Rebounds (-125 on BET365)

Rudy Gobert did not have the most impactful game to begin the Conference Semifinals, but despite that, he still recorded 11 rebounds and 3 blocks. He only had 9 points on seven field goal attempts, but he displayed the ability to do what he does best. Control the area around the basket.

Gobert is a future first-ballot Hall of Fame member, as should be any four-time Defensive Player of the Year. He will need to be at his best to ensure Golden State does not walk out of the Target Center with two wins. Minnesota has a size advantage over the Warriors, even when Kevon Looney is in as their starting center.

Gobert will need to once again be a dominant force, as his 4 offensive rebounds were the most on his team. When Golden State is playing with its elite perimeter defense, Gobert needs to be down low to rebound and put back anything that does not go in. His points will go up, and his rebound proposition becomes easier to clear with the more offensive rebounds he earns.

On the defensive end, the Warriors' offense could look much different than what has been displayed through the playoffs. They could go with a bigger lineup, but will likely utilize their frontcourt with screens to allow Butler to take advantage of a mismatch. This could pull Gobert out of the paint, but this will not happen on every Warriors offensive sequence.

Put a unit on Gobert over 10.5 rebounds at Bet365. He averaged 10.9 rebounds per game in the regular season and has sustained an average of 10.7 or more for 10 consecutive seasons. For those new to Bet365, make sure to take advantage of the promotional offer at the end of this article.

 

 

 

Best NBA Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 5/8

The P and the R came from the Timberwolves, the A comes from the Warriors. The last NBA best bet today comes from a face Minnesota knows all too well.

Warriors vs Timberwolves Prediction: Jimmy Butler Over 6.5 Assists (-115 on BETMGM) 

Jimmy Butler is making his second playoff appearance in this column, and this time we look at his assists line, which is set at 6.5. Butler will be forced into the hub of everything the Warriors do offensively. He will have his hands on the basketball on almost every drive that is not a fast break. 

The fourteen-year veteran has played 41 or more minutes in three consecutive games, and appears to be past his first-round injury. With Stephen Curry out for at least game two (but multiple games are a realistic opportunity), Butler will become more of a point-forward. He will direct traffic, bring up the ball, be double-teamed, and be forced to be not only more of a scorer but also a facilitator. 

Not that he wasn’t already doing that, Butler has recorded 7 or more assists in three straight games. He must continue to be a great passer if the Warriors are going to win their third game in a row. Butler has played 40 or more minutes in five of the Warriors' eight playoff matches. In those games, he recorded 6 or more assists, and he was not the point guard. 

The only threat to this wager is a blowout victory by the Timberwolves. Should Minnesota be up 25 or more in the second half, the Warriors will likely sit their starters. Otherwise, Butler needs to be the best player on his team, if not on the court. 

Put a unit on Butler to go over 6.5 assists at BETMGM. For those new to the app, make sure to take advantage of Fantasy Alarm’s promotional offer for up to $1,500 in bonus 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