Fantasy Alarm NBA Best Bets was close to the sweep yesterday, but Al Horford fell short of his rebounding line by two. He only played 23 minutes yesterday and we were expecting at least 10 more than that. The Celtics took care of business, essentially winning this game in the first quarter, and putting it out of reach in the third. 

 

 

 

Luka Doncic and Russell Westbrook both delivered on their prop bets and were successful wagers. The Dallas Mavericks outscored the Los Angeles Clippers in every quarter. Doncic scored over 34 points and Westbrook scored under nine. 

In doing so, we were served Meat Loaf… two out of three isn’t bad. A profitable day on two games yesterday, and we are looking for a profitable day again in today’s NBA predictions.

*Editor's Note: Explore the sharpest betting odds and lines on BettorEdge, the popular social sports betting platform! Available in 40+ states, you’ll receive a $10 bonus instantly with promo code ALARM when you register with us.

 

 

NBA Picks & Predictions: Thursday, 5/2

The Milwaukee Bucks play the Indiana Pacers in the first game today, and the New York Knicks play the Philadelphia 76es to close the night. There are three bets today on three great players. There are two bets taking place at Gainbridge Field House tonight, including the NBA best bets Bet of the Night.

Bucks vs. Pacers Prediction: Pascal Siakam O22.5 Points (-110 on BettorEdge)

Pascal Siakam is in a bit of a slump, particularly over his last three games. After starting this series with 36 and 37 points, he has combined for 42 points over his last three games. Averaging 14 points per game is not terrible, but more is expected from the two-time All-Star. 

He averaged 22.2 points per game in the regular season and has shown he is capable of leading the playoffs in scoring. No single player plays well all the time, particularly in double teams, or when not receiving the ball. However, champions bounce back. Siakam has attempted more than 14 field goals just once in the last three games. 

He needs the ball in his hands more in order to get to places he scores at. He is a forward not a guard, and Tyrese Haliburton needs to look his way often as he is the Indiana Pacers best scorer. It is surprising that Siakam’s point line is at his average, but the Pacers currently have an eight-point spread over the visiting Milwaukee Bucks. 

Those points will likely come via Siakam, Haliburton, and Myles Turner. If Sikam does not cover his point line, then the Pacers will not win by eight points. That is why we have opted in for the player having a good day, as opposed to the team – he is the highest projected scoring Pacer tonight and leads off our NBA predictions for today.

 

 

 

NBA Props & Best Bets Today, 5/2

Bobby Portis delivered in Game 5: 39 minutes, 29 points, and 10 rebounds. A double-double to keep his team alive without their two best players, Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Portis and Khris Middleton are good enough to be any team's one-two combo and have proved that this series.

The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers have been thrilling to watch. Back and forth action, superstars and rising stars, overtime, and last second buckets. Tonight is Game 6 between these iconic franchises, and this time it is at the Wells Fargo Center. We’ve got two more NBA props focusing on a big man and a guard.

 

 

 

Bucks vs. Pacers Prediction: Bobby Portis U12.5 Rebounds (-120 on DraftKings)

Even though Portis and Middleton were dynamite last time out, are they enough to get past their divisional rival in a must-win game on the road? Gainbridge Field House is not for the faint of heart. The entire state is buzzing with the drafting of Caitlin Clark by the Indiana Fever, Indianapolis hosting the NIT, Indiana State playing in the finals of the NIT, and their beloved Pacers looking to win their first series in a decade.

Portis is a fan favorite, and a name familiar with even casual NBA fans due to his great play in the 2021 NBA Finals. Although he is a force in this series, he has 11 or fewer rebounds in four of the five games. Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam have been consistent in their rebounding, making it difficult for Portis to earn more than 11. 

With Lillard and Antetokounmpo listed as doubtful, Portis should see several minutes and be asked to score more than normal. His offensive output caused him to ‘rest’ on the defensive end, but the Bucks need point production from him as their second best player. He played 39 minutes but it was his worst rebounding night of this series, excluding the game he was ejected. 

Amassing 13 rebounds is a tall task for any player, much less someone who averaged 7.4 per game in the regular season. We’ll bet on Portis’ under rebounding line in tonight’s NBA picks, as it is set too high, and the over feels like bait at plus odds.

 

 

 

Knicks vs. 76ers Prediction: Tyrese Maxey O27.5 Points (-110 on BettorEdge)

The Philadelphia faithful will show out tonight, but you guarantee there will be Knicks fans in the crowd, too. Game 5 was interesting, as everything fell apart for the Knicks, and everything went correctly for the 76ers. The person to make that happen was Tyrese Maxey.

Maxey scored the last seven points of the fourth quarter to force overtime. A rare four-point play due to a foul by Mitchell Robinson, and a deep logo three, made with nerves of steel. This year, Maxey has lifted himself as one of the NBA’s greats. The twenty-three year old Dallas native joins a long list of former Kentucky Wildcats that share the NBA’s center stage.

He has been a joy to watch in this series, and has played 41 or more minutes in every game. Maxey has three games with 33 or more points, and is averaging over seven assists per game. There has not been an answer to stopping him from the Knicks, and there will not be tonight. 

Maxey has attempted 21 or more field goals in every game of this series. In games he made over 10, he scored over 30 points. Look for him to score 30 or more again. And at near even odds, why be greedy? Root for the Most Improved Player of 2023-24 to score 28 or more with a unit on the last of today’s NBA predictions.

 

 

 

Thank you for checking out my top NBA picks for today! Don't forget to stop by Fantasy Alarm for all your fantasy sports and betting desires.

Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy

*All NBA odds accurate at time of writing and bets to be placed at 1 unit unless specified otherwise