NBA Picks

Game 4 of this series was the highest scoring one of this series so far with the two teams tallying 215 points total. But don’t let that fool you, the intensity on both ends was the highest it’s been in the 4 games played so far. Jimmy Butler returned from his injury and carried the Warriors with 27 points and 6 assists, while Brandin Podziemski stepped up and helped with 26 as Stephen Curry struggled to get shots up as the Rockets defense centered around slowing him down. Wednesday’s game will see the Warriors try to close this series with another win in Houston and naturally it’ll be the toughest game of the series yet.

Playing Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams at the same time for extended minutes was a stroke of genius from Ime Udoka on Monday, the Rockets were in it until the very end when they once again crumbled under the pressure. Free throw shooting is something that’ll need to be addressed ahead of Game 5, they shot just 19 for 31 from the charity stripe which ultimately cost them the game. Turnovers were also a factor with 13 committed, compared to just 8 by the Warriors. But it all comes down to Jalen Green and how he performs. For the 3rd time in this series he finished scoring single digit points, he’s now done that 6 times over his last 7 games overall. What’s even more concerning is the fact that he attempted only 8 shots total, his confidence is just gone at this point.

Wednesday’s game is a do-or-die scenario for the Rockets, they need their crowd to carry them in order to get this thing back to San Francisco. At 29-12 SU they were one of the better home teams during the regular season, in their last 13 games at Toyota Center they’ve lost only 3 times. Yes, the Warriors have had their number so far, but with the stakes being so high that’ll bring out the best out of this young team. Also, Jimmy Butler logged 40 mins total just days after falling on his back, he might not have enough time to recover here. I’ll give the Rockets the benefit of the doubt and back them to win and force Game 6.

Warriors vs Rockets Game 5 prediction: Rockets ML (-190) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

You can bet on our Warriors vs Rockets pick with BetMGM, where right now new users can activate your new BetMGM account ⚡ and receive $150 in bonus bets INSTANTLY if your first $10+ wager is a winner!

Who thought we’d be here in this situation? Game 5 with the Wolves up 3-1. Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards has been a standout performer, averaging 30.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game in the series. His 43-point effort in Game 4, including 16 points in the fourth quarter, was instrumental in the Timberwolves’ comeback victory. The team’s resurgence has been bolstered by Julius Randle’s return from injury, contributing to a 20-5 record since early March. 

The Lakers, led by Luka Doncic and LeBron James, have faced challenges in closing games, being outscored 105-69 in fourth quarters throughout the series. Despite strong individual performances, including Doncic’s 38 points in Game 4, the team has struggled with late-game execution and shooting efficiency. Head coach JJ Redick emphasized the need for a complete 48-minute performance to extend their season. There’s little doubt in my mind that the Lakers will win tonight, so let’s lay the number with Los Angeles. 

Timberwolves vs Lakers Game 5 prediction: Lakers -5.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to -6

If you’re looking for a new sportsbook, check out Bet365, the world’s #1 sportsbook. They have an amazing sign-up offer where you can INSTANTLY receive $150 in bonus bets from a $5 wager, regardless of whether that bet wins or loses! There’s no catch, it’s really that simple. Join Bet365 right now ⏰ in time to fade or follow our experts’ Timberwolves vs Lakers predictions.

The Knicks missed out on a chance to advance from this series on Tuesday after they fell at home 106-103 to the Pistons. For some odd reasons they just cannot beat this team at Madison Square Garden, they’ll have their 2nd series clinching opportunity on Thursday as they return to the crime scene at Little Caesars Arena. We all remember the controversy in which Game 4 ended, all the pressure is now on New York as they look to close this thing out. Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart both suffered minor knocks towards the end of Tuesday’s game, which means neither of them will be at 100% here. However, the good news for the Knicks is that they’ve won in 10 of their last 11 visits to Detroit.

The Pistons have led the Knicks in the 4th quarter of every single game of this series, but unlike in previous games they made sure they didn’t let that lead slip away. Cade Cunningham came up big in crunch time, Ausar Thompson played his best postseason game ever with 22 points and veteran forward Tobias Harris had 17 and 8 rebounds while logging a team high 43 points. And that’s exactly the approach the Pistons need to have going into Game 5. Having played each other 9 times already this year, these two teams know each other pretty well, so it’s hard to expect any significant tactical changes from either coach.

Game 6 will be all about energy and I expect the Pistons to have plenty of that after they gave themselves new life with Tuesday’s win. Little Caesars Arena was rocking in Games 3 and 4, the Pistons lost those two by a combined 3 points. This time it’ll be different. Emotions will run high, the crowd will carry them and I am convinced they’ll force a Game 7 here.

Knicks vs Pistons Game 6 prediction: Pistons ML (-135) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

Bet like a Caesar with this AMAZING new customer offer from Caesars Sportsbook. If you bet just $1, you’ll receive DOUBLE YOUR WINNINGS on your next 10 bets! Become a Caesars member 👥 using the Caesars promo code PWCONTENTDYW, where you can bet on our Knicks vs Pistons picks.

The Denver Nuggets will look to close out a back-and-forth Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers when this #4 vs #5 matchup continues at the Intuit Dome in Denver on Thursday night. The game total for the series opener was listed at 224, so when you see it 13 points lower at this stage you know it is a prime opportunity to back the over. There are numbers to support such an assertion, too, so my Nuggets vs Clippers pick is Over 211.

Yes, Denver L.A. waged some low-scoring battles in Game 2, Game 3 and Game 4. However, there is more than enough evidence to indicate that high-octane shootouts can develop when these 2 teams tangle. Their 4 regular-season encounters produced 213, 248, 218 and 229 points, while Game 5 on Tuesday finished with 246 points. Individually speaking, Nuggets guard Jamal Murray has scored at least 21 points 4 times in this series, including a 43-point explosion on Tuesday. Forward Aaron Gordon has delivered at least 14 points on all 5 occasions, including performances of 25 and 23 points. For the Clippers, you have to think James Harden will get more involved in this elimination situation. In the first 3 games (2 wins and an overtime loss), Harden went 24-for-53 from the floor and 11-for-24 from 3-point range; in the last 2 losses he attempted just 20 total shots and only 4 from deep.

Nuggets vs Clippers prediction: Over 211 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to 212.5.

If you’re looking for a new sportsbook, check out Bet365, the world’s #1 sportsbook. They have an amazing sign-up offer where you can INSTANTLY receive $150 in bonus bets from a $5 wager, regardless of whether that bet wins or loses! There’s no catch, it’s really that simple. Join Bet365 right now ⏰ in time to fade or follow our experts’ Nuggets vs Clippers predictions.