Meatloaf is back on the menu, and it served up some hefty earnings. Were it not for another fourth quarter collapse of the Denver Nuggets, the teased down spread would have been in play. The risk fell short by 1.5 points, as the tease was one field goal too much. 

However, the +235 Indiana Pacers moneyline was as right as rain, and Nikola Jokic put up well over the teased-up line of 30+ points. The Pacers advanced to the next round, but Nikola Jokic’s historic performance was not enough. 

The winning bets combined for a nice return on investment. Yesterday brought a profit of +2.55 units despite the comeback from the Oklahoma City Thunder. The goal is to keep it rolling through today’s games, as the law of physics states objects in motion stay in motion until another force stops them.

 

 

 

NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 5/14

There are two games today, and both could be the last of the series. One team is seeking a return to glory, while the other is looking for a franchise first, back-to-back conference finals appearances. The leading teams have an opportunity to cause their fans to celebrate while ripping the heart out of their opponents' fan base.

Knicks vs Celtics Prediction: Knicks Moneyline (+155 on Bet365) *BET OF THE NIGHT 

The fact that the New York Knicks are still underdogs despite Jayson Tatum being declared out is beyond comprehension. The Boston Celtics lost both home games of the Eastern Conference Semifinals and are down 1 -3 in the series. They are a defeated team, and Jalen Brunson is arguably the best player in the playoffs.

Fantasy Alarm has caught the sportsbooks slipping in their simulations, and this is another example. Although the Celtics have played extremely well through injuries and resting players, they are up against a hardened team. New York exposed their starters to several high minutes in the regular season (despite the extremely loud criticism from the New York media and fans), and through four games have looked like the stronger, more athletic team with more stamina. 

The New York Knicks have not closed out a series at Madison Square Garden since the 1990s (truly marinate on that for a minute), and it appears they are going to keep that streak going. Put a unit on the Knicks to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals in a rematch against the Indiana Pacers. Place this NBA best bet today on Bet365 and take advantage of the promotional offer at the end of this article.

 

 

 

Knicks vs Celtics Prediction: Karl-Anthony Towns Over 12.5 Rebounds (+110 on DraftKings)

A large reason that Fantasy Alarm has faith in the New York Knicks is because of their large center, Karl-Anthony Towns. Although he has been limited offensively and a focal point of Boston's defense, he has been a capable rebounder throughout the series. With Boston’s best rebounder (Jayson Tatum) no longer playing, the path is cleared for Towns to have a great close-out game.

Towns has 11 or more rebounds in six consecutive playoff matches. He has a total of 56 rebounds in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, and his rebounding proposition has blossomed to 12.5. However, it is at plus odds, and this NBA best bet continues the streak of plus-odds predictions. Towns is having a season that is full of redemption. He is known as one of the most mild-mannered players in the league, which has led some to think he is “soft”.

Soft players do not average 35 minutes, 24.4 points, and 12.8 rebounds throughout the season. He has been the second-best center this season, as Knicks Head Coach Tom Thibodeau has brought the best out of the Dominican national player. Although no inspiration is needed for an athlete to earn a spot in the Conference Finals, look for Thibodeau to put his big man in position to impact the game by controlling anything that doesn’t go through the net. 

Put a unit on this best bet at DraftKings at plus odds, and for those new to the Sportsbook betting app, make sure to take advantage of Fantasy Alarm’s promotional offer for bonus bets.

 

 

 

Best NBA Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 5/14

The last NBA best bet today comes from the match in the “North Country”, and a team that is in a must-win situation.

Warriors vs Timberwolves Prediction: Golden State +11.5  (-110 on BETMGM) 

The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Golden State Warriors at the Target Center, and it is a win-or-go-home scenario for the Warriors. The loss of Stephen Curry has proven to be too difficult for the Warriors to overcome. Although they have great first halves, the lack of a consistent offensive threat has proven disastrous in the second half.

Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards has been playing like the next big superstar that he has been projected to be. He has taken over in the second half and scored 66 points over 77 minutes in the last two games. It is not a surprise that the Timberwolves are predicted to put this match away on their home court. They have lost just two games in the 2025 playoffs, and they could go into the Western Conference finals as the more rested team. 

The Warriors' championship window may be officially closed, but they still have the heart of a champion… and hearts do not give out easily. Jimmy Butler is still seeking his first title, but others on the team have won it before, and will not lie down for the Timberwolves to devour them. Heck, Draymond Green could even pull a dirty foul to help their odds of winning this game, even if that means he sits out game six. 

But it should not come to that. A double-digit spread is a little disrespectful to Head Coach Steve Kerr and the Warriors staff. They have had leads in both of their last losses, and the expectation is for them to give everything they have in the hopes that Curry comes back for game six. 

Put a unit on this NBA best bet, and expect the Warriors to cover the +11.5 spread on the road. For those new to BETMGM, make sure to take advantage of Fantasy Alarm’s promotional offer for up to $1,500 dollars 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