The first half of the New York Knicks versus Boston Celtics match went exactly as predicted. A tightly contested match with both teams winning each quarter by 2 points. Then the defending champions said ‘no more messin’ about’, and outscored the Knicks 32 to 17 in the third quarter. They didn’t look back after that either, easily winning game five.

Perhaps the Knicks lost due to the poor play of Karl-Anthony Towns. Although he was projected to cover the over on his rebounding proposition, he only earned 8 rebounds and played the fewest minutes of any Knicks starter. He was not able to rebound as teammate Mitchell Robinson grabbed 13 missed field goals, thus ruining the best bet.

The Golden State Warriors were able to cover the 11.5-point spread, getting off the hook in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Their season is over, and the championship window is as sealed as an ocean-level window on a cruise liner. Draymond Green recently made comments that the referees were aware of the spread in game three and were slapped with a $50,000 fine from the NBA. Only to have a spread come in just 0.5 points off once again to close out the series. 

Either the sportsbooks’ computers are dialed in, Green was onto something, or both. Either way, Fantasy Alarm will gladly take the earnings from an accurate prediction, as we prepare for NBA action today.

NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 5/15

There is just one game today, and it is a big-time battle at Ball Arena. All three best bets come from today’s match.

 

 

 

Thunder vs Nuggets Prediction: Denver Moneyline (+165 on Bet365) *BET OF THE NIGHT 

The Denver Nuggets host the Oklahoma City Thunder at Ball Arena and are in a win-or-be-eliminated game six. Denver has been the better team in all but one game, but that has not yielded the results they wanted. That is due to poor decision-making in the fourth quarter, and that could be caused by a shallow bench that is unable to give their starters a rest for the final push of games.

But give credit to the Thunder as they do have a deep bench, and players that can make difficult field goals when they are needed most. They have excellent coaching, a tenacious defense, and the leading 2025 MVP candidate. But is that enough to win on the road against one of the best starting units in the NBA? 

This NBA best bet says no, it is not. Denver is not an easy place for teams to come into and win. The elevation, the loud and faithful fans, and the best player of this decade make difficult hurdles for any opposing team to clear. Denver is a +5.0 underdog in this match, but that does not deter Fantasy Alarm from taking their moneyline.

The odds are not as high as they should be for underdogs in a close-out game, but the moneyline is the suggestion. The Nuggets should once again have the lead going into the fourth quarter, and if the return on investment is good, cash it out before the fourth quarter begins. Or have faith in the prediction and get the full earnings when they win. For those new to Bet365, make sure to take advantage of the promotional offer at the end of this article.

 

 

 

Thunder vs Nuggets Prediction: Nikola Jokic 30+ Points (+125 on DraftKings)

Nikola Jokic has been the best player of this series, and there is no two ways about it. He is dominating the stat sheet and the series with excellent offense, rebounding, and coaching when needed. He scored 44 points in game five, 42 points in game one, and not one player from either team has scored over 34 points in this series.

He is the leading rebounder of the series with 74 in five games; no other player even comes close. He is without question the true MVP of the regular season and playoffs, and the fact that the media and NBA award voters are ‘tired of seeing him’ doesn’t take away from that fact. He has proven his value and basketball greatness repeatedly in the best season of his illustrious career. 

With that said, the sportsbooks still have doubts about his ability. His point line is set at 27.5 points on DraftKings, and it is recommended to tease it up for this match. This best bet was recommended in game five, and as we mentioned, he cleared it by 14 points. It is once again being offered at +125 and there is no reason for hesitation.

Put a unit on this NBA best bet today, and for those that are new to DraftKings, make sure to take advantage of Fantasy Alarm’s promotional offer for free bonus bets.

 

 

 

Best NBA Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 5/15

The last NBA best bet today is another player proposition, but this one comes from the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

Thunder vs Nuggets Prediction: Jalen Williams Under 20.5 Points  (-110 on BETMGM) 

Jalen Williams has played good basketball in this series, but not great. Despite playing 33 or more minutes in all but the game two blowout victory, he has gone over 20.5 points in just one match. And the Oklahoma City Thunder lost the game in which he did.

In what is the biggest game of the Thunder’s season, can Williams rise to the occasion? History says no, and there are several data points to back it up. First, the Thunder rely on their bench more than any other playoff team, which will eat into Williams' minutes. Second, Williams is asked to guard Aaron Gordon, who dribbles the ball up, plays outside the perimeter, and is one of the best dunkers this game has ever produced. A tough and physically draining ask for any defender. 

Third, Williams is a better-than-average two-way player, but not an elite offensive scorer. He has made over six field goals just once in this series, and that is unlikely to change in game six. Fourth is the Denver Nuggets could blow out the Thunder, and a coaching decision could be made to pull the starters to prepare for game seven. Lastly, as a good defender, Williams can get in foul trouble. Which would almost certainly ensure this proposition is successful.

Put a unit on this NBA best bet at BETMGM today. Everything indicates that the Nuggets are going to put this game out of reach prior to the fourth quarter, and as mentioned, there is more than one path to this best bet being successful. 

 

 

 

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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

 

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