Fantasy Alarm NBA Best Bets was one Nikola Jokic point away from a perfect sweep. The teased-up point proposition of 30+ points was just a little too high… Although if Jokic made one more free throw, it would have been an excellent day. Still, the Denver Nuggets pulled away from the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half to force a game seven… just as this column predicted.

The Denver Moneyline was successful as they won by double digits. They won in part due to the bad play of Jalen Williams, which was predicted in this column as well. His point line was set at 20.5, and although he attempted the most field goals for the Thunder (16), he tallied just six points. A dismal day due to the determined defense of Denver.

That put Meatloaf back on the menu, proving once again that ‘Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad’.

NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 5/16

There is one game today, and it is a pivotal game six against divisional foes. All three NBA Best Bets will come from that game, and for an in-depth look at injuries, projected starters, and more, check out Mark’s BOS vs NYK predictions article.

 

 

 

Celtics vs Knicks Prediction: New York -2.5 (-110 on Bet365) *BET OF THE NIGHT 

The New York Knicks host their rival, the Boston Celtics, at Madison Square Garden tonight. The Knicks were reminded why the Celtics are defending champions in game five, and they should be more prepared for what a Celtics team without Jayson Tatum is capable of. If they thought the Celtics were going to roll over for them, they had a hard dose of reality.

Celtics analyst and game day announcer Brian Scalabrine stated that Boston actually played better this season when they are not at full health, and that ‘it is something they embrace as a team’. That was the case for game five, but may not be the case today… in fact we are betting on it not being the case.

The sportsbooks have adjusted the spread and it is within one field goal, just -2.5 points. The Knicks have not closed out a series in Madison Square Garden since the Eastern Conference Finals in 1999. That was 26 years ago, which means there is an entire generation of Knicks fans that have not been able to enjoy a home series clinched at the “Mecca of Basketball”.

The entire city would go absolutely bananas should that happen tonight. Not only that, the Knicks have not been to the Eastern Conference Finals since 2000, and as it happens it was against the Indiana Pacers, who have clinched a spot in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals. How ironic is it that the same two teams have an opportunity to meet once again.

New York has won 29 games at home this season, and thirty could be a lifetime memory for some. Put a unit on the Knicks to take care of business tonight and cover the low spread. For those new to Bet365, make sure to take advantage of the offer at the end of this article to earn FREE bonus bets.

 

 

 

Celtics vs Knicks Prediction: Total Over 210 (-110 on DraftKings)

The total for this match is set at 210 points, and close-out games are known for being tough, physical, and loaded with fouls. However, three of the five games in his series have gone over 210 points, and both teams have offenses that can go on extended scoring streaks.

The Knicks scored a regular season average of 115.8 points per game and the Celtics averaged 116.3 points per game. Combined that is 232.1 points per game, and the total has dropped to over 20 points below the combined average. Although it is the playoffs, there is little reason to doubt the scoring ability of both of these teams. 

Each has superstar players that have shown the ability to rise to the moment. The lowered total seems like a trap for those that believe the Knicks will be able to eliminate the Celtics three point scoring. However the spread of -2.5 indicates that both teams are likely to score often, and that the game could even go to overtime. 

Look for the starters to play deep into the game and play well. Put a unit on the total to go over 210 points, and for those new to DraftKings Sportsbook, make sure to take advantage of Fantasy Alarm’s promotional offer. 

 

 

 

Best NBA Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 5/16

The last NBA best bet today is a player proposition with an alternate line. The expectation is for this guard to be the best player on the court.

Celtics vs Knicks Prediction: Jalen Brunson 30+ Points  (-115 on BETMGM) 

It is time for Jalen Brunson to be lifted aloft and join the list of great athletes that represent the city that oftentimes represents the United States. Some would argue that it is the city that represents the NBA, although Los Angeles and San Antonio might have something to say about that. 

Although New Yorkers get to choose from an American League team and a National League team, a National Football Conference team or American Football Conference team, they are united in their love for the New York Knicks. Sure the Nets are located in the borough of Brooklyn, but for 35 years they were located in and called the New Jersey Nets. The Knicks are the heart of the city.

Jalen Brunson has been there just a few years, but has led the team to success they have not experienced in almost three decades. He averaged 26 points per game in the regular season, but his point line has been put at 30.5 on several sportsbooks. For good reason too. He has scored over 29.5 points in six of the Knicks’ eleven playoff matches this postseason.

Although the Celtics have made it a priority to slow him down, he has had two late game heroics to give New York crucial wins. In game four at Madison Square Garden he scored 39 points, and the expectation is for him to score over thirty points in back to back games in front of the Knicks faithful.

Excluding the last game’s blowout, he has played over 36 minutes in every playoff game. Often plays 40 or more minutes, so the opportunities will be there for him to score. He has scored from behind the key, in the mid-range, at the rim, and at the free throw line. Brunson is a true offensive threat at any point on the court. His high basketball IQ allows him to create space when there appears to be zero, and the Knicks coaching staff looks to get him as many clean field goal attempts as possible.

Put a unit on this NBA best bet and expect Brunson to lead New York to an experience they have not had this century. A postseason series is to be concluded on the corner of 7th Avenue and 31st Street. The hook has been dropped for this best bet, and for those new to BETMGM, make sure to take advantage of Fantasy Alarm’s 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