Karl-Anthony Towns played well and the New York Knicks got the win, but he did not get anywhere near his point line from yesterday. He was a great rebounder and the Knicks sent the Detroit Pistons into the offseason. Neither team broke their long overdue records, Detroit is seeking its first home playoff victory since 2008, and New York has not closed out a series at Madison Square Garden since the last century.

The best bet of Aaron Gordon making two or more threes was a great prediction as he attempted his most three point field goals of this series, six. However he only made one of them. Just as it is in sports, so it is in betting. The perfect game plan is only successful when it is executed properly. 

James Harden under 20.5 points was blown out by halftime, as he had his best basketball game of the series. He played 47 minutes and scored 28 points, defying the pundits and keeping the Los Angeles Clippers’ season alive. Will they be able to recover in a quick turnaround on the road against the Denver Nuggets?

 

 

NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 5/2

There is only one match today, and it is a pivotal one. The Golden State Warriors host the Houston Rockets and all three NBA best bets come from that match.

Rockets vs Warriors Prediction: Golden State Moneyline (-215 on FanDuel) *BET OF THE NIGHT *2.0 U

The Warriors are in a situation that allows them to close out the series on their homecourt. However the Rockets are hoping to close out round one on their homecourt. But to do that, they must earn their first playoff road victory. In their way are the definition of playoff warriors.

Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are playing in their 29th playoff series together, and they have won 23 of them. That is 23 playoff series in which those two Warriors have ripped the heart out of an opposing fan base and stomped it into the land of “what could have been”. The expectation is for them to do it a 24th time to the cheers and applause of the Chase Center crowd.

The Rockets did much better than people anticipated in game five, and beat down the Warriors before halftime. Due to that the starters of Golden State got an extended rest and should be prepared for this match. Steve Kerr and his coaching staff will look to get the most out of Curry, Butler, and the rest of the starters.

The Warriors are 27 - 17 (including play-in and postseason) at home this season, and have won three consecutive home games. The odds have been going up for the Warriors, it was at -230 earlier this morning but has shifted to -215… Maybe betting legend, Mattress Mack, placed another seven figure wager on his beloved Houston team, but do not be scared off of this bet. Put two units on the Warriors to win at FanDuel and make sure to take advantage of Fantasy Alarm’s promotional offer.

 

 

Rockets vs Warriors Prediction: Jimmy Butler Over 22.5 Points (-125 on Bet365 )

Part of the reason the Warriors are predicted to win is due to Jimmy Butler. He has been a great addition for Golden State, and with Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers out of the playoffs, it is looking like the best trade of the season. He will be needed to offset any double teams on Stephen Curry.

However Butler is a force on his own, and earned the nickname “Playoff Jimmy” due to his ability to raise his level of play in the postseason. This line has moved throughout the day, and perhaps it is due to Stephen Curry’s thumb. Otherwise it is a bit strange that the odds of the Warriors winning would go down, while Butler’s point proposition increases.

Butler has scored over this prop in both of the games he played significant time. He suffered a hip injury due to a violent fall to the floor in game two. He played just eight minutes in that match, did not play the next game, and only played 25 minutes in game five. He should be a major catalyst to the offense, and easily cover the point proposition of 22.5 points.

Put a unit on Butler to score 23 or more points tonight, and place this best bet on Bet365. For those who are not yet utilizing the sportsbook, make sure to take advantage of the promotional offer at the end of this column. It includes $150 in bonus bets, that is free money! Don’t miss out.

 

 

Best NBA Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 5/2

The last NBA best bet today is another player proposition, and this time on the under.

Rockets vs Warriors Prediction: Stephen Curry Under 4.5 Rebounds  (-110 on BETMGM) 

Stephen Curry has been impactful on this series, but his last two games have been less than stellar. Although he is not listed on the injury report he does have an issue with his thumb, which is swollen and taped. He has been icing it since reaggravating it in the regular season finale, and the Houston Rockets are well aware of it. They have injured it even more, and have vocally stated it’s part of the game and they are not breaking rules or committing fouls.

Another issue with a swollen thumb and tape around it, is it makes it difficult to get a rebound. Rebounding literally requires you to squeeze a moving ball enough to possess it. Curry is 6’ 2” and doesn’t have the biggest hands, thus needing two hands to grasp and control a rebound. 

The expectation is for him to allow the front court to earn the rebounds while he stays ready for an outlet pass or kick back from an offensive rebound. There is no reason for Curry to be hyperactive on the boards while he has an injury on his right hand. If he were unable to return the Warriors would lose this series, and the winner of this series has a realistic chance to win the Western Conference.

Curry has had less than five rebounds in both of the last games, and the expectation is for that to continue. The Rockets allowed the fourth fewest rebounds to opposing teams, 42.1 per game, in the regular season. Put a unit on Curry to stay away from rebounds, and place the wager at BETMGM. For those that are not yet utilizing the sportsbook, take advantage of a $1,500 money back bet from Fantasy Alarm.

 

 

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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