What a thrilling start to the Eastern Conference Finals as Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers did it again. They came back after being down 7 points with under 60 seconds remaining in the game. Since 1996, there have been only four instances of a playoff team winning a match when losing by seven or more points in the final sixty seconds of the game. The 2025 Pacers have three of those four victories.

The Knicks did cover the -1.5 first-quarter spread, just as Fantasy Alarm predicted. But the game was truly up in the air, which we also predicted. One best bet that had no chance was under 224 points. This series is not going to be low scoring as the Knicks have abandoned their defense displayed in the Conference Semifinals. They will look to trade blows with the best offensive team remaining, and that could be a fatal decision. 

Pascal Siakam was unable to clear the 18.5-point proposition, as he made just seven field goal attempts. Despite playing 43 minutes and all of overtime, Siakam could not get one more field goal to cash this best bet. He had 17 points with just under three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but would not score again. Siakam was about to get an easy putback offensive rebound, but Obi Toppin soared like an eagle and put down a monstrous dunk over both his teammate and opponent, Mitchell Robinson.

NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 5/22

The focus of the NBA best bets today is on the Western Conference, and for an in-depth look at today’s match, read our Timberwolves vs. Thunder Predictions for WCF Game 2 on ESPN, 5/22 article. However, three winning bets can be found below.

 

 

 

Timberwolves vs Thunder Prediction: Minnesota +4.5 1st Half Spread (-1 on BETMGM) *BET OF THE NIGHT 

The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Minnesota Timberwolves for game two at the Paycom Center. The first NBA best bet today will be completed in the first half. Over the past two days, we have won two first-quarter spread wagers, one on the plus and one on the minus. Today, we look at the first half, as BETMGM has given Minnesota a +4.5 spread despite them winning the first half of game one.

As mentioned when discussing the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander does more damage at the free-throw line than any other player in the Association. Those free-throw attempts do not generally happen in the first quarter, and do not ramp up until the second half. That is the first factor in taking the spread on the Timberwolves, and it is a big consideration as the MVP scores over 33% of their points from that advantage.

The second factor is that the Timberwolves need to build a good lead before halftime, as the Thunder have shown that they are an excellent second-half team. That is in part due to their bench, which is heavily utilized in the third and fourth quarters. Minnesota will rely on its starters, and Julius Randle displayed that he will be a problem for the Thunder.

A bad first half in game two would make it difficult for the Timberwolves to rally for the win, and could cause them to be tired in game three. Both are scenarios they are attempting to avoid, and a great start to the game could eliminate both from arising. It would not be surprising if the Timberwolves won this match, and they have already won one first half.

Put a unit on this wager at BETMGM, and for new customers, make sure to take advantage of Fantasy Alarm’s offer for up to $1,500 in free bonus bets. For those living on the edge of the betting world, 

 

 

 

Timberwolves vs Thunder Prediction: Jalen Williams Under 20.5 Points (-120 at Bet365)

Jalen Williams has been hit or miss throughout the 2025 NBA playoffs, and he was once again off for game one. He does deserve credit as he was out over two weeks in March, but that is just an excuse for the inconsistency. His point line is set at 20.5, and the best bet is to take the under.

Some lines have his point line juiced on the under, but the data indicates that he will not score over 20.5 in this match. First and foremost, he has scored over 20.5 just once in the last four games, and two of the last eight matches. Although he was an All-Star selection, he has not been as productive since the series against the Memphis Grizzlies. Denver and Minnesota have good defensive forwards, and scoring has not been easy for Williams.

He attempted 18 field goals, but made just seven of them. A 38.9%, which was an improvement on the Conference Semifinals total of 37.5%. He is not getting clear looks and has missed easy close-to-the-rim opportunities. It does not help that he is up against Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle, who have the size and strength to keep him away from the basket.

Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace, and Alex Caruso have all contributed valuable offensive production, and Williams has not needed to be the Robin to Gilgeous-Alexander’s Batman. Look for more bench minutes and tough defense against Williams in game two today. Put a unit on this NBA best bet at Bet365 and make sure to take advantage of the promotional offer at the end of this article.

 

 

 

Best NBA Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 5/22

The last NBA best bet today is on a player who has been really great for Fantasy Alarm in the last two series. We return to the journeyman who is on a roll.

Timberwolves vs Thunder Prediction: Julius Randle Over 19.5 Points (-108 on FanDuel) 

Julius Randle has found his way on the Timberwolves' offense. He is easily the second-best scorer on the team, and Minnesota is actively drawing up plays for him to score. He had 20 points at halftime in game one and scored 20% of the Timberwolves' second-half points. 

Despite being the leading points scorer by 10 points (28), Rande’s line remains at 19.5 points. He has scored more than 19.5 points in five straight games, and it is unlikely the Timberwolves will go away from seeking him out offensively, as that is what contributed to them winning in the first half. If anything, they may set more screens and find ways to get him the ball more in game two.

He was efficient in his scoring, with a 69.2% percentage, and 9 of 13 field goals made. Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Anthony Edwards each attempted 11 or more field goals, but collectively made just three more than Randle. They should improve, but Randle is the proven scorer that Head Coach Chris Finch trusts.

Randle only played 35:40 minutes and should play more if the Timberwolves have an opportunity to win the game. Put a unit on this best bet at FanDuel, and for new customers, make sure to take advantage of Fantasy Alarm’s promotional offer for new customers.

 

 

 

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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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