It was a horrible day across the books yesterday as the Oklahoma City Thunder took care of the Minnesota Timberwolves from tip-off to closing whistle. An absolute beatdown in game two at the Paycom Center, in which the Timberwolves did not cover a +4.5 first-half spread, nor the +7.5 full game spread.

Julius Randle was held in check, making just 2 of 11 field goals, on what was easily his worst 2025 playoff performance. He committed twice as many turnovers as he made field goals, and ended with just 6 points. Jalen Williams did not end with six points, and did not score less than 20.5. He earned 26 points with 12 of 20 field goal attempts going through the basket. 

It was a dominant game from the Thunder, aided by Gilgeous-Alexander’s 15 free-throw attempts. The Law of Averages reminded us once again what an incredible force it is, but that is old news because game two features the encore of what many are calling the greatest playoff basketball game of all time.

NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 5/23

The action returns to island time as all three NBA best bets today focus on the Eastern Conference.

 

 

 

Pacers vs Knicks Prediction: Total Over 225.5 (-110 on Bet365) *BET OF THE NIGHT 

The New York Knicks host the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden for game two of the Eastern Conference Finals. You can watch every basketball game of every level for a quarter of a century and not find one as entertaining as game one between the Pacers and Knicks was. For some, it was extreme joy, and for others, heartache, bringing back painful trauma. For those in the middle or indifferent, you could not have seen a better game.

Arkansas Razorback Head Coach John Calipari (who coached Tyrese Haliburton) was at game one and left early because he thought the game would be over and wanted to beat traffic. Yet as everyone knows now, an incredibly long two-point field goal and dramatic overtime proved otherwise. Game two might not be an instant classic, but it should provide plenty of scoring.

Their first match finished with 273 points, just slightly over the 221.5 projected points. The total has moved up to 225.5, but the plan is for it to go over once again. The Pacers are appropriately named as they are the highest per-game scoring team in the playoffs, and are poised to play in this fashion every game. They wear down their opponents throughout the game, and play better close-out basketball than any team since the mid-2010 Golden State Warriors. 

With that being said, New York controlled from the midway of the second quarter to the last minute of the game. They scored 135 points and proved capable of producing just as much offense as the Pacers can. With everything on the line, the expectation is for them to keep seeking offensive production. They have scored 113 or more points in three of their last four games, and should cover their half of the total tonight. 

Put a unit on this best bet at BET365 today, and for new customers, make sure to take advantage of the promotional offer at the end of this article.

 

 

 

Pacers vs Knicks Prediction: NY Knicks 1st Quarter Moneyline (-190 at BETMGM) *2.0 U

The New York Knicks coaches, players, and fan base are experiencing what could be labeled post-traumatic stress disorder. The Pacers are a familiar foe, and Tyrese Haliburton gave the Garden the Reggie Miller choking taunt after what everyone at the time thought was a game-winning three. Instead, salt was poured on the wound as Indiana won in overtime, and neither Jalen Brunson nor Karl-Anthony Towns could make the game-tying three.

The players on the Knicks roster have an eagerness to get on the court and get that game behind them. The only way to get rid of the last game is to be focused on the game at hand, and starting with a fury on points, rebounds, and defense. They scored 36 points to Indiana’s 34 in game one, covering the first quarter spread.

This time, the spread is at -2.5, which could be covered, but instead, a moneyline is suggested. At -190, two units is the wise bet. The Knicks will come out with a mindset to get everything built up in them, out of themselves, to begin the game. This also includes the energy of the crowd. It is almost a must-win for the Knicks, and that energy can really be utilized in the first quarter.

Put two units on the Knicks to come out hot and be leading at the end of the first quarter. Place two units in New York to win the first quarter and for those new to BETMGM make sure to take advantage of the promotion for new customers to earn up to $1,500.

 

 

 

Best NBA Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 5/23

The last NBA best bet today is on the 2025 Clutch Player of the Year, and he must be clutch to win tonight’s game.

Pacers vs Knicks Prediction: Jalen Brunson Over 29.5 Points (-122 on FanDuel) 

Jalen Brunson played just 38 minutes in the overtime game, but still managed 43 points. Despite that, he was unable to lead the Knicks to victory. As the leader of this team, he has to score 30 or more points every game of this series to keep up with Indiana’s offense. He has been a proven scorer throughout the season and will have the ball for most of the Knicks' offensive possessions as a score-first, pass-second point guard.

Bruson has scored over 29.5 points in seven of the Knicks' playoff games this postseason, and with fewer minutes played than the rest of the starters, he should shoulder a large percentage of the offense tonight. He was in foul trouble in game one and should make smarter defensive decisions to be efficient on the offensive end. 

Brunson has scored 33 or more points in two of the four games against the Pacers this season, and with so much on the line, the expectation is for him to be clutch once again. His minute count will be back in the forties, his ability to score and get to the free throw line will boost his point total, and the heart of a champion is expected to punch back with not only power, but intelligence as well.

He has attempted twenty or more field goals in five of his last eight games, and with fresher legs, should be looking to utilize his jump shot and mid-range game. Put a unit on the juiced-up line, and for those new to FanDuel, make sure to take advantage of the promotional offer for new customers.

 

 

 

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Whether you’re fading or following our NBA best bets today, this promo reduces the risk and boosts your potential payout. Head to Bet365 now to claim your $150 in bonus bets and get in on the NBA excitement! With these NBA predictions and options in hand, you’re set for a profitable night.

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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