The Indiana Pacers had no issues winning the first half of game three, they were up by 13 and as many as 20. The spread was just 0.5 points, and the odds were as close to even as they can be. Thank goodness they won that bet because Indiana did not show up in the second half. The New York Knicks displayed their willpower, led by a 20-point fourth quarter performance from Karl-Anthony Towns.

The Pacers only scored 42 points in the second half, while New York scored 36 in the fourth quarter. The Pacers had an opportunity to put the Knicks down 0 - 3, but could not get any points from their half-court offense. A true collapse from Indiana that ruined the moneyline wager, unless the best bet was placed on Bet365, as it was advised. The 20-point lead ensured a successful moneyline due to their instant payout for 20-point leads, but for the purpose of bookkeeping, the bet was a loss. 

Also, a loss was Tyrese Haliburton to record over 9.5 assists. He was on pace to achieve this, but just 2 assists in the second half prevented any chance of the player proposition being successful. We could smell the third day of Meatloaf in the oven, but it was snatched away by a “big KAT”. A truly great performance for the Dominican Republic National player

NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 5/26

Memorial Day is not really a happy day, and I would like to honor the servicemen and women who were lost. Hopefully, their families have some semblance of peace as time has moved on. 

The NBA will have a playoff match on this Holiday, and all three NBA best bets will come from the Western Conference showdown.

 

 

 

Thunder vs Timberwolves Prediction: Minnesota 1st Quarter (+105 on Bet365) *BET OF THE NIGHT 

The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Target Center for game four of the Western Conference Finals. It is a projected close match with a total of 218.5 points, and a spread of 2.5 - 3.0 points in favor of the Thunder. However, when looking at the first quarter, a plus odds prop sticks out.

Minnesota has all the momentum on their side and should start this game where they left out, outplaying the Thunder. Oklahoma City has started slow in almost every game of this series, and tonight should be more of the same. Yes, their starters were able to rest and get mentally prepared for game four, but that can not help the foundation of their team.

The foundation is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander getting to the free-throw line. Not only is he an excellent scorer from the free throw line, but he also puts opposing teams in bonus so the entire Thunder roster can benefit from earning fouls. It puts opposing players in foul trouble, causing bench players to play more minutes than expected.

It also slows down the game, allowing their stars more breathing time, and usually sets up their defense. That causes the other team to play a half-court offense and eliminates the threat of transitional points. Those points have been an issue for the Thunder, and they are well aware of it.

In the first quarter, Minnesota can use its size and quickness to gain advantageous positioning on the Thunder defense. That leads to easier field goal attempts, which almost always leads to more points. Gilgeous-Alexander can not earn all his points from free throws in the first quarter, which gives Minnesota an advantage.

Minnesota has outscored Oklahoma City a combined 82 - 63 in the first quarter of this series. With the home crowd ramped up and adrenaline running for the Timberwolves, they should win their third first quarter of this series. Put a unit on this best bet at Bet365, and enjoy a positive odds bet that will cash after 12 minutes of gametime. 

 

 

 

Thunder vs Timberwolves Prediction: OKC -2.5 (-110 at BETMGM) 

Although the expectation is for Minnesota to win the first quarter, the game prediction is for the Thunder to win this match. The 2025 MVP made a statement after a loss to the Denver Nuggets in the Conference Semifinals, stating that he has made it a point not to lose back-to-back games. It happened just twice to them this season.

Once in November against their neighbors down the road, the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs. Then, late in the season, against the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets. Neither of those were back-to-back road game losses, though, and the Thunder have not lost back-to-back games this postseason.

They are a disciplined team with a deep and capable bench. They have the best player of the season, role players who made the All-Star team, and two players on the 2025 All-Defensive Team. They are built to shut down opposing teams and reward that tough defense with free-throw breaks.

Put a unit on this best bet at BETMGM, which has the spread at -2.5 as opposed to -3.0. For those new to the sports betting app, make sure to take advantage of Fantasy Alarm’s promotional offer for up to $1,500 in bonus bets.

 

 

 

Best NBA Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 5/26

The last NBA best bet today is a player proposition on a man who had an impressive game three.

Thunder vs Timberwolves Prediction: Anthony Edwards Under 27.5 Points (-112 on FanDuel Sportsbook)

Anthony Edwards is the center of everything for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He recorded 30 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals in just 30 minutes of playing time. It was one of his best playoff performances when it was needed most. But can he do it again?

The Thunder are aware of the threat that Edwards creates, and when he makes five three-point attempts, they are going to have difficulty catching up. He is without question the “X-factor” of this series, and Oklahoma City will double-team him or force the ball out of his hands. Part of the reason the full game spread was taken on the Thunder is the belief in their ability to stop Edwards.

They held him to 18 points in game one, and they will return to making it difficult for him to have easy field goal attempts. On an efficient night like game three, 12 of 19 with 5 threes made, he can easily cover the point proposition. But when he becomes inefficient or frustrated, his points go down. He is not a “free-throw merchant” and plays the game in what the younger generation calls “ethical”. Implying he gets his points through contact, and not at the free throw line.

Put a unit on Edwards scoring less than 27.5 points today. Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams, and  Alex Caruso will make it difficult for him to earn five easy threes. Edwards has scored less than 27.5 in five of his last nine games, and the Thunder will clamp down on their defense today. Put a unit on this best bet at FanDuel Sportsbook, and for new customers, remember to take advantage of Fantasy Alarm’s promotional offer for free bonus bet money.

 

 

 

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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