The expression goes that good things come in threes, and we at Fantasy Alarm are believers. Meatloaf is back on the menu for the third day in a row, and it brought its heftiest serving. A whopping +3.44 units were earned and it was almost 2 units more with a perfect sweep.

Jayson Tatum over 9.5 rebounds was cleared in the third quarter, as the first positive odds proposition of the series cashed in. However he didn’t score enough in the second half, and the Boston Celtics allowed the New York Knicks to comeback from a twenty point deficit. Thus stealing game one.

The Knicks weren’t the only road team to earn a victory yesterday, just as we predicted the Denver Nuggets won at the Paycom Center. They were +10.5 underdogs at tipoff, moved to as high as +13.5 during the game, and won on another game winning field goal from Aaron Gordon. That is Gordon’s second game winning field goal of the playoffs, and this one cashed a +330 moneyline ticket.

Shai Gilgeious-Alexander was able to get off the hook on a bogus, last second inbound pass. He scored 33 points, and under 32.5 points were needed for a successful wager. As expected his free throws were a large part of his production, accounting for over 20% of his points.

The data was correct, but an unsuccessful ticket can happen by 0.5 points. Both positive odd best bets mentioned yesterday were successful, and the goal is to keep the momentum rolling today.

 

 

NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 5/6

The NBA best bets today take a look at two games between four teams with different philosophies. The Eastern match is led by powerful offensives, and the Western match by hard nose defense with points coming in streaks. 

Pacers vs Cavaliers Prediction: Indiana Pacers +3.5 1st Quarter (-105 on BETMGM) *BET OF THE NIGHT 

For an indepth look at this match make sure to check out our Pacers vs. Cavaliers Predictions, Picks & Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 2 article. For the first NBA best bet today, a first quarter straight bet on the Indiana Pacers is recommended. Indiana plays with more tempo than the Cleveland Cavaliers, and in game one the Pacers outscored the Cavaliers 36 - 25. 

It’s odd that they are given such a large spread, especially when the Cavaliers have three players with injuries that could prevent them from playing. Evan Mobley is dealing with an ankle sprain, Darius Garland’s toe has prevented him from playing the last three games, and De’Andre Hunter injured his thumb in game one. They are all listed as questionable, but Cleveland Head Coach Kenny Atkinson stated these injuries are serious concerns and there are doubts about availability. Meanwhile Indiana has a clean injury report, and not one Pacers player played more than 37 minutes in game one.

Despite that, the sportsbooks have not let off their hard line of a -9.5 for Cleveland. The total is still at 229.5 points, and as well as the Pacers have been playing, both of those seem doubtful. This best bet will be a massive public fade as only 27% of the money is on the Pacers to cover in the first +3.5, however 40% is on the Pacers 1st quarter moneyline which is at +200 and could be worth a sprinkle.

Put a unit on the Pacers to cover the first quarter spread at BET MGM and make sure to check out Fantasy Alarm’s promotional offer for up to $1,500 in bonus bets.

 

 

Warriors vs Timberwolves SGP Prediction: Minnesota Moneyline, Anthony Edwards Over 3.5 Made Threes, Julius Randle 20+ Points (+269 BOOSTED to +337 on FanDuel)

The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Golden State Warriors at the Target Center for their first game of their Western Conference Semifinals. Minnesota is well rested, but Golden State needed seven games to advance. Minnesota is favored to win with a -6.5 spread, and -250 moneyline. Although the spread could be covered the moneyline on Minnesota is suggested for the base of this parlay.

Anthony Edwards is the 2024-25 NBA 3 point scoring leader, and is playing against the man that set the record for most in a season. Stephen Curry made 402 threes in the 2015-16 season, Edwards made 320 threes this season. He went a dismal 0 of 11 in the close out victory over the Lakers in game five, but he made over 3.5 in three of the previous four games. His lowest number of attempted threes against the Lakers was eight, and his high volume should continue again.

Julius Randle has been every bit of the “X-factor” that the Timberwolves trusted him to be. He played 39 or more minutes in three of the five games of the opening round. The two he did not, were blowout victories for Minnesota. In five games he scored; 23, 25, 22, 27, and 19 points which averages out to 23.2 points per game in the playoffs. His line is set at 20.5, but the hook was removed for the final selection of this same game parlay.

There is a boost for a same game parlay from Fanduel, so make sure to place this best bet with the sportsbook. It caps off at $10 but the parlay sits at +269 without the boost and there is no limit for the amount one can make. For those that do not have FanDuel, make sure to utilize Fantasy Alarm’s promotional offer for new customers. 

 

 

Best NBA Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 5/6

The last NBA best bet today comes from the same match, and with a look on Minnesota once again.

Warriors vs Timberwolves Prediction: Minnesota TT over 108.5 (-115 on FanDuel) 

This series should go to at least six games if not seven, but the first game is predicted to go in Minnesota’s favor. As mentioned, the total of this match is much lower than the Indiana versus Cleveland game, but that does not deter us from taking the team total on Minnesota. The game total is set at 108.5, and the recommendation is to take the over.

Minnesota scored 116 or more in three of their four victories, and against a smaller lineup they should have a front court advantage that lead to several easy field goals. The Timberwolves will be taller with every starting member except Mike Conley. They might be known for tough defense, but have proved in these playoffs they are driven by an offensive mindset.

The Timberwolves averaged 114.3 points per game in the regular season, and have every opportunity to score their average once again. They have won seven of their last eight games, and with a healthy lineup, have one of the deepest benches in the NBA. Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are all great scorers off the bench, and will add several points to this match.

Golden State has a tough defense, but still allowed an average of 110.5 points per game in the regular season. Minnesota should win this game with offense, put a unit on them cover their 108.5 prediction at Bet365 and for those new to the sports betting app make sure to check out the promotional offer below

 

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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