NBA Odds, Best Bets and Expert Tips | May 6

Wednesday’s NBA in New Zealand is all Conference Semifinals, and I’ve got three tips across NZ betting sites for the opening games. Detroit and Cleveland are coming off back-to-back Game 7s, while Oklahoma City have been resting since sweeping Phoenix over a week ago.

Pistons -5.5 | $1.90 @ Betandplay

I don’t love laying points in a Game 1 between two teams who just went seven games, but Detroit’s home record is what separates them here.

The Pistons went 60-22 and were the best home team in the East by a distance.

Cleveland survived a brutal series against Toronto where every game was won by the home side. Jarrett Allen was their best player in the clincher - 22 points and 19 rebounds in Game 7 - but that series took a toll.

One day’s rest and a trip to Detroit is a tough ask. The Pistons looked far more comfortable by the end of their own first round - they blew out Orlando 116-94 in Game 7.

Cade Cunningham returned from a collapsed lung for these playoffs. I’m backing the top seed at home.

Under 215.5 | $1.95 @ VipLuck

I fancy the under here more than most Game 1 totals.

Two teams coming off seven-game wars, both playing again one day later - tired legs usually mean slower offensive execution.

Detroit’s defence was elite all season. The Pistons held Orlando to 94 in Game 7 at home, and their intensity on that end only improved as the series wore on.

Cleveland can score in bunches, but that was against Toronto, not a defence of Detroit’s calibre. If you’re looking to bet on NBA in NZ outside the spread, the under is where I’d go.

Thunder -10.5 | $1.85 @ Betista

This number is big.

I’d normally be cautious about double-digit spreads in the playoffs, but this matchup has too many factors stacked against LA.

Luka Doncic hasn’t played since early April. He’s still doing controlled movement work in the gym and hasn’t advanced to scrimmages.

LA did well to beat Houston in six without him, but Oklahoma City is a completely different proposition.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 33.8 points in the first-round sweep of Phoenix. Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein dominated inside.

OKC won their last two regular-season meetings against the Lakers 139-96 and 123-87, and they’ve had eight days of rest compared to LA’s five. Jalen Williams is nursing a hamstring and may not suit up, but the Thunder went 39-10 without him during the regular season. 

If any betting bonuses are live on your bookmaker, this is the game to use them.