NBA Odds, Best Bets and Expert Tips | May 7

I’ve got three NBA betting tips for Thursday’s Conference Semifinals in NZ. I’m doubling up on the Knicks-76ers rematch at the Garden, and backing San Antonio to respond after their Game 1 slip.

Knicks -9.5 | $1.90 @ Betista

I don’t see how Philly fix this in two days. Game 1 was a 39-point loss. Joel Embiid went 3-for-11 from the floor and the 76ers coughed up 19 turnovers. Tyrese Maxey wasn’t much better at 3-for-9.

New York shot 63% as a team. Jalen Brunson dropped 35 on 12-of-18 shooting, going eight-for-eight from the line. The Sixers came into this series riding momentum from their Game 7 upset of Boston, but that feels like a long time ago now. Embiid is still probable with a hip contusion on top of his appendectomy, and I’m not convinced he’s moving well enough to change the dynamic. 

I’m taking the Knicks to cover 9.5 on the best betting sites in NZ.

Under 224.5 | $1.95 @ Betandplay

I’d be surprised if Game 2 hits the same combined total as the opener. The 235-point first game was fuelled by 34 free-throw attempts from Philly and New York shooting at an unsustainable 63% clip. Neither of those numbers are likely to repeat.

The 76ers’ offence generated just 15 assists on 30 field goals in Game 1 - no ball movement at all. I’m expecting Philadelphia to slow the pace in Game 2 and try to limit possessions. I’m using free bets on the under at 224.5.

Spurs -6.5 | $2.10 @ VipLuck

I’m not reading too much into Game 1. San Antonio lost by two despite Victor Wembanyama going 0-for-8 from three. He still finished with 15 rebounds and a playoff-record 12 blocked shots, but the Spurs shot 27.8% from deep as a team. A 62-win side isn’t going to be that cold again.

Anthony Edwards came back from a hyperextended knee to score 18 off the bench on a minutes restriction. He played 25 minutes in Game 1 and the Timberwolves will need him closer to 35 if they’re going to win in San Antonio. De’Aaron Fox had a rough opener with 10 points on 5-for-14 shooting and I’d expect a better night from him at home. I’m tipping the Spurs to respond.