NBA Game Picks & Analysis
New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics
Knicks vs. Celtics – Game 5 Preview
Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. ET • TD Garden, Boston
Our Pick: Knicks +4.5
As Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals approaches, the New York Knicks find themselves in an advantageous position to close out the series against the Boston Celtics. Leading the series 3-1, the Knicks enter tonight’s matchup at TD Garden as 4.5-point underdogs—a line that significantly underestimates their playoff performance thus far.
Throughout the series, the Knicks have demonstrated exceptional resilience, particularly in crunch-time scenarios. They have repeatedly shown an ability to recover from deficits, outperforming the Celtics significantly in fourth quarters with an impressive net rating of +32.8. This level of late-game execution has become a defining characteristic for New York and remains a crucial factor for covering tonight’s spread.
Jalen Brunson continues to prove his worth as a playoff stalwart, averaging 30.2 points per game during his Knicks playoff career. In Game 4, his 39-point, 12-assist effort was not only a series highlight but also the type of performance indicative of a player capable of single-handedly influencing outcomes. Brunson’s poise and leadership on the road have been instrumental in securing the Knicks’ flawless 5-0 away record this postseason.
Another crucial factor favoring New York is the consistency of Karl-Anthony Towns. With six consecutive playoff double-doubles, averaging nearly 20 points and 14 rebounds per game in this series, Towns has anchored the Knicks’ interior presence. His ability to control the glass and extend possessions has regularly disrupted Boston’s defensive rhythm.
On the opposite end, the Celtics’ odds of extending the series have been severely impacted by the loss of superstar Jayson Tatum, who ruptured his Achilles tendon in Game 4. Without Tatum’s offensive prowess, Boston will lean heavily on Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porziņģis. Brown’s inefficient shooting (just 37.7% in the series) and Porziņģis’ struggles with illness have considerably reduced the Celtics’ offensive threats. Boston now faces immense pressure to rally their role players and rediscover offensive fluidity.
Ultimately, the Knicks’ strategic depth, clutch performances, and the Celtics’ significant injury setbacks position New York as a strong contender not just to cover the +4.5 spread but potentially to secure a series-ending victory tonight. Their proven capability in hostile environments further solidifies their favorable betting prospects, setting the stage for a historic return to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Warriors vs. Timberwolves – Game 5 Preview
Wednesday, 9:30 p.m. ET • Target Center, Minneapolis
Our Pick: Warriors +10.5
The Golden State Warriors enter tonight’s Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves down 3–1 in the 2025 NBA Western Conference Semifinals, facing an uphill battle on the road without their injured superstar Stephen Curry. Despite these circumstances, the Warriors remain a strong bet to cover the +10.5 spread due to their proven resilience and playoff pedigree.
Golden State’s playoff experience, particularly embodied by Jimmy Butler, provides optimism for bettors. Butler has been exceptional under playoff pressure, averaging 19.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists throughout the postseason. His veteran leadership and defensive tenacity have kept the Warriors competitive, even in Curry’s absence. Jonathan Kuminga has also stepped up significantly, contributing a reliable 13.7 points per game while shooting efficiently at 48.6% from the field. His energy and athleticism have been crucial in maintaining offensive momentum against a physical Minnesota defense.
While the Timberwolves have captured momentum, winning three straight games following a Game 1 loss, each matchup has remained relatively close. Minnesota won Game 4 by a margin of just seven points (117–110), illustrating that despite Curry’s absence, Golden State can effectively match Minnesota’s scoring bursts. Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle have spearheaded the Timberwolves’ attack, averaging 27.4 and 18.8 points per game respectively. However, Golden State’s defensive adjustments in Game 4 limited Minnesota’s perimeter efficiency, a trend they will look to build upon tonight.
Minnesota’s heavy reliance on their perimeter game, combined with Golden State’s defensive schemes anchored by Butler and Kuminga, suggests another closely contested battle. Additionally, playoff elimination games often yield closer margins as teams facing elimination ramp up intensity and effort, particularly defensively.
With their backs against the wall, the Warriors will likely keep tonight’s contest competitive, leveraging their defensive capabilities and veteran savvy. Though outright victory remains challenging without Curry, covering a double-digit spread is within reach, making Golden State a favorable choice for bettors looking at the +10.5 line.
