NBA Playoff Picks and Parlays – May 20 – 21: Timberwolves vs. OKC’s Low Scoring Affair u564x

At the start of the playoffs, nobody in their right mind would have expected these four teams in the Conference Finals. The Knicks and the Pacers in the East, and the Timberwolves in the West, have been seen as worthy contenders, but never as potential teams competing for the title, with the Thunder being the only team that met their expectations.

As things stand, the Timberwolves vs. OKC is our Western Conference final, which could arguably be labeled as the Anthony Edwards vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showdown. Nevertheless, both teams showed how ambitious they were after each team eliminated one of the past champions, like the Lakers and the Nuggets.

As far as the East goes, we took a Dolorian ride back to the 90s, with a classic rivalry matchup between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks. It is like watching Sprewell and Reggie Miller once again, except this time the teams are being led by young guns in Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton.

With the Conference Finals approaching fast, we have a quick breakdown for you and prime betting tips so you get yourself ready for Game 1 in both series. 

*Sports betting carries inherent risks, and outcomes can be unpredictable. The recommendations offered here are based on current data and analysis but should not be viewed as guarantees of success.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder – Under on Points 6a454m

The Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder game, scheduled for Tuesday, marks Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. This matchup is a significant clash between two of the NBA’s top teams, with the Thunder entering as slight favorites due to their dominant regular season performance, finishing with a league-best 68-14 record, compared to the Timberwolves’ 49-33, securing the #6 seed. 

Both teams are known for their defensive prowess, which could shape the game’s outcome. The Oklahoma City Thunder had a defensive rating of 107.5 this season, while the Minnesota Timberwolves stood at 111.5, according to season stats. This suggests a potential low-scoring affair, especially given the playoff context, where teams often slow the pace and focus on defense.

Given the defensive focus, bettors should consider the game’s scoring potential. The main betting tip is to bet on the under for total points, as both teams’ strong defenses and playoff intensity suggest a lower-scoring game. 

For an alternative tip, focusing on player props could be effective. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, given his MVP candidacy, is likely to have a points line around 28.5, and betting on him to score over could be valuable, considering his central role in the Thunder’s offense. Similarly, Chet Holmgren’s performance, especially with the hometown factor, could make his points or rebounds prop appealing.

Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks – Pacers Against the Spread 2q316q

The Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks game, scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2025, marks the opening of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden. This matchup follows both teams’ strong playoff performances, where each of the two teams eliminated top seeds, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics. 

The Knicks enter as the home team, having won their last two home playoff games, which suggests a strong advantage at Madison Square Garden. Conversely, the Pacers have demonstrated resilience on the road, securing four consecutive playoff victories away from home. 

Betting odds from recent analyses indicate the Knicks are favored to win, with a moneyline of -175 and a spread of -4, while the Pacers are at +145 on the moneyline. The over/under for total points is set at 223.0, with implied team totals of 109.5 for the Pacers and 113.5 for the Knicks. Statistical trends show both teams have a 2-0 record against the spread (ATS) and on the moneyline in Game 1 playoff games, highlighting their ability to perform under pressure in series openers.

For bettors, the main tip is to consider the Pacers +4 ATS. This recommendation is based on model projections that lean toward the Pacers keeping the game close, potentially losing by less than four points or winning outright, ed by their recent 4-1 road playoff record.

Alternatively, Jalen Brunson Over 28.5 Points is a bet to consider. Brunson’s performance in previous Game 1s, where he scored 29 and 34 points, suggests he is likely to exceed this threshold, making it a strong option for those looking at individual player performance.