NBA 2024/25 Expert Tips and Best Bets | May 1

The two matchups today both represent elimination opportunities as the Knicks look to close out the Pistons and the Nuggets aim to take out the Clippers. We’re backing New York to defeat Detroit in a game where we think Cade Cunningham will go for 35+ points & assists in a losing effort. Then we head to the West where we look for Kawhi to be a distributor and dish out five or more assists/

Knicks ML | $2.10 @ Betfocus

Detroit was able to stave off elimination in New York two days ago to earn another game in front of their home fans. Unfortunately for them, the visiting side has won the last four matchups in this series. We’re looking for that trend to continue in game six as we back the Knicks to get the victory and close out the series. Detroit has been a great story this season, but the Knicks are overwhelmingly more talented. New York will understand the importance of not letting this get to a game seven, and as such will put their all into ending the series today. That, along with the visiting team riding the hot hand in this series, led us to taking the Knicks ML at $2.10.

Cade Cunningham 35+ Points + Assists | $1.50 @ Betright

Cade Cunningham has for the most part performed brilliantly in his first taste of playoff basketball. He has done it all for the Pistons offensively, scoring at a high clip and generating offense for his teammates. His numbers have remained similar to what he achieved in the regular season, which is a very tough task for a young guard making his debut in the more physical NBA playoffs. Over his last ten games, Cade’s points + assists have equalled or exceeded 35 seven out of ten times. In this series he has done so in three out of five games, and with his team still on the brink of elimination, we’re picking him to step up again.

Kawhi Leonard 5+ Assists | $2.20 @ PlayUp

Although the Clippers are down 3-2 to the Nuggets, Kawhi Leonard has been playing at his superstar best. He has stuffed the stat sheet across the board throughout the series, and has hit the five assist mark in three of their five games. Game five saw Denver alter their defense and really key in on Kawhi, forcing him to be a distributor which he did brilliantly racking up 11 assists. We’re thinking Denver sticks to that plan in game six and Kawhi consistently makes the right read to set up teammates for easy shots. NBA betting sites are offering solid value here. Kawhi to register 5+ assists is at $2.20 on PlayUp, which makes us love the pick.