NBA 2024/25 Expert Tips and Best Bets | May 7

We’ve got a pair of game two’s today after each game one saw the underdogs essentially snatch victories late. First, we’re betting on Boston bouncing back big time and covering -10.5 despite believing that Jalen Brunson will again score 25+ points. In the other matchup of the day, we’re taking Shai to drop 30 or more on Denver in a much needed big performance.

Celtics -10.5 | $1.93 @ PlayUp

New York came into Boston for round two, erased a 15 point third quarter deficit, and stole game one in overtime as massive underdogs. Despite this, we’re backing the Celtics to cover -10.5 today. It took the perfect storm for the Knicks to win game one and even so, it took them a 15-point comeback and overtime to do so. Boston missed an NBA playoff record 45 threes, got a 14/43 shooting night from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined, and lost Kristaps to illness after playing just 12 minutes. If the Celtics played even close to an average game, they win by double digits, which is what we’re banking on for game two.

Jalen Brunson 25+ Points | $1.55 @ Betright

Jalen Brunson has proved once again this postseason that he is an absolute superstar in this league. His fourth quarter composure was on display again two days ago as he scored 11 points in the final frame of regulation. Brunson has scored 25 or more in all but one playoff game this year, and we don’t expect that output to change. Brunson will relentlessly seek the matchup he wants, which seems to be 38-year-old Al Horford. With the way Boston likes to switch, it isn’t difficult for him to find his target and from there, he is just too quick and shifty for Horford to deal with. Brunson to once again go over 25 points is our pick here.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30+ Points | $1.38 @ Betfocus

The OKC Thunder let game one slip away against the Denver Nuggets. They gave up multiple double digit leads and after some suspect decision making with a late lead fell victim to an Aaron Gordon three with two seconds remaining. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did his part with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Now, in a pivotal game two, we expect him to show up for his side again. After two poor showings by his standards to begin the playoffs, he has returned to his MVP level form, scoring 31, 38, and 33 in his last three. NBA betting sites aren’t offering crazy value here, but at $1.38 on Betfocus to score 30+, it’s enough for us to back the Canadian.