NBA 2024/25 Expert Tips and Best Bets | May 15

We’ve got two elimination games on the docket today and we’ve got you covered with a trio of best bets. We’re looking towards New York to take down the Celtics without Jayson Tatum despite an expected solid game from Jaylen Brown who we’re picking for 25+ points. In the West, we like the experienced Warriors to cover a hefty 10.5 point spread on the road in Minnesota.

Knicks ML | $2.55 @ Betfocus

The defending champion Boston Celtics are now on the brink of elimination following a heart breaking game four loss that saw Jayson Tatum leave the game with what has now been confirmed as a ruptured achilles. NBA betting sites still have the Celtics as considerable favourites heading into game five, which is surprising. Tatum is a do-it-all star, and his absence leaves many holes on the Celtics. The Knicks have already gotten the better of the Celtics even with Tatum on the court, and without their best player and leader, we don’t see Boston having a great chance. We love the value at $2.55 on Betfocus for Knicks moneyline here.

Jaylen Brown 25+ Points | $1.65 @ Betright

Jaylen Brown hasn’t had the postseason that he and Celtics fans hoped for. Coming off a Finals MVP performance last year, expectations were high for the Celtics’ second in command, but he has struggled to get his shot going and turnovers have been an issue. Nonetheless, with Jayson Tatum out for game five, much of the offensive burden will land on Brown. Because of this, we like him to go over 25 points. He has shown before that he can lead the offense in place of Tatum, and even if he continues to struggle shooting the ball, he’ll have to keep shooting as the Celtics main creator. Due to the number of shots he’ll likely take, we like Brown for 25+ at $1.65 on Betright.

Warriors +10.5 Points | $1.92 @ PlayUp

Minnesota is now up 3-1 on the Steph Curry-less Warriors. However, the Warriors have been able to remain surprisingly competitive in two out of the three games without their leader. This is a veteran team, and they won’t go down without a fight. With Steph potentially able to return for game six, the Warriors will be desperate to find a way to win and give themselves a puncher’s chance in the series. We’re not banking on a victory due to the talent disparity between them and the healthy Timberwolves. However, we like the Warriors to give it a real run and stay within 10 points of Minnesota, which they’ve done in each of the past two games.