Betting Guide for the NBA Conference Finals

This series feels like it could genuinely go either way, perhaps even leaning slightly in favor of the Timberwolves. That`s why getting Minnesota with a +1.5 game handicap at plus money offers great value. The Timberwolves took some time to integrate Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo after the trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to New York, but they finished the season strong. Since March 1st, including the playoffs, they hold a 25-6 record, nearly matching the Thunder`s league-best 28-6 over the same span. Both teams split their season series 2-2 in each of the last two seasons, highlighting their close competitiveness. The combination of receiving games and positive odds makes this a compelling play. — Andre Snellings

Many were surprised last season when Dallas quickly dispatched the Timberwolves en route to the NBA Finals, with Minnesota winning only one game. While the Thunder`s series against Denver wasn`t a blowout, this is a different matchup. Oklahoma City can score effectively and possesses the defensive capability to challenge Anthony Edwards. Consider betting on the Thunder mimicking Dallas`s performance from last season and closing out this series swiftly. — Eric Karabell

Targeting this specific outcome provides plus odds for predicting the series score after the first three games. Based on the exact series odds, the market expectation seems to be a 4-1 series win for the Thunder. Does this sound familiar? It’s similar to the narrative surrounding their series against Denver. This isn`t to dismiss Oklahoma City`s quality, but regular season dominance doesn`t always perfectly predict playoff results. While I don`t anticipate an upset, I do expect the initial games to involve adjustments and new strategies. The Timberwolves are likely to secure a win in one of the first three contests. — Jim McCormick

Minnesota advanced past a Lakers team that offered little defense (apart from LeBron James) and a Warriors squad missing Stephen Curry. The Thunder haven`t consistently shown their full potential throughout these playoffs, save for a few standout games, but I believe that changes against Minnesota. If you`re looking for a long shot, a sweep at +450 is tempting, but giving the Timberwolves at least one win is a safer approach. We should get a clear indication of whether this matchup favors the Wolves by the halfway point of Game 1. — Steve Alexander

Oklahoma City`s top-tier defense, anchored by defenders like Luguentz Dort and Alex Caruso, will make scoring difficult for the Timberwolves on every possession. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the most impactful player in the series. The Thunder`s depth and the experience gained from a demanding second-round battle with the Denver Nuggets give them an edge. Chet Holmgren`s ability to protect the rim and his potential motivation playing near his hometown could be decisive factors. I see the Thunder winning in six games. — Eric Moody

Randle has been scoring effectively lately, putting up 29 and 31 points in his last two playoff games and at least 24 in his last four. The Thunder will likely prioritize slowing down Anthony Edwards but might be content allowing Randle to take numerous shots. If that`s the case, the potential payout at +1800 is very appealing, especially given his current hot streak. — Steve Alexander

While rooting for high-scoring games is entertaining, winning is more so, which often makes betting on the `under` a savvy move. However, it feels likely that at least one game in this series (which is all it takes) will explode into an offensive showcase. An overtime game or one featuring relentless, wide-open transition play driving the score to unusually high levels is all that`s needed. It`s priced at 3-to-1 for a reason, but it`s also a fun bet to cheer for. — Jim McCormick

Holmgren was dominant on the boards against the Nuggets, a dynamic that could carry over into this round. Isaiah Hartenstein is expected to battle the opposing center (Rudy Gobert vs. Nikola Jokic), while Holmgren will focus on crashing the glass against the opponent`s shorter power forward (Julius Randle vs. Aaron Gordon). Holmgren averaged 11.7 rebounds per game over the last six games against the Nuggets, and maintaining a similar pace against the Timberwolves would give him a strong chance to win this prop at solid plus-money odds. — Andre Snellings

The Pacers have arguably been the top team in the Eastern Conference during the playoffs, holding an 8-2 record against tough opponents in the Cavaliers and Bucks. However, their strong play extends further back. Indiana was one of only four NBA teams (alongside the Thunder, Celtics, and Cavaliers) to win over 70% of their games in the 2025 calendar year, finishing the stretch 34-14. Their playing style is highly effective, with a roster of skilled shooters and defenders capable of excelling in both fast-paced and half-court situations. The Knicks won two out of three regular-season games against the Pacers and are playing well themselves, but I view the Pacers as at least co-favorites, offering excellent value with the +1.5 game advantage. — Andre Snellings

This is a classic rivalry with a long history, and their playoff matchups have historically been very close. I have a strong feeling this series will be a memorable one that extends to seven games. Frankly, many of us would be disappointed if it didn`t. The Knicks hold a slight advantage with home court, but the Pacers have never shied away from playing at Madison Square Garden. — Steve Alexander

The Knicks possess advantages in physicality, rebounding, and playoff resilience. With Mitchell Robinson healthy and dominating the boards, New York can control possessions and generate valuable second-chance points. Jalen Brunson is the most dominant player in the series, and versatile defenders like Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby are talented enough to disrupt the Pacers` key players. Although Indiana boasts considerable depth, the Knicks` offensive firepower and defensive intensity give them the upper hand. New York`s tenacity, rebounding, and experience should guide them to a victory in what`s expected to be a hard-fought series. — Eric Moody

Let`s pause for a moment to consider this perspective: the shortest odds in the exact series games played menu are for seven games. What does this signify? It suggests a lack of strong conviction from both those setting the odds and those placing bets. If there was high confidence in a quick series, one team would have significantly shorter odds for a five or six-game finish. For those too young to have witnessed the epic Pacers-Knicks battles of the mid-to-late 1990s, the hope is that this series delivers even a fraction of those unforgettable moments. The Pacers prefer a fast pace, while the Knicks aim for a grinding, half-court battle. This dynamic could make for a truly special series. — Jim McCormick

Brunson needed to elevate his scoring against Detroit to carry the Knicks, and he`ll be required to do so again versus Indiana. It`s quite plausible he averages over 30 points per game in this series. Let`s take the conservative approach and assume he surpasses 40 points at least once. — Eric Karabell

While my personal belief is that Karl-Anthony Towns will ultimately lead in rebounds, I find the -1000 odds unattractive. Josh Hart is the next best option at +700, and he might just be the best rebounding guard in the league. With averages of 8.7 rebounds per game against Detroit and 8.3 against the Celtics, he has a legitimate “puncher`s chance” of out-rebounding KAT for the Knicks in this series. — Steve Alexander

This player has 18 career games with at least 40 points and three career games scoring 50 or more, all achieved while wearing a Knicks jersey. The crucial factor here is pace. The Knicks will strive to impose their style: a slower, half-court grind designed to minimize variance. The Pacers, conversely, will try to turn it into a sprint aiming for 150 points. Rarely does a deep playoff series truly belong to just one style of play. Imagine the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden when the scoreboard hits 50 for Brunson. There`s likely to be at least one game dictated by the Pacers` pace, and in such a contest, Brunson could reach scoring heights that, for him, are not as improbable as they might seem for others. — Jim McCormick

Towns has performed exceptionally well against the Pacers this season. Across their three matchups, he averaged 30.3 points per game, scoring at least 21 in each and reaching a season-high of 40. While Brunson is clearly the Knicks` primary scorer, he faced more difficulty against the Pacers this season, averaging 22.3 points per game. Brunson is rightfully the favorite to lead the series in scoring, but Towns has a genuine opportunity and offers much more favorable odds at 6-to-1. — Andre Snellings