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NBA Playoffs: Betting Insights Wednesday 14th May
Without Curry, the Warriors have leaned on Jimmy Butler and Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga has been a standout, averaging 19.5 points per game in the series. However, Minnesota's defense, led by Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels, has effectively disrupted Golden State's offensive flow. The Timberwolves' depth and size have posed significant challenges for the Warriors' smaller lineup.
by Malachi
NEW YORK KNICKS @ BOSTON CELTICS
Player News
Out: J. Tatum
Questionable: N/a
Market
Opening: -3 BOS / 207.5
Current: -5 BOS / 207.5
Analysis
The Boston Celtics host the New York Knicks tonight at TD Garden for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Trailing 3–1 in the series, the Celtics face elimination and must win to extend their postseason. The Knicks, aiming for their first conference finals appearance since 2000, look to close out the series on the road.
The series has been marked by dramatic shifts. The Knicks secured narrow victories in Games 1 and 2, both featuring comebacks from 20-point deficits. Boston responded with a dominant Game 3 win, 115–93, showcasing their offensive capabilities. However, Game 4 saw the Knicks rally again, overcoming a 13-point deficit to win 121–113. Notably, Celtics star Jayson Tatum suffered a season-ending Achilles injury late in Game 4, impacting Boston's prospects.
The Celtics, without Tatum, will rely heavily on Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard. Pritchard has been a bright spot, shooting 45.2% from three-point range in the postseason. The Knicks' Jalen Brunson has been outstanding, averaging 30.1 points per game in the playoffs, and their defense, anchored by Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, has effectively limited Boston's perimeter shooting.
The Knicks have demonstrated superior rebounding and defensive metrics, particularly in clutch moments. Their ability to force turnovers and capitalize on second-chance points has been pivotal. Boston's three-point shooting has been inconsistent, and without Tatum, generating offensive rhythm will be challenging.
New York has been resilient on the road, boasting a 5–0 away record in the playoffs. Boston, conversely, faces the daunting task of overcoming a 3–1 deficit without their leading scorer. Historically, teams in this position have a low success rate, making tonight's game critical for the Celtics' survival.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS @ MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Player News
Out: S. Curry
Questionable: N/a
Market
Opening: -10 MIN / 202.5
Current: -10.5 MIN / 203
Analysis
The Golden State Warriors visit the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight at the Target Center for Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals. Trailing 3–1, the Warriors aim to stave off elimination, while the Timberwolves look to advance to the conference finals.
Golden State opened the series with a 99–88 win but has since dropped three straight games. Game 4 saw the Timberwolves secure a 117–110 victory, propelled by Julius Randle's 31 points and Anthony Edwards' 30. The Warriors, missing Stephen Curry due to a hamstring injury, struggled to contain Minnesota's offensive surge.
Without Curry, the Warriors have leaned on Jimmy Butler and Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga has been a standout, averaging 19.5 points per game in the series. However, Minnesota's defense, led by Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels, has effectively disrupted Golden State's offensive flow. The Timberwolves' depth and size have posed significant challenges for the Warriors' smaller lineup.
Minnesota has outperformed Golden State in key statistical areas, including field goal percentage and three-point shooting. In Game 4, the Timberwolves shot 49.4% from the field and 47.1% from beyond the arc, compared to the Warriors' 43.5% and 29.6%, respectively. Additionally, Minnesota's rebounding and defensive efficiency have limited Golden State's second-chance opportunities.
The Timberwolves have capitalized on their home-court advantage, and with a 3–1 series lead, they are poised to close out the series. The Warriors face an uphill battle, especially without their star point guard, and will need a near-flawless performance to extend the series.