Best NBA Playoff Bets Tonight: Celtics vs. Knicks, Warriors vs. Timberwolves Picks & Props

The Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors will face elimination in their respective playoff series tonight. If what’s on the line for the teams doesn’t make the games exciting enough, you can always get in on some action and place one of our best NBA playoff bets.

Elimination games either bring out the best or worst in a team. I’ve got my thoughts on how each will go tonight and compiled my best NBA playoff bets list accordingly (odds via DraftKings unless otherwise noted).

New York Knicks (+154) vs. Boston Celtics (-4.5), o/u 207.5

Pick: Celtics -4.5

How do the Celtics recover from losing Jayson Tatum? Simple — business as usual. Yes, losing someone of Tatum’s caliber is devastating. But the Celtics are not a one-trick pony. There is plenty of talent and depth on the roster to step up and fill the void.

The proof is in the results: Boston is 9-2 without Tatum in the lineup this season. They’ll rally at home and play their most complete game of the series.

Props:

Derrick White, over 18.5 points (-125)
To score 20+ points (+100)
Jaylen Brown, over 24.5 points (-125)
Payton Pritchard, over 13.5 points (-115)

With Tatum out, someone will have to shoulder the offensive load. Brown is the obvious choice, and since he’s been scoring around 20 points a night, it wouldn’t take much for him to go over his total.

As for White, he’s already gone over 18.5 points in three of four games. It’s unlikely he produces less with Tatum sidelined, which makes the over a smart play. Since he’ll likely see more shots, it’s also worth considering 20+ at plus money.

Pritchard had a rough night shooting in Game 4 and still nearly hit the over. Expect a better night from the floor and more opportunities with Tatum out—he’ll get there.

Golden State Warriors (+440) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (-11.5), o/u 203.5

Pick: Over 203.5

Minnesota has not clinched a playoff series with a win at home in 21 years. That changes tonight. The Timberwolves have figured out Golden State’s defense. But it’s tough to say whether they can cover an 11.5-point spread, and there’s no value in the Minnesota moneyline.

I’m not expecting more than 100 points from the Warriors tonight, while the Timberwolves should score around 110. Take the over.

Buddy Hield, over 13.5 points (-110)

It’s hard to trust what Jimmy Butler will bring to the table on any given night. But Hield has been the picture of consistency, scoring at least 13 points in every game this series. With elimination on the line, expect a more intense offensive effort from the Warriors.

With Butler disappearing in Game 4, I think we’ll see more from Hield — not less.