NBA Playoff Wagering Choices, Forecasts, and Anticipated Outcomes for Friday, May 16th
Rewritten Article:
The battles between the Celtics and Knicks heat up again with Game 6 of their second-round NBA playoffs series on Friday night, airing on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET.
As the Boston team teeters on the brink of elimination, our team of NBA experts offers four betting picks for this showdown, including a side and player props.
Check out our NBA Best Bets for Friday, May 16, below.
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NBA Best Bets Today
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick || --- | --- | --- || 8 p.m. | Knicks -2.5 🔥 || 8 p.m. | Knicks -2.5 🌟 || 8 p.m. | Derrick White Over 20.5 Points (-115) 🎯 || 8 p.m. | Payton Pritchard Over 14.5 Points (-115) 🎯 || 8 p.m. | Payton Pritchard Over 3.5 3PM (+132) 💥 |
Note: Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering the best odds as of writing, but make sure to always shop around for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically pulls the best lines available for every game.
Clash of the Titans
By Mike K
The Celtics didn't back down when they sounded the bell in Game 5, securing a crucial 127-102 victory over the Knicks to keep their season alive.
8 p.m.
With their boisterous home crowd rallying behind them, the Bostonians responded admirably to the season-ending injury of star forward Jayson Tatum.
But with Game 6 moving to the fortress that is Madison Square Garden, home-court advantage and the relentless roar of the Garden crowd could tip the scales in the Knicks' favor.
Knicks -2.5
With the Knicks just one win away from their chance to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, this game is do or die for the Celtics.
While Game 5 saw a revitalized Boston team, I suspect the Knicks had always been planning for a home-court advantage to seal the deal. Despite Boston's impressive comeback, we never really witnessed that signature second-half performance we've grown accustomed to in this series.
The 15-point shellacking by the Knicks only serves to heighten my confidence that the Big Apple's team will rebound and close out the series on Friday.
Historically, favorites off a loss of 10 or more points in the playoffs with a chance to close out a series at home in Game 6 have a solid record of 12-6 (66.7%) against the spread.
8 p.m.
So let's put our money where our mouth is and ride with the Knicks to wrap up the series and send the Celtics packing early on their summer vacay.
Pick:
Knicks -2.5
Clash of the Titans
By Mark S
The gambling market is heavily betting on the Knicks to finish this series off in Game 6 at home, with the odds shifting quickly from -1.5 to -2.5.
Boston's bench players gave the Celtics a serious lift at home with stellar shooting, but I'm convinced they'll struggle on the road, leading to a New York win.
8 p.m.
I feel comfortable putting two and a half points down on the Knicks because closeout games tend to see more late-game fouls, meaning the final score should land over one possession, assuming a Knicks game-winner or a missed Celtics buzzer-beater.
Pick:
Derrick White Over 20.5 Points (-115)
Clash of the Titans
By Alexy V
In the regular season, Derrick White averaged a career-high 16.4 points per game. With Tatum on the sidelines, White has demonstrated an ability to elevate his game, averaging 19.9 points in the playoffs.
In Game 5, White went five-for-five from the field, including four triples en route to a stellar 34-point performance. With two 30-point outings in the postseason, White is clearly hitting his stride.
8 p.m.
With Tatum out and the Celtics on the ropes, White may hoist up 20 or more shots tonight. Given his usual efficiency, I have a strong feeling he'll easily cash this prop.
Pick:
Payton Pritchard Over 14.5 Points (-115)
Clash of the Titans
By Brian G
I'm betting the Over on three players in Game 6: Jalen Brunson, White, and Pritchard.
But I'm most bullish on Pritchard. Although the market hasn't fully recognized it, the happy-go-lucky South Boston native has been a thorn in the Knicks' side.
8 p.m.
His performance without Tatum has been impressive, averaging over 18.0 points per game during the last three games. Pritchard has demonstrated a willingness to take and make shots, and the Knicks simply haven't been able to cope.
I expect Pritchard to continue delivering in Game 6. In fact, I have a hunch he'll score even more without his good buddy Tatum by his side, especially if he logs another 39 minutes like he did in Game 5.
Payton Pritchard Over 3.5 3PM (+132)
Pick:
Clash of the Titans
By Jay D
With their top scorer, Tatum, on the bench, the Celtics desperately need offense. And who better to step up than the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year, fan-favorite Pritchard?
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game.
Known for his long-range accuracy and fearless shooting, Pritchard doesn't shy away from hoisting up shots. With the openings afforded by the Knicks' defensive focus on other players, I'm expecting Pritchard to bomb away from deep.
Furthermore, the Knicks allow their opponents plenty of three-point shots. With Pritchard's talent and hunger to prove his worth, I have a feeling he'll drain a few more in Game 6.
Pick:
Additional Insights:
-Teams that lose by 10 or more points in a playoff game often face difficulties in the following game.-Celtics star forward Jayson Tatum is sidelined for the remainder of the series due to an injury.-Historically, teams with a clear home-court advantage often have an edge in playoff series.-Closing games tend to see a higher frequency of fourth-quarter fouls, potentially impacting the final score.
The selected text contains sentences related to sports, basketball, and the NBA, as follows:
- "Check out our NBA Best Bets for Friday, May 16, below." - This sentence mentions the specific day (Friday, May 16) and a betting category in the NBA (Best Bets).
- "Knicks -2.5 🔥" - This sentence contains the term "Knicks", referring to a team in the NBA, and a term related to betting ("-2.5"). The term "fire" (🔥) is often used to express excitement or enthusiasm in a betting context, so it's implied that this betting pick is considered strong.
