Playoff Forecasts for Today: Top Wagers and Individual Stats

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Playoff Forecasts for Today: Top Wagers and Individual Stats - May 6th Edition

It's playoff season, and we're here to make some damn money! If you're not subscribed to VSiN, you're missing out. Head over to the VSiN NBA Playoffs Betting Hub for all our postseason content, and I'll continue giving out NBA best bets, player props, and features shaking up the league. Here's what's cooking for May 6th:

NBA Best Bets Today - May 6: Game 2: Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers - 7:00 pm ET

I gave the Pacers to cover a 10.5-point spread on my Money Moves appearance, even suggesting it down to 8.5. In Game 1, Indiana was an 8.5-point underdog and won outright, shooting an incredible 53.0% from the floor and 52.8% from 3, with all five starters scoring in double figures. Bennedict Mathurin also provided a boost off the bench. The reality is that Indiana looked like the better offensive team than Cleveland.

Cavs problems intensify with Darius Garland's toe injury, causing him to miss Game 1. He may return for Game 2, but even if so, his impact might be limited. Coach K Atkinson's comment on Garland being "questionable" but not seeing a significant difference between that and "doubtful" is questionable itself. Evan Mobley and De'Andre Hunter are also listed as questionable.

Garland's absence affects Cleveland's offensive rhythm, presenting opportunities for Tyrese Haliburton to continue torching their mediocre defensive backcourt. Donovan Mitchell and Garland will have their moments, but Indiana has the firepower to keep pace.

Defensively, the Pacers have shown they can hang with the top dogs. Rick Carlisle's team consistently locks down competitors as one of the top 10 defensive teams in the league. Cleveland's offense needs to return to their elite scoring form from the regular season (122.5 points per 100 possessions) to avoid vulnerability. If the Cavs struggle to find their offensive groove, this spread could drop to 6.5 or 7 points.

Considering all of that, the "Zig-Zag Theory" might predict the Cavaliers will even up the series on Tuesday. But Cleveland doesn't have to win by 10 or 11 to cover. They need to keep it close compared to Game 1, and the pacers can do that with ease.

Pick: Pacers +10.5 (-115)

NBA Player Props Today - May 6: Game 1: Golden State Warriors at Minnesota Timberwolves - 9:30 pm ET

The last time we saw Rudy Gobert, he dominated with 24 rebounds. Even though I don't expect a performance like that in Game 1 against the Warriors, Gobert brings his rebounding prowess to this series. In four meetings this season, Gobert averaged 10.5 rebounds per game and 18.3 rebound chances per game. With Golden State focusing on small-ball lineups, Gobert poised for a big game on the boards.

Julius Randle's Over on his total of 6.5 seems fishy, with it being heavily juiced. However, I feel similarly about Gobert.

Additional Plays

I'll include any late added plays, teasers/parlays, or in-season futures here. Check back before tip-off to make sure you don't miss anything. It's always possible that I'll add something to my card.

2024-25 NBA Record: 399-395-2 (+9.28 units)

Betting Strategy:Analyzing team trends, offensive/defensive matchups, and player performances, I'll provide actionable NBA best bets and player props throughout the playoffs. To maximize profit, I recommend following my picks, conducting further research, and considering using teasers for improved odds.

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The VSiN NBA Playoffs Betting Hub offers all postseason content, including NBA best bets, player props, and features discussing league trends.
In Game 2 of May 6th's NBA playoffs, the VSiN analysis suggests a bet on the Indiana Pacers, who covered a 10.5-point spread despite being underdogs in Game 1, and might do so again even with Darius Garland potentially returning.
Julius Randle's Over on his total of 6.5 seems questionable, even though it's heavily juiced, in the upcoming Game 1 between the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves.
A parlay could be a good idea, considering potential late added plays, as per the VSiN's advice for additional plays and in-season futures.
Rudy Gobert, with his strong rebounding skills, may capitalize on the focus of the Warriors' small-ball lineups in their game against the Timberwolves.