Playoff Wagers and Picks for Thursday, 8th May NBA: Forecasts and Prognostications
NBA Playoffs Matchup Revisited: Warriors vs. Timberwolves Game 2 (2023 Edition)
After a surprising loss in Game 1, the Warriors and Timberwolves square off once again on Thursday, May 8, at 8:30 p.m. ET on TNT. Here are our Top NBA Picks for this highly-anticipated showdown.
NBA Playoffs Best Bets, Picks, Predictions: Thursday, May 8
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick || ------------- | ------- | ---------------------------|| Warriors vs. Timberwolves | 8:30 p.m. | *Anthony Edwards Over 34.5 PR || Warriors vs. Timberwolves | 8:30 p.m. | Warriors +10.5 || Warriors vs. Timberwolves | 8:30 p.m. | Naz Reid Over 12.5 Points || Warriors vs. Timberwolves | 8:30 p.m. | Jimmy Butler Under 7.5 Rebounds* |
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.
A Changed Landscape
8:30 p.m.
In the wake of Stephen Curry's injury, the game has shifted in favor of a more balanced Warriors team, boasting versatile scorers like Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green.
Anthony Edwards Over 34.5 PR
If history repeats itself, the Warriors demonstrate resilience in the playoffs without their star player, amassing an 8-3 record in games without Curry over the years [Insight from Michael Arinze].
Warriors' Newfound Depth
8:30 p.m.
With Butler leading the charge, averaging 18.6 points during this current playoff campaign, and Green showcasing flashes of brilliance (18 points in Game 1 against the Timberwolves), the Warriors present a formidable challenge to their opponents [Insight from Michael Arinze].
Warriors +10.5
Furthermore, Buddy Hield has emerged as a crucial piece for the Warriors, notching back-to-back scores of 33 and 24 points after a tough performance against the Rockets [Insight from Michael Arinze].
Seizing Opportunities
8:30 p.m.
Despite the Warriors' impressive showing, the Timberwolves hope to close this series as quickly as possible, making it essential to capitalize on every opportunity against the shorthanded Warriors [Insight from Joe Dellera].
Naz Reid Over 12.5 Points
Anthony Edwards' Resurgence
Edwards made significant improvements in Game 1, finding success driving at will against the Warriors' defense and adding 23 points to the scoreboard [Insight from Joe Dellera].
8:30 p.m.
Naz Reid's Stretchability
Jimmy Butler Under 7.5 Rebounds
In previous games against the Warriors, Reid demonstrated impressive scoring consistency, with a stretch of three consecutive games yielding 15 or more points. Given the road team's unexpected performance in this round, Reid could once again prove invaluable to the Timberwolves [Insight from Bryan Fonseca].
The Impact of Jimmy Butler's Absence from the Rim
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.
As the leading scorer and playmaker for the Warriors in Curry's absence, Butler's presence away from the rim is crucial. With increased responsibility on his shoulders, Butler may see fewer opportunities to congregate around the basket [Insight from Michael Fiddle].
Final Thoughts
While the Timberwolves enter Game 2 as heavy favorites, the dazzling performance of the shorthanded Warriors in the playoffs should not be overlooked. Keep these NBA Picks & Predictions in mind when placing your wagers for the highly anticipated Warriors vs. Timberwolves matchup on May 8, 2023. Don't forget to shop around for the best odds using our NBA Odds page.
Play smart, be informed, and enjoy the game!
In the playoff matchup between the Warriors and Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards is predicted to score over 34.5 points, while the Warriors themselves are expected to win by more than 10.5 points, based on the current odds [NBA Picks & Predictions]. The Warriors have demonstrated resilience in the playoffs, according to Michael Arinze, with a history of performing well without Stephen Curry [A Changed Landscape, Warriors' Newfound Depth]. Jimmy Butler, currently the leading scorer and playmaker for the Warriors, is expected to have fewer rebounding opportunities due to his increased responsibilities in Curry's absence [The Impact of Jimmy Butler's Absence from the Rim]. Naz Reid, contributing 15 or more points in three consecutive games against the Warriors, is another key player for the Timberwolves [Naz Reid's Stretchability].
