2025 NBA Playoffs Showdown on Cinco de Mayo
Wagering on a Single Spread, a Single Total in Knicks versus Celtics, Nuggets versus Thunder Matchups on Monday
Get hyped, basketball fans! The 2025 NBA Playoffs continue on May 5th, featuring two highly-anticipated matchups: the New York Knicks facing the Boston Celtics, and the Oklahoma City Thunder squaring off against the Denver Nuggets. Here are my predictions for this loaded doubleheader.
2025 NBA Playoffs betting card for Cinco de Mayo
The odds are the best available at the time of writing.
- New York Knicks (+9), down to +7.5, at the Boston Celtics via Caesars Sportsbook, risking 1.05 units (u).
- OVER 226 (-110), up to 227.5, in Denver Nuggets at Oklahoma City Thunder via DraftKings, risking 1.1u.
Knicks (+9) vs. Celtics
Prepare for a nail-biter in this Eastern Conference matchup. The average total of their four regular season meetings was 224.1, and the Knicks performed admirably against the powerful Celtics last season. Although the consensus favorite is Boston at -9, the market predicts a lower-scoring affair, which could make it tougher for them to cover the spread. The Knicks have been overlooked due to their dramatic victory against the Detroit Pistons, but they covered four out of six games against the Pistons, while the Celtics had a easy ride defeating the Orlando Magic.
The Knicks roster was specifically designed to counter the Celtics, and although Boston might take the series, the Knicks will keep the games close and could potentially steal a game or two. Knicks PG, Jalen Brunson, manages the best guard in the series, while NYC All-Star center, Karl-Anthony Towns, edges out Celtics C, Kristaps Porzingis. Three defensive wings, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges, will help contain the dynamic duo, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown. The Knicks' main challenge is limiting the Celtics' 3-point shooting, but extending their perimeter defense or an off shooting night from the Celtics could hinder them from winning by double digits.
OVER 226 in Nuggets vs. Thunder
Prepare for a high-scoring affair in this Western Conference matchup. The Thunder had the sixth-fastest pace during the regular season and led the first round of the postseason in pace, while Denver led the NBA in fastbreak points per game in the regular season. With fast-paced games and a crew of referees known for their 102-73 O/U record, bet on an exciting clash between two powerhouse teams.
Catch the action on May 5th and don't forget to follow me on X (@Geoffery-Clark) for more betting content and random rants! Check out my website and Bets Podcast for even more basketball fun! I'll add bets to my NBA 2024-25 betting record on X throughout the season.
- In the upcoming Cinco de Mayo clash between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics, the Knicks, despite being underdogs at +9, are predicted to provide a tough challenge to the Celtics due to their strong performances against Boston in the past and a strategic roster designed to counter the Celitics.
- The OVER 226 points in the match between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder is a favorable bet, given the high-scoring nature of these teams, the Thunder's fast pace during the regular season, and Denver's leading position in the NBA for fastbreak points per game.
- In the 2025 NBA Playoffs, sports enthusiasts and bettors should keep a close eye on the gambling odds for the NBA 2024-25 season as Geoffery-Clark will be adding bets to his record throughout the season, providing valuable insights and predictions on X.
