Two huge game 6’s highlight Saturday in the Association, as the Knicks and Warriors face win or go home situations on the road. We open in Miami, as the Knicks try and force a game 7 at the garden, as they try to get their first win this post-season in south beach. Then, in possibly the biggest game of this post-season so far, LeBron James and the Lakers look to book their place in the Western Conference Finals, as they host the Warriors and Steph Curry. Two huge games for us on Saturday, let’s dive in and find some value.
2022-23 NBA Playoffs Betting Tips: Saturday, May 13th 2023
New York Knicks at Miami Heat
FTX Arena, 9:30am AEST
The Knicks staved off elimination in game 5 at the Garden, with a 112-103 victory over the Heat. The Knicks showed heart, trailing by double digits after the first quarter, with Jalen Brunson confirming his status as a star in the league, playing the full 48 minutes and leading the Knicks back from the brink to extend the series.
Despite this, the Heat start 5.5-point favourites in game 6, as they look to head back to the Eastern Conference Finals, after losing to the Celtics in 7 last season at the same stage. The Knicks, meanwhile, are trying to get back to the Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.
Moving toward this game, I like the Heat to get the job done and progress, however the spread is tight, and I can’t make a bet on it. Whilst the total is also pretty close to my numbers, I’ll have a small play on the under here. Despite four of the five games totalling more than 208, I can see the Knicks trying to slow things down in game 6. They played that way against the Cavaliers in round 1, and it turned out well for them. Only a small play, but I’ll back the under. I also like Jimmy Butler to have a big game, going over his points total.
Prop Bet
Jimmy Butler over 28.5 points - $1.90 @ Palmerbet (1u)
Total Points under 208.5
$1.92 (1.5 Units)
Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers
Crypto.com Arena, 12:00pm AEST
The home court advantage in playoffs really shows itself here, as the Lakers sit as 2.5-point favourites to progress to the Western Conference Finals. After closing 7.5-point dogs in game 5 on the road, the spread has moved an entire 10 points over the span of two days.
The Lakers have won all their playoff games at home so far this season, however in game 4 against the Warriors at home, things got tight. The Warriors had their chance to win the game, but some crucial misses by Steph Curry and Klay Thompson late handed the Lakers the win. With their backs firmly against the wall, I believe the Warriors will get it done in game 6 and force a huge game 7 at the Chase Center.
The total has dropped by another two points, to sit at 221. I prefer this to go under, however the Warriors showed in game 5 that if they pick up the pace, they can push this total over almost on their own. So just the Warriors to get the job done, and force what will be a massive game 7 on Monday.
Golden State Warriors to Win
$2.34 (2 Units)
