NBA Playoff Predictions: Best Bets for Monday, May 4

My NBA playoff picks and predictions dive into the latest NBA odds for Monday’s doubleheader featuring the Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs.

NBA Playoff Predictions & Best Bets for May 4

• Tyrese Maxey over 24.5 points (-122)
• Victor Wembanyama over 2.5 3-pointers (+110)

76ers vs. Knicks Prediction for Game 1

I’m backing Tyrese Maxey by taking the over on his scoring prop (24.5) for my 76ers vs. Knicks prediction ahead of Monday’s Game 1.

This could be a big series for Maxey, who has a lot of advantages as a quick guard. I expect him to attack favorable matchups, especially when Jalen Brunson switches onto him. The Knicks are vulnerable on switches, ranking 24th in defending pick-and-roll ball-handlers.

Maxey has scored at least 25 points in three straight games, including consecutive 30-point performances to close out a Round 1 upset over the Boston Celtics. He averaged 26.9 points per game in the first round, clearing this line in five of the seven matchups.

For the 76ers to have a chance, Maxey must come through as a scorer.

Timberwolves vs. Spurs Prediction for Monday

My Timberwolves vs. Spurs prediction suggests taking the over on Victor Wembanyama’s 3-point line (2.5) in Game 1.

The Timberwolves were content with letting Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokić attempt 3-pointers in Round 1. He averaged six attempts per contest in the series.

There is a chance that Minnesota has a similar approach against the Spurs, especially with Rudy Gobert focused on limiting Wembanyama’s impact inside. Wembanyama averaged nine 3-point attempts (+3.8 compared to his average) in the two regular-season matchups with the Timberwolves, clearing this line both times.

I certainly like the idea of getting a plus-money ticket on Wembanyama in Game 1.