New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers (Knicks 3-1)
The Knicks are just one win away from advancing to the next round and they'll be looking to replicate their Game 1 victory in Cleveland. They're coming off back-to-back wins on their home court as their defence was the key. They allowed 79 pts in Game 3 and 93 pts in Game 4. While on offence, Jalen Brunson has proven why the Knicks got him from Dallas. He's averaging 24.3 pts in the series and comes off a ceiling of 29 in Game 4.
The Cavs have been disappointing in this series but they'll look to get back on track in Game 5 with their season on the line. It mainly starts with Donovan Mitchell as he has struggled to get going. Since his 38-point performance in Game 1, he's been held under 20 pts twice and scored just 11 pts in Game 4. But if he plays well on Thursday, they're a good chance.
The Under has been a great bet in this series and the trend should continue in a crucial Game 5 matchup. The Under is also 6-1 in the Cavs last 7 at home.
Stadium Record
Cleveland is 16-7 in their last 23 at home. New York has covered in 6 of their last 9 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Knicks lead the series 3-1 and hold a 6-4 record in the last 10.
Best Bet
Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies (Lakers 3-1)
The Lakers head to Memphis with momentum in this series after winning both games in Los Angeles. LeBron got them over the line in an OT thriller in Game 4, but it has been a team performance by LA at this stage. They also take a lot of confidence into Game 5 after beating the Grizz in Game 1 of this series at this venue.
The Grizzlies are facing a must-win game at home on Thursday after a tough stretch in Los Angeles. But there are positives as Ja Morant has returned from a hand injury. He couldn't replicate his epic Game 3 performance in Game 4 but they'll need something similar in this one. Desmond Bane also comes off scoring 36 pts, his highest total of the series.
The Under also looks like a safe play in this matchup. The Under is 11-1 when the Grizz host the Lakers at home and they kept them to just 93 pts in Game 2.
Stadium Record
Memphis has won 15 of their last 17 at home. Los Angeles holds a poor 1-4 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The head-to-head is tied at 5-5 since 2021 but the Lakers are 3-1 in the series.
Best Bet
Miami Heat at Milwaukee Bucks (Heat 3-1)
The Heat were led by Jimmy Butler in a famous playoff performance in the Game 4, 119-114 result. Jimmy Buckets finished with a massive 56-point haul and he shot 19 of 28 field goals. There's no reason to see him slowing down his usage in this offence as the likes of Herro and Oladipo are out. So he's always a good target to get 30+ pts at the moment.
The Bucks are in trouble now after falling behind 3-1 in the series. They conceded 41 pts in the last quarter of Game 4 and they'll need to find a gameplan against Butler. But they did get Giannis back onto the court and he comes off a triple-double with 26 pts, 10 boards and 13 assists. So he'll be the key if the Bucks get back in this series.
Game 2 in this series totalled 260 pts and that was without Giannis. So I like the Over in this one. The Over is also 5-0 in the last 5 meetings at this venue.
Stadium Record
Milwaukee are 17-5 in their last 22 at home. Miami has lost 8 of their last 9 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Heat are 6-4 in the last 10 and lead the series 3-1.
Best Bet
Golden State Warriors at Sacramento Kings (Tied 2-2)
The Warriors won both games on their home court in this series and have the momentum at the moment. They beat the Kings in a thrilling Game 4 result 126-125. Steph Curry was hot in both games as he finished with 30+. However, winning away from San Fran has been an issue all season for the Warriors. So they'll need to find a way in Game 5.
The Kings couldn't steal a win in Game 3 or Game 4 so this is a crucial home game on Thursday. They have won both games on their home court in this series but a finger injury to De'Aaron Fox is the talking point. He fractured his finger in Game 4 and will likely play through it. But how it impacts his shooting will be the question. He's averaging 31.5 points in the series so the Kings will be hoping that continues despite the injury.
The injury to Fox looks like a huge blow for the Kings and that should result in a fairly low-scoring game. The Under has also saluted in 6 of their last 8 and it's 13-6 when they host the Warriors.
Stadium Record
Sacramento are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 at home. Golden State has only covered in 3 of their last 10 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Warriors have dominated the head-to-head with 7 wins in the last 10.
Best Bet
