2024/25 NBA Playoffs May 13 Betting Predictions
The NBA playoffs are back on Tuesday with two massive Game 4 matchups. New York leads 2-1 after stealing Games 1 (108-105 OT) and 2 (91-90) in Boston, overcoming a 20-point deficit in both. But Boston bounced back in Game 3, winning 115-93 at MSG. The Timberwolves head into Game 4 against the Warriors with a 2-1 series lead, fresh off a gritty 102-97 victory at Chase Centre and there's no Curry for the home side.
Boston Celtics at New York Knicks (Game 4, NY leads series 2-1)
The Boston Celtics enter Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks, with renewed confidence after a commanding 115-93 victory in Game 3, looking to level the series at 2-2 at the raucous Madison Square Garden. Fresh off a 50% 3-point shooting performance (20/40) and a defensive masterclass that held the Knicks to 101.4 points per 100 possessions—15.9 below their season average—Boston aims to exploit New York’s interior struggles and Jalen Brunson’s heavy offensive load.
Jayson Tatum, averaging 33.5 points against the Knicks in the regular season, is primed for a bounce-back after a 29% series shooting clip, while Payton Pritchard’s bench spark (23 points, 5/10 3P in Game 3) adds firepower. Al Horford and Derrick White will be key in containing Karl-Anthony Towns, who battled a finger injury in Game 3, and Mikal Bridges’ defensive pressure.
Despite Kristaps Porzingis’ probable but limited status (illness), Boston’s top-5 defence and 17-3 road record in their last 20 games make them -6.5 spread favourites in what promises to be a high-intensity clash. Expect a tight contest, with Boston’s championship pedigree giving them the edge to push the series back to TD Garden all square.
The Knicks enter Game 4 against the Celtics holding a 2-1 series lead at Madison Square Garden, aiming to push their advantage to 3-1 after stunning 20-point comeback wins in Games 1 (108-105 OT) and 2 (91-90). Despite a 115-93 Game 3 loss, where they shot just 5/20 from three and were outrebounded 46-38, the Knicks rely on Jalen Brunson’s clutch scoring (27 points in Game 3) and Mikal Bridges’ elite defence to counter Boston’s 50% 3-point barrage.
With Karl-Anthony Towns battling a finger injury but expected to play, and the raucous MSG crowd fueling their 7-4 ATS record in recent games, New York looks to exploit Boston’s second-half lapses (seen in Games 1-2) and regain offensive rhythm in a must-win battle to maintain series control.
Stadium Record
New York are 1-5 in its last 6 games at home. Boston are 5-0 in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New York.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Celtics are 7-3.
Best Bet
I think Boston leverages their Game 3 blueprint — exploiting Brunson/Towns defensively and shooting 40%+ from 3 — to win, covering the -6.5 spread and tying the series 2-2.
Same Game Multi
Boston’s ability to exploit Brunson and Towns defensively (targeted often by Tatum and Brown) and their 50% 3P shooting in Game 3 suggest another strong performance. The series has leaned under, Boston’s defensive intensity (8 blocks, 6 steals in Game 3) and New York’s interior scoring struggles should keep the total down. Tatum’s volume (40 minutes, high shot attempts) and history vs. New York make 25+ pts a solid bet.
Celtics -6.5 / Under 209.5 pts / Tatum 25+ pts = $5.00
Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden State Warriors (Game 4, MIN leads series 2-1)
The Timberwolves (49-33, 4th in West) are proving they’re a force in the playoffs, taking a 2-1 lead over the Warriors with a 102-97 win in Game 4 at Chase Centre. Anthony Edwards was electric, pouring in 36 points (12/25 FG, 5/12 3P) with 4 assists and 4 rebounds, while Julius Randle delivered a monster triple-double (24 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds, 9/20 FG).
Minnesota’s size, led by Rudy Gobert’s rebounding and Jaden McDaniels’ defence, overwhelmed Golden State’s small-ball lineups, especially in the clutch fourth quarter (33-24). Despite 14 turnovers, their 42.4% FG and 34.3% 3P shooting, paired with a top-10 defence (holding Warriors to 97 points), kept them in control.
With a 2-1 series lead against Golden State and a knack for exploiting mismatches, the Timberwolves are primed to push for a commanding 3-1 lead in a hostile environment.
The Warriors (48-34, 7th in West) are on the ropes, trailing 2-1 after a 102-97 loss in Game 4 at home, where they fought hard but couldn’t overcome Stephen Curry’s absence (hamstring).
Jimmy Butler III led the charge with 33 points (12/22 FG, 4/8 3P), 7 assists, and 7 rebounds, while Jonathan Kuminga added 30 points (11/20 FG, estimated) and 6 rebounds, showing their athleticism against Minnesota’s bigs.
Golden State shot a decent 42.7% FG and 43.5% 3P (10/23), but their low 23 3-point attempts and 14 turnovers (leading to 15+ Timberwolves points) hurt them. Despite a 2-2 regular-season split with Minnesota, the Warriors’ reliance on Butler and Kuminga without Curry’s floor-spacing limited their offence. They’ll need to lean on their 41.0 rebounds per game and home crowd to avoid falling into a 3-1 hole.
Stadium Record
Golden State are just 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games at home. Minnesota are 4-1 in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State.
Head to Head Record
The Timberwolves are 4-3 in the last 7 meetings.
Best Bet
Minnesota’s Game 4 win (102-97) showed their ability to close out tight games, with Edwards (36 pts) and Randle (24-10-12) exploiting Golden State’s small lineups. The Timberwolves’ top-10 defence (98.7 pts allowed pre-game) and 8-2 record in recent games make them likely to cover, especially with Curry’s absence limiting Warriors’ 3-point volume (23 3PA in Game 4).
Minnesota Timberwolves -5.5 = $1.96
Same Game Multi
Minnesota’s 2-1 series lead and 107.7 pts/game pre-game, combined with Curry’s absence, favour them to win outright. Game 4’s 199 points, Minnesota’s defence (Warriors 97 pts), and low 3PA (Warriors 23) align with series trends (under hit in Games 1 and 4). Edwards’ 36 points in Game 4 (12/25 FG) and 23+ points in all series games make 28+ pts a lock, especially vs. Warriors’ depleted backcourt.
Timberwolves Win / Under 205.5 pts / Anthony Edwards Over 28.5 Points = $6.00
