The NBA Conference Finals tipoff on Wednesday and Thursday, and we have NBA expert tips and predictions available for the all-important opening games.
The Timberwolves vs. Thunder gets action started on Wednesday before the Pacers vs. Knicks headline on Thursday afternoon.
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NBA Conference Finals Game 1 Tips
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The Thunder might have taken seven games to get past the Denver Nuggets, but that is a good sign for their chances against Minnesota, who aren’t quite as deep as the Nuggets.
NBA odds have the Thunder at –7.5 to take Game 1 at home, and if Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is anywhere near his best, he should have enough in the tank to lead his team to win and cover the spread. He dropped 35 points in Game 7 against the Nuggets, and he’s making his claim to be league MVP.
The Timberwolves have a good team, including Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle. However, it’s tough to know what Randle will produce game-to-game, and starting centre Rudy Gobert is going through a tough stretch.
If Gobert isn’t playing to his usual standard, Chet Holmgren could have a field day in the paint. The Timberwolves need Gobert to block shots and rebound, but the Frenchman didn’t do much in the series against Golden State.
Therefore, we’re confident in the Thunder –7.5. They should make a statement in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
Thunder by 12
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The Pacers and Knicks look evenly matched, but the Knicks could have an edge after getting past the Boston Celtics.
They got through the defending champions without too much fuss, and although there were some signs of distress, Jalen Brunson stepped up to the plate and led the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals. He’s an important player, and although the Knicks have Karl-Anthony Towns, it’s Brunson who runs the offence.
It was hard not to be impressed by the Pacers’ win over Cleveland. They won the series in five games against a team that had the best record in the East, and although they went 1-2 against the Knicks in the regular season, they’ll be confident of stealing Game 1 on the road.
However, whilst the Pacers are an energetic team with momentum, they don’t match up well against New York. They were beaten 128-115 at home in their most recent meeting, and the Knicks could have too much depth for the Pacers.
There is some trepidation with the Knicks at –4.5, but it’s a good line from bookmakers, and they’re worth including in NBA multis. The Knicks know how important home court advantage is, so expect a tough effort in front of a sold-out crowd at Madison Square Garden.
Knicks by 7
