NBA Tips for Tuesday, May 19th 2026

We have NBA picks and predictions for Tuesday, May 19th, which features Game 1 between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals.

Our picks include a best bet and NBA same game multi, and we’re looking forward to the NBA action this week.

Spurs vs. Thunder Best Bet

Spurs +6.5 @ $1.90

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The Spurs had a good record against the Thunder in the regular season, and they could turn up in Game 1 with a statement to make.

They come off a tough series against the Timberwolves, but the Thunder could be rusty after having many days off following their series win over the Lakers. We give the advantage to the Spurs, who are fine-tuned for this game.

We don’t think the Thunder have any way of stopping Victor Wembanyama. He is a dominant force inside and outside of the paint, and he doesn’t get into foul trouble, so punters should expect him to play long minutes.

We’re not discounting OKC as a winning chance. They are the favourites for a reason, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was crowned MVP for the second straight year on Monday. He will be tough to slow down, but the Spurs are a deep team with many scorers who can keep up with the Thunder.

It’s played in Oklahoma City, but given the +6.5 line, the Spurs are a good play. We expect a close game, which could come down to the final two minutes. If Game 1 was played in San Antonio, the Spurs would be favourites, so punters get a value line based on the Spurs playing on the road.

Spurs vs. Thunder SGM

Spurs +6.5, Victor Wembanyama Over 24.5 Points, Stephon Castle Over 16.5 Points, Over 219.5 Points @ $8.50

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Bookmakers have the lines for Wembanyama and Stephon Castle lower than expected, so we’re jumping on them. Wemby can score whenever he wants, and he will only score under 24.5 points if he plays unselfish basketball.

We have the French superstar getting his shots early in the game and will go about his business to cover the line with ease.

Castle had 32 points in Game 6 against the Timberwolves, and he has emerged as a superstar this year. He has had over 16.5 points in four of his last five games, so the 16.5-point line is lower than expected. We had him at 20.5 points, so include him in NBA same game multi bets.

They combined for 222 points in their most recent meeting, and although playoff games are played harder on defence, there are plenty of points in these teams. We expect most of the money to come for the over, which could see the line move on game day.

Editor In Chief

Daryl Curnow

After graduating from the University of Auckland (BA - English), Daryl was thrown into the world of sports and horse racing journalism.

Having worked as a racing journalist for two years, he decided to move into the online world of horse racing and sports writing. After years of honing his craft, Daryl became a professional punter in 2009 - with a focus on horse racing, NRL, AFL, NBA, Rugby, NFL, and US college sports.

Daryl's tips have been featured on various websites around the world before joining the GoBet team. When he's not working, Daryl tries to avoid making bogeys on the golf course.