NBA Tips for Friday, May 8th 2026

We have NBA picks and predictions for Friday, May 8th, which features the Cavaliers vs. Pistons and Lakers vs. Thunder.

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

Cavaliers vs. Pistons Best Bet

Pistons –3.5 @ $1.90

We cashed with the Pistons –3.5 in Game 1, and we see no reason to jump off their backs on Friday.

They dominated the Cavaliers for the most part, and although the score got close at one stage in the fourth quarter, Cade Cunningham came back on the court for the Pistons and showed why he’s a premier player.

We would prefer to back Cleveland when they head back home, but the Pistons should take a 2-0 lead in the series, and we have them winning by around eight points. The line is generous for Pistons’ backers, and they could fire on all cylinders in Game 2.

Cavaliers vs. Pistons SGM

Pistons –3.5, Cade Cunningham Over 27.5 Points, Jalen Duren Over 11.5 Rebounds, Over 215.5 Points @ $8.00

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Cunningham had 23 points in Game 1, and although the line is set in the high range at 27.5 points, we have him scoring over 30 points. He could take control of the game, and we’d love to see him be more selfish on the offensive front.

Jalen Duren is a beast on the boards. He had 12 in the first game, which followed a 15-board game. He’s an excellent NBA SGM pick at the current line.

They combined for 212 points on Wednesday, but punters should expect a higher scoring game, so include the over.

Lakers. Thunder Best Bet

Thunder –16.5 @ $1.90

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Despite some good moments for the Lakers in Game 1, they were handsomely beaten by the Thunder 108-90, and we don’t see much changing for Game 2.

The Thunder have too much depth for LeBron James and the Lakers to handle, and we have a feeling Austin Reaves might have been rushed back too quickly for the playoffs. He had a shocking shooting night in the opening game, and if he struggles, James won’t be able to do everything himself.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had only 18 points on Wednesday, and they won by 18 points, so we expect the Thunder to win and cover the –16.5 spread in another rout.

Lakers vs. Thunder SGM

Thunder –16.5, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 28.5 Points, Austin Reaves Under 18.5 Points, Over 209.5 Points @ $8.50

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We expect a much bigger scoring night from Gilgeous-Alexander, who was limited to 18 points. He didn’t need to score more in Game 1, but the current MVP should want to make a statement with a big scoring night.

Reaves struggled with his shot earlier this week, and his struggles could continue. He doesn’t look fully fit, and the line is at only 18.5 points for a reason. Include under 18.5 points in NBA SGM picks.

It should go over the 209.5-point total, so include it in picks to boost payouts.

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.