NBA Picks, Predictions: Our ‘Buckets’ Best Bets for Knicks vs. Pacers & Nuggets vs. Timberwolves (May 14)
David Berding/Getty Images. Pictured: Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards.
We have another two NBA Playoffs games to buckle up for on Tuesday night.
First, the Indiana Pacers head back to Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Knicks after evening the series at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in the Circle City.
Then, the Denver Nuggets return to the Mile High City in an attempt to defend their home court against the Minnesota Timberwolves for the first time this series.
Our "Buckets" crew came through with four best bets for tonight's games, including three plays on a total and one first-quarter moneyline bet.
Check out the full episode of "Buckets" below, and continue reading for all four of our NBA best bets for Tuesday.
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
| 8 p.m. | Knicks 1Q ML | |
| 8 p.m. | Under 217 | |
| 8 p.m. | Over 216.5 | |
| 10:30 p.m. | Under 206 |
Knicks 1Q ML vs. Pacers
8:00 p.m. ET ⋅ TNT
By Jay Money
I think the Knicks come out here with much better energy.
This is a simple "Bounce-Back Jay Spot" here after two straight losses in Indy. After a 32-point loss the last time out, I expect New York to flip the script here.
We know the Knicks should win this series, but they're dropping bodies and have lost OG Anunoby for the foreseeable future.
If they lose this game, I think this series is over. I expect the starters to play nearly the entire first quarter, and with some desperation, they should come out firing.
Under 217
8 p.m. ET ⋅ TNT
I think the Knicks will try to minimize possessions here.
I like the under more than the Knicks because I think they'll be able to slow this game down. The Knicks' starters only played half of Game 4, which is the fewest minutes any of those guys have played in weeks.
The Pacers want to get out and run. The Knicks will try to do the opposite and play this game at their pace in the half-court.
I think it's easier for the Knicks to slow this game down than to try and play at Indy's pace.
Over 216.5
8 p.m. ET ⋅ TNT
By Sean Little
The Knicks beat the Pacers in Games 1 and 2 playing their style.
They got out and ran with them and hit a lot of shots. I think this is the only way the Knicks can compete with the Pacers throughout this series without OG Anunoby.
They flat-out don't have enough people to clamp up on defense. Donte DiVincenzo, Jalen Brunson, Deuce McBride, etc. are going to have to put the ball in the basket.
I think the atmosphere in the Garden is going to make it tough on Indy once again. I think the home team gets favorable calls, which will lead to more free throws and more points.
Over 206
10:30 p.m. ET ⋅ TNT
I think the Timberwolves are already playing at their peak.
The difference here is that the Nuggets are now playing like the defending champions we expected. I think the Nuggets continue to win here in this spot and both these games will be ultra-competitive and tight.
I expect defense to prevail in both games tonight.
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