The conference round of the NBA Playoffs resumes with one standalone matchup on Saturday night, as Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Timberwolves and Thunder takes center stage at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Our staff of basketball betting experts dug into the latest odds and identified 5 NBA picks for tonight's contest. Continue below for our NBA best bets and predictions for Saturday, May 24.
NBA Playoffs Best Bets, Picks, Predictions: Saturday, May 24
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Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Thunder vs. Timberwolves
By Joe Dellera
Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been solid for the Wolves this series, contributing meaningful minutes on both sides of the floor.
His length and athleticism are allowing him to stay on the floor to combat OKC’s positional size and strength on the wings.
NAW has scored 8 and 17 points against OKC this series, with 11 points in Game 2 coming in the fourth quarter push by Minnesota.
He’s also played 27 and 25 minutes in these two games compared to the 19.3 he’s averaging throughout the postseason. They need him on the floor.
He has exceeded this mark in every game against the Thunder this season, averaging 14.3 points per game in this spot.
Pick: Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 7.5 Points (-120)
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Thunder vs. Timberwolves
By Alex Hinton
Jalen Williams received 3rd-Team All-NBA honors, the first selection of his career.
In the regular season, Willams averaged 5.3 rebounds per game and he has upped that average to an even six per game in the playoffs.
Six rebounds tonight would clear this line, he has comfortably been over this line of late.
Over his last five games, he is averaging 7.8 rebounds per game. He has cleared this line in four of those games and had five in the other. That includes eight and 10 rebounds in the first two games of this series.
Williams has had 10 potential rebounds in four of his last five games, averaging 13.2 in that span. Minnesota has helped by shooting 38% from the field.
The Wolves will look to play a spirited game tonight to avoid going down 0-3. However, they still have to deal with an elite Oklahoma City defense.
Another stifling defensive performance will open up rebound opportunities for Williams in Game 2. I like him for six rebounds tonight, but he has also had eight or more in three of his last five games.
You can also take him to record 8+ rebounds at +230 on Fanatics.
Pick: Jalen Williams Over 5.5 Rebounds (-125)
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Thunder vs. Timberwolves
We're back with the same prop I've been recommending for OKC most of the playoffs, and for the third straight time this series.
It's boring, but the results are the results.
Williams has gone over 10.5 RA in 10 of 13 games in these playoffs.
I'm also ok with this play at 11.5 if you can't get a 10.5.
He's gone over 11.5 RA just five times in these playoffs, however, he's done it five times in a row leading up to tonight.
The hit rate is there and the matchup is there.
Pick: Jalen Williams Over 10.5 Rebounds + Assists (-140)
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Thunder vs. Timberwolves
Randle headed into this series as Minnesota's top distributor in the playoffs, averaging 5.9 assists on 10.3 potential assists. He had posted 44.2 passes per game through 10 playoff games.
However, the Thunder quickly put a stop to it in the Conference Finals.
Randle has averaged just 3 assists on 6.5 potential assists and 35.5 passes this round. Anthony Edwards has far exceeded Randle as a passer, with 4.5 assists on 10 potential assists and 55 passes per game.
Minnesota has shot terribly in the series, which certainly hasn't helped their assist numbers, but the opportunities haven't been there for Randle.
Even in his 5-assist Game 2, he only recorded 31 passes and 3 potential assists.
We can ignore the tracking inconsistencies and give him 5 potential assists, but that's still well behind his production in the first two rounds.
Pick: Julius Randle Under 5.5 Assists (-145)
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Thunder vs. Timberwolves
By Joe Dellera
Jalen Williams has been excellent for the Thunder throughout the playoffs, but especially in this series.
