The second round of the NBA Playoffs resumes with an excellent doubleheader on TNT this Tuesday. Game 2 of Pacers-Cavaliers takes center stage at 7:00 p.m. ET, followed by Game 1 of Warriors-Timberwolves at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Our staff of basketball betting experts dug into the latest odds and identified a pair of NBA picks for each of tonight's contests. Continue below for our NBA best bets and predictions for Tuesday, May 6.
NBA Playoffs Best Bets, Picks, Predictions: Tuesday, May 6
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 9:30 p.m. | |
| 7 p.m. | |
| 9:30 p.m. | |
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. | ||
Pacers vs. Cavaliers
The Cavaliers might have met their match against a Pacers team that could be coming of age before our eyes during the playoffs.
Just a season ago, the Pacers were simply known as speed merchants in the league, ranking second in pace, averaging 102.16 possessions per game.
However, the addition of Pascal Siakam has made them more sound in their halfcourt offense, and we’ve seen their defense improve dramatically, jumping from 24th in efficiency (117.6) to 13th (112.3) in this campaign. Moreover, Cleveland has a defensive rating that’s only 1.5 points better than Indiana’s.
There’s now a versatility about this Pacers team as they’re very comfortable playing an uptempo style or slowing the pace down. It’s worth noting that despite registering the fewest defeats (18)in the Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers went just 1-3 against the Pacers during the regular season.
The injury report could also prove costly for Cleveland with starters Darius Garland (toe) and Evan Mobley (ankle) both questionable, along with reserve player De’Andre Hunter (thumb).
Garland hasn’t featured since Game 2 of Cleveland’s first-round series against Miami, so even if he does play, there could be some signs of rust.
One also has to wonder if the Cavaliers are trying to rush him back following Sunday’s loss to Indiana because there are some reports that he’s still experiencing some swelling in that left toe.
Given the uncertainty and the injuries that are starting to pile up for the Cavs, I’ll gladly side with the Pacers in Game 2 as 9.5-point underdogs.
Pick: Pacers +9.5 (-115)
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Warriors vs. Timberwolves
By Joe Dellera
Naz Reid gets a matchup against an undersized Warriors team who is playing at a significant rest disadvantage for Game 1.
While Naz should still play off the bench, we have now seen proof of concept of bigger lineups having effectiveness against this Warriors team. The Rockets simply did not have the necessary offensive talent to punish them on that side of the ball, although the defense held up.
Naz Reid has averaged 22.2 PRA on the season with a 79% hit rate on this line, but he has seen a bit of a decline in the playoffs with 16.8 PRA, while hitting this line in 3/5 games.
He was a bit more of a liability against the Lakers with their ability to punish him defensively. Regardless, he still saw 20+ minutes in each game.
He’s been solid on this line against the Warriors as well. Hitting in 5 straight games with 20+ PRA in four of those five.
I expect the Wolves to reset and play a more typical rotation today after making a bunch of series specific adjustments in Round 1. So, I’ll back Naz tonight.
Pick: Naz Reid Over 16.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-130)
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Pacers vs. Cavaliers
Donovan Mitchell has gone over this line in three of five playoff games thus far.
It's worth noting that his only misses were in Games 3 and 4 last series, where there were two blowouts in Miami in which he didn't need to close.
