Back
NBA Playoffs: Betting Insights Saturday 10th May
Minnesota's defensive adjustments in Game 2 disrupted the Warriors' offensive flow. Jaden McDaniels' perimeter defense and the team's overall intensity stifled Golden State's shooters. Offensively, the Timberwolves exploited mismatches, with Randle and Edwards attacking the paint and creating open looks. The Warriors, without Curry, struggled to generate consistent offense, highlighting the need for others to step up in his absence.
by Malachi
BOSTON CELTICS @ NEW YORK KNICKS
Player News
Out: S. Hauser
Questionable: N/a
Market
Opening: -4 BOS / 210.5
Current: -5.5 BOS / 206.5
Analysis
The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks continue their Eastern Conference Semifinals series today at Madison Square Garden, with the Knicks leading 2–0. Despite being the lower seed, New York has secured two consecutive comeback victories in Boston, putting the defending champions in a precarious position.
In Game 1, the Knicks overcame a 20-point deficit to win 108–105 in overtime, highlighted by Mikal Bridges' crucial steal in the closing seconds. Game 2 mirrored this resilience, with New York rallying from another 20-point hole to edge the Celtics 91–90, again sealed by Bridges' late-game defensive heroics. Boston's struggles, particularly in three-point shooting, have been evident, hitting just 25% in Game 1 and 10-for-40 in Game 2.
The Knicks' defensive strategy has effectively neutralized Boston's offensive weapons. Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson have anchored a defense that has stifled Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, forcing the Celtics into low-percentage shots. Offensively, New York has benefited from balanced scoring, with Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns providing consistent contributions. Boston, on the other hand, has struggled to find rhythm, with Tatum shooting 5-for-19 in Game 2 and the team failing to execute in clutch moments.
New York's ability to capitalize on Boston's turnovers and their own efficient shooting has been pivotal. The Knicks have demonstrated composure under pressure, winning six tight postseason games, and are now poised to take a commanding 3–0 series lead. Boston must address their shooting woes and defensive lapses to avoid a potential sweep.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES @ GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Player News
Out: S. Curry
Questionable: R. Dillingham
Market
Opening: -5 MIN / 200.5
Current: -5.5 MIN / 201
Analysis
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors are tied 1–1 as their Western Conference Semifinals series shifts to the Chase Center in San Francisco. With Stephen Curry sidelined due to a hamstring injury, the Warriors face a challenging task against a rejuvenated Timberwolves squad.
Golden State secured a 99–88 victory in Game 1, despite Curry's early exit, thanks to contributions from Jimmy Butler and Buddy Hield. However, Minnesota responded emphatically in Game 2, dominating the Warriors 117–93, led by Julius Randle's 24 points and Anthony Edwards' 20-point performance. The Timberwolves' defense limited the Warriors to 93 points, exposing Golden State's reliance on Curry.
Minnesota's defensive adjustments in Game 2 disrupted the Warriors' offensive flow. Jaden McDaniels' perimeter defense and the team's overall intensity stifled Golden State's shooters. Offensively, the Timberwolves exploited mismatches, with Randle and Edwards attacking the paint and creating open looks. The Warriors, without Curry, struggled to generate consistent offense, highlighting the need for others to step up in his absence.
The Timberwolves' balanced scoring and defensive prowess give them an edge as the series progresses. Golden State's home-court advantage may provide a boost, but without Curry, they must find alternative scoring options to keep pace. Minnesota's momentum from Game 2 positions them favorably heading into Game 3.