We are already nearing the end of the NBA Playoffs, as only four teams are standing right now. Throughout the rest of the postseason, Jonathan Von Tobel will continue to provide you with his exceptional coverage of the greatest league in the world. Just click here for all of his content. However, all of my picks will be featured in this daily column, which will combine my NBA best bets and NBA player props. So, keep reading to find out how I’m playing the Western Conference Finals game on Sunday, May 26th. Also, check out our NBA Playoffs Betting Hub for all of our series previews and additional postseason content.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have on May 26
NBA Best Bets Today – May 26
Minnesota Timberwolves at Dallas Mavericks – 8:00 pm ET
While the first two games in this series went Over the total, I’m still willing to jump on the Under in Game 3. Realistically, these two teams were scorching hot in the first half of Game 1, but the game turned into a slugfest in the second half. And while Game 2 was a pretty easy Over, I just can’t shake the fact that these are two teams that play elite defense on one end and a slow, half-court game on the other. Sure, there are moments in which the teams speed up a little — especially the Mavericks — as both groups have some highly talented offensive players. But these are two teams that mostly want to play low-scoring games and then lean on their stars late. I think that will manifest itself in Game 3 and then we’ll see a few more Unders the rest of the way.
The Under is also 21-9 in games Dallas has played with a line of +3 to -3 this season. On top of that, the Under is 15-7 when Minnesota is coming off back-to-back Overs this year. And the Timberwolves held opponents to 101.5 points per game in those contests. So, don’t be surprised if we see a much better defensive effort from Minnesota here. After all, the Timberwolves are going to need to throw their best punch in Game 3, as no team in NBA history has won a series after trailing 3-0 in a series. And Minnesota’s best punch will need to come in the form of a historically good defense playing one of its best defensive games of the year.
Bet: Under 208 (-110)
NBA Player Props Today – May 26
Minnesota Timberwolves at Dallas Mavericks – 8:00 pm ET
Rudy Gobert has been tremendous throughout the course of these playoffs, but a few bad moments have made him the punchline of every joke. Well, I’m expecting him to play another good game for the Timberwolves in Game 3, and I’d be surprised if he doesn’t chip in some “stocks.” Gobert has had at least three total steals and blocks in both of the games these teams have played in this series. And I don’t see any reason he can’t do it again in Game 3, and I love that the odds are more favorable than they were when I took this in Game 1. I know this series is now heading to Dallas, but defense travels a lot easier than offense. So, Gobert should find a way to bring it.
Bet: Gobert Over 2.5 Blocks + Steals (-122)
2023-24 Record: 381-412-3 (+12.68 units)
