Apr 10, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) passes the ball while Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome (2) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

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NBA Best Bets Today | Top Picks & Predictions for 05/04/2025

The NBA Playoffs are approaching the mid-way point, and the betting scene will take more twists and turns with each round. In this article, you can view the predictions related to spreads and player props for the May 04, 2025, action.

NBA Best Bets Today – 05/04/2025

Today is the double-header day. First, the Cleveland Cavaliers will host the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals Game 1. Cavs march into the series after a 4-0 hammering against the Miami Heat. Meanwhile, the Pacers dusted off the Milwaukee Bucks 4-1 in the opening round.

On the other hand, the Golden State Warriors will host the Houston Rockets in Game 7 of the First Round. This game will be a do-or-die for both teams after the Rockets snatched two matches in a row.

Go through your NBA best picks for 05/05/2025 on BetMGM.

Best NBA Bets for 05/03/2025

Bet #1: Player Assists: Tyrese Haliburton O 9.5 (-155 at BetMGM)

The Pacers’ elite guard accumulated just 7.5 assists per game in two games against the Cavaliers during the Regular Season. He was on fire against the Bucks in the first round, as he stacked up 11.6 APG, dishing 12 or more helpers in three of the five games.

I expect him to hover around the similar range and will probably go “over” the mark here.

Bet #2: Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors: Money Line: Warriors (+115 at BetMGM)

The Rockets have the edge entering the final game of the series. They won Game 6 by eight points and Game 5 by 16 points. Houston will return to their home floor for the deciding game, a place where they have won three games.

The Warriors are highly reliant on two players for offensive production, Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. Meanwhile, the Rockets are much deeper with multiple reliable scoring options.

It is one of the huge reasons why the series is tied despite their leading scorer Jalen Green averaging just 14.2 points per game (including a 36-point performance).

However, I see the veteran duo of Curry and Butler take over here and enable the Dubs to advance.

Bet #3: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers: Total O 229.5 (-110 at BetMGM)

The Pacers scored 117 or more points in four of the five games during the previous series. They allowed 115 or more in three of the five games.

Meanwhile, the Cavaliers scored 120+ in each of the four games against a terrific defense of the Miami Heat. Defensively, they held the Heat to 100 or fewer points in three of the four games.

Overall, I see a high-scoring series. If not, at least a high score in the series opener.

NBA Betting Trends to Know:

Fred Van Vleet has scored 25 points or more in three straight games. (O the points mark in four out of six games)
Tyrese Haliburton went “under” the points mark in three of the last five games.
The total in the Warriors-Rockets series has been “under” and “over” the mark on three occasions.

Final Picks Recap

Player Assists: Tyrese Haliburton O 9.5 (-155)
Money Line: Warriors: +115 (-110)
Cavs vs Pacers: Total O 229.5 (-120)

Betting Tips of the Day

Bookmakers are usually spot on about their projections. Some values can be here and there, but going against projections can often cost a lot. However, you have to take risks sometimes.

The home court advantage can be overestimated in many cases, and in such cases, look for patterns from the away team. Apart from that, the player props bets can have some obvious wagers as bookmakers tend to be a bit conservative in that regard towards the “over” mark.

Photo Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

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Shubham Singh

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Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!