May 8, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) drives to the basket as Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) plays defense in the second half during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

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NBA Best Bets Today | Top Picks & Predictions for 05/12/2025

The NBA Conference Semi-Finals are becoming more unpredictable by the day. For the bettors, it brings both tension and excitement. What bets have the most potential to land? In this piece, you can access the predictions related to spreads and player props for the May 12, 2025, action.

NBA Best Bets Today – 05/12/2025

It is the double-header dazzling day again! In the first game, the New York Knicks will host the Boston Celtics during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Celtics won Game 3 by 20+ points, but the Knicks have a 2-1 edge in the series. Can the defending champs tie the series here?

On the other hand, the Golden State Warriors will host the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals. The Timberwolves earned a 5-point win in Game 3 as Anthony Edwards took over for 36 points. Can the Warriors tie the series without their ace, Stephen Curry?

Find your NBA best picks for 05/12/2025 on BetMGM and FanDuel.

Best NBA Bets for 05/12/2025

Bet #1: Player Points: Jimmy Butler O 26.5 points (-110 at BetMGM)

Jimmy Butler was quiet in Game 2 despite the absence of Stephen Curry. He took just 13 shots for 17 points, when he was expected to score over 25 or so. The Wolves’ defense has kept him to 20 points in Game 1 despite the early exit of Curry.

However, the stellar iso guard broke free in Game 3 with a 33-point masterpiece. He has found his vintage rhythm and can be a tough cover again. Thus, I will place “Over” on him, as bookmakers are also showing a lot of faith in him.

Bet #2: New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics: Spread: Knicks +5.5 (+105 at FanDuel)

The Knicks have trailed by 20+ or more in all three games of the series. They miraculously won the first two games, but the big deficits finally caught up to them in Game 3. They lost by 22 points and had trailed by 25+ points during the second half.

Doesn’t it spell doom for their chances in the series? I don’t think so. The Knicks have entered every game as an underdog, and that hasn’t changed at home. However, I see a shift in the tide, and in Game 4, I expect a close battle akin to Games 1 and 2. I see New York covering the spread.

Bet #3: Player Assists: Julius Randle O 6.5 (+110 at BetMGM)

The Timberwolves forward has saved his best for the postseason. He is one of the huge reasons why the Timberwolves have won 6 out of their 8 games in the playoffs thus far. Apart from being a strong scorer, his playmaking has been even more impressive.

The forward has dished 10+ assists in two straight games and had 6 helpers in Game 1. I see him dishing 8-11 assists in Game 4.

NBA Betting Trends to Know:

The total has been “Under” in five of the last nine Knicks-based games.
The Warriors have covered the spread in three of the last four games..
Three of the last four Warriors-based games have hit the “Under” mark..

Final Picks Recap

Points: Jimmy Butler O 26.5 (-110)
Knicks vs Celtics: Spread: Knicks +5.5 (+105)
Julius Randle: Assists O 6.5 (+110)

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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: Jesse Johnson-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!