The NBA Conference Finals are officially set, featuring an exciting matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference, while the New York Knicks will take on the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference. Following a thrilling semifinals where top teams like the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, and Denver Nuggets faced unexpected exits, fans are eager to see what unfolds in these high-stakes series.
In this article, we’ll break down the anticipated matchups and highlight some of the best bets recommended by NBA betting experts, including Andre Snellings, Eric Moody, Eric Karabell, Jim McCormick, and Steve Alexander. Please note that all odds are current as of publication, and for the latest updates, visit ESPN BET.
The Thunder and Timberwolves are poised for a competitive series, and experts have shared their favorite bets:
Andre Snellings believes that this series is a toss-up, with a potential advantage leaning towards the Timberwolves. He advocates for taking the Timberwolves at +1.5 games for plus money, especially considering their strong performance post-trade of Karl-Anthony Towns. Since March 1, the Timberwolves have dominated with a 25-6 record, closely trailing the Thunder’s impressive 28-6. With both teams splitting the season series 2-2 over the last two years, this bet presents significant value.
Eric Karabell suggests betting on the series total games to be under 5.5. He points out that the Thunder's scoring ability and their defensive strategies against Anthony Edwards could lead to a swift victory, reminiscent of the previous season when the Mavericks quickly dispatched the Timberwolves.
Jim McCormick recommends an exact series prediction, anticipating the Thunder will lead 2-1 after the first three games. He notes that while the Thunder’s regular-season dominance doesn't guarantee playoff success, adjustments in early games could shift the series dynamics. He expects the Timberwolves to capture at least one of the first three contests.
Steve Alexander believes the series will conclude in five games, giving the Timberwolves a fighting chance. He notes the Thunder has yet to showcase their full potential but expects a strong performance against Minnesota, making this a compelling bet for those seeking a higher reward.
Eric Moody emphasizes the Thunder’s elite defense, spearheaded by Luguentz Dort and Alex Caruso, which will pose challenges for the Timberwolves' scoring. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander being the standout player of the series and other key players contributing, Moody predicts a six-game series victory for the Thunder.
As the Knicks face off against the Pacers, here are the expert favorites for this Eastern Conference showdown:
Snellings recommends the Pacers at +1.5 games, highlighting their impressive 8-2 playoff record. The Pacers have proven to be the strongest team in the Eastern Conference and have maintained a winning percentage of over 70% throughout the 2025 season.
Steve Alexander anticipates a classic rivalry series that will extend to seven games. Both teams have storied playoff histories against each other, and with the Knicks having home-court advantage, the stakes are high.
Eric Moody argues that the Knicks possess the physicality and playoff experience to edge out the Pacers. With a healthy Mitchell Robinson dominating the boards and Jalen Brunson leading the scoring, Moody believes the Knicks’ grit will be the key to their success in a tightly contested series.
Jim McCormick adds to the excitement by suggesting that the series will most likely extend to the full seven games, reflecting the uncertainty and competitiveness that both teams bring to the court.
As the NBA Conference Finals unfold, here are some intriguing prop bets to consider:
Eric Karabell believes Jalen Brunson will have to step up his scoring to secure victories for the Knicks, making this prop bet a reasonable expectation.
Steve Alexander sees value in betting on Josh Hart as a strong rebounding guard, potentially outpacing even Karl-Anthony Towns in the series.
Jim McCormick believes that with the fast pace of the series, Brunson could reach new scoring heights, making this a thrilling bet for fans looking for excitement.
With these expert insights and prop bets, fans and bettors alike can look forward to an exhilarating NBA Conference Finals. Stay tuned for what promises to be a memorable postseason!
