NBA Playoffs Betting Tips 2024-25: Conference Finals Game 1s

The Western Conference Finals tip off on Wednesday morning as the Oklahoma City Thunder host the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1. The Thunder enter as 7.5-point favorites, and there's good reason to believe they'll cover that spread.

Oklahoma City is fresh off a grueling seven-game battle against the Nuggets, a series that undoubtedly honed their playoff mettle. This stands in stark contrast to the Timberwolves' relatively easier path, dispatching the Warriors in five games, with Stephen Curry missing crucial contests. While rest could be a factor, the Thunder's recent intense competition should have them sharp and focused from the opening whistle.

In their decisive Game 7 victory over the Nuggets, the Thunder were propelled by standout performances. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a masterful 35-point effort on efficient shooting, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations. Equally crucial was Jalen Williams' breakout performance, as he emerged from a relative slump in the series to pour in 24 points and contribute seven assists. This offensive resurgence from Williams provided a vital secondary scoring punch that the Thunder will look to carry into this series.

Furthermore, the Thunder have a compelling home record with a rest disadvantage, winning their last seven games in such situations. This speaks to their resilience and ability to perform under pressure on their home court. Expect the Thunder to come out with high energy, feeding off the home crowd, and leveraging their experience from a tough second-round series. They should be the sharper, more battle-tested team and are well-positioned to cover the -7.5 spread in Game 1.

The Eastern Conference Finals are set to ignite on Thursday as the New York Knicks host the Indiana Pacers in Game 1, with the Knicks favored by 4.5 points. All signs point to New York covering that spread in a crucial opening statement.

The Knicks have been a battle-tested squad throughout the playoffs, navigating tough series with grit and a resilient mindset. Madison Square Garden is a formidable fortress, and the Knicks boast a strong home record. In their recent head-to-head matchups this season, the Knicks have won two of the three contests, including a dominant 123-98 victory at MSG in October. While the Pacers did snag a win in November, a 132-121 victory, the Knicks responded in February with a 128-115 road win, showcasing their ability to adapt and overcome.

Leading the charge for New York is newly crowned NBA Clutch Player of the Year, Jalen Brunson. Brunson earned this prestigious award by consistently delivering in high-pressure moments, leading the league in clutch points per game and clutch field goals made. His ability to take over when games are on the line was on full display in the Knicks' hard-fought series win over the Celtics, where he repeatedly made crucial plays in the fourth quarter to close out games. Expect Brunson to set the tone early and often.

Indiana, while offensively dynamic, tends to play at a faster pace, which could play into the Knicks' hands. New York thrives on creating turnovers and turning them into transition opportunities, even if their primary offensive strategy isn't always a fast break. The Pacers' road record (21-20 in the regular season) and ATS record as an away underdog (16-10) are respectable, but facing a fully engaged Knicks team at home, with Brunson dictating the tempo and a raucous Garden crowd, is a different beast. Expect a physical, hard-fought contest, but the Knicks' playoff experience, defensive intensity, and home-court advantage should see them pull away and cover the 4.5-point spread in Game 1.