The NBA Conference Semi-finals ignite this Tuesday with two fascinating Game 1 matchups. We kick off at Madison Square Garden at 10:00am AEST as the Knicks host the 76ers, before heading to San Antonio at 11:30am AEST for a clash between the Spurs and Timberwolves. Here is how we see these openers playing out.
NBA Playoffs Betting Tips: Tuesday, May 5th 2026
Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks (10:00am AEST)
This series is being hailed as the real Eastern Conference Finals. The New York Knicks enter as 5.5 point favourites after a historic first round finish where they blew out the Hawks by 51 points. That victory was the largest playoff margin in franchise history and served notice to the rest of the league. New York has found a rhythm with Karl-Anthony Towns acting as a critical floor spacer and secondary facilitator, while Jalen Brunson remains the engine of the offence.
The Philadelphia 76ers arrive with immense momentum but questionable legs. They just overcame a 3-1 deficit to stun the 2-seed Celtics in seven games. However, Joel Embiid is officially listed as probable with a right hip contusion suffered in that Game 7. While the “Big Three” of Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey are finally clicking, the quick turnaround and the physical toll of a seven game series favour the rested Knicks at The Mecca.
Knicks -5.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Minnesota Timberwolves at San Antonio Spurs (11:30am AEST)
The San Antonio Spurs open this series as massive 14.5 point favourites, a line driven largely by Minnesota's devastating injury report. San Antonio breezed through the first round in five games, led by Victor Wembanyama, who has been a defensive titan in his first full post-season run. The Spurs' length has been suffocating, holding opponents to dismal shooting numbers when Wembanyama is on the floor.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are battle-tested after upsetting the defending champion Nuggets in six games, but they are limping into the second round. Donte DiVincenzo is out with a torn Achilles, while superstar Anthony Edwards appears unlikely to suit up in Game 1. Furthermore, key contributor Ayo Dosunmu is currently a game time decision with a calf strain. Without their full backcourt rotation to navigate the Spurs' elite rim protection, Minnesota faces an uphill battle to keep this within the double digit spread.
Spurs -14.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
