The NBA Conference Finals matchups are confirmed, setting the stage for intense battles. In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder face the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the Eastern Conference features the New York Knicks taking on the Indiana Pacers.
Following a semifinal round that saw prominent teams like Boston, Cleveland, Golden State, and Denver eliminated, what should bettors anticipate in these upcoming series? And which wagers offer the most value?
NBA betting analysts Andre Snellings, Eric Moody, Eric Karabell, Jim McCormick, and Steve Alexander share their top betting picks for each series.
Note: Odds are accurate as of publication. For the latest odds, please check relevant betting platforms.
Favorite Bets for the Series
Timberwolves +1.5 games (+140). I approach this series feeling it`s at least a coin flip and potentially a clear advantage for the Timberwolves. Therefore, getting Minnesota plus 1.5 games at plus money (+140) offers great value. The Timberwolves had a slower start after trading Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo but hit their stride. Since March 1, including the playoffs, they hold a 25-6 record, nearly matching the Thunder (28-6) for the league`s best over that span. The teams have split their regular-season series 2-2 in each of the last two years, highlighting their evenness. Minnesota receiving both games and plus money makes this a strong play. — Andre Snellings
NBA Championship Odds
| Oklahoma City Thunder | -180 |
| New York Knicks | +475 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | +650 |
| Indiana Pacers | +700 |
| Odds courtesy of ESPN BET | |
Series Total games under 5.5 (+115). Many were surprised when the Mavericks quickly defeated the Timberwolves last season en route to the NBA Finals, winning in five games. While the Thunder`s previous series wasn`t a sweep, this matchup is different. Oklahoma City`s offense can score, and their defense will challenge Anthony Edwards effectively. Consider betting on the Thunder replicating Dallas`s performance from last season, resulting in a quick series win. — Eric Karabell
Exact Series Total games: Thunder up 2-1 after three games (+110). Predicting the exact outcome after three games with plus odds represents threading the needle. Based on the overall series odds, a 4-1 series favoring the Thunder is the expected outcome. Does that sound familiar? It`s because that was the context heading into the Denver series too. This isn`t to disrespect the impressive Oklahoma City team, but rather a recognition that regular-season dominance doesn`t always directly translate to playoff results. While I don`t expect an upset in the series, I do anticipate the initial games to involve adjustments and new strategies. I believe the Timberwolves will win one of the first three games. — Jim McCormick
Exact Series Total 5 games (+220). Minnesota advanced past a Lakers team with minimal defense (outside of LeBron James) and a Warriors team missing Stephen Curry. The Thunder haven`t consistently shown their full potential this postseason, but I think that changes against Minnesota. If you`re looking for a long shot, a sweep at +450 is appealing, but giving the Wolves at least one game seems safer. We should get a clear idea of whether this is a favorable matchup for the Wolves early in Game 1. — Steve Alexander
OKC Thunder 4-2 (+425). The Thunder`s elite defense, anchored by Luguentz Dort and Alex Caruso, will make scoring difficult for the Timberwolves on every possession. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the best player in the series, and Oklahoma City`s depth, combined with the experience gained from a tough second-round battle with the Denver Nuggets, gives them an advantage. Chet Holmgren`s rim protection and his connection to his hometown could be the deciding factor. I predict Thunder in six games. — Eric Moody
Favorite Prop Bets
Julius Randle most total points in the series (+1800). Randle recently scored 29 and 31 points in consecutive playoff games and has reached at least 24 points in his last four. The Thunder will likely prioritize containing Edwards but might allow Randle to take shots freely. If this happens, the potential payout at +1800 is very attractive, especially given his current hot streak. — Steve Alexander
250 or more total points in any game this series (+300). Betting on high scoring is enjoyable. Winning is even better, which is why betting the under is often a savvy move. That said, it feels likely that at least one game, which is all it takes for this bet, will turn into an offensive showcase. A game heading into overtime or simply featuring relentless, wide-open transition play that drives the score to unusually high levels is all that`s needed. It`s priced at three-to-one for a reason, but it`s also a fun bet to root for. — Jim McCormick
Chet Holmgren most total rebounds in the series (+275). Holmgren was dominant on the boards against the Nuggets, a dynamic that could mirror this round: Isaiah Hartenstein will battle the opponent`s primary big center (Rudy Gobert), while Holmgren crashes the glass against the opponent`s shorter power forward (Randle). Holmgren averaged 11.7 rebounds per game over the final six games against the Nuggets, and maintaining a similar pace against the Timberwolves would give him a legitimate chance to win this prop at solid plus-money odds. — Andre Snellings
New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers
Favorite Bets for the Series
Pacers +1.5 games (-175). The Pacers have arguably been the top team in the Eastern Conference during the playoffs, with an 8-2 record against strong opponents in the Cavaliers and Bucks. However, they`ve been playing excellent basketball for even longer. Indiana was one of only four NBA teams (along with the Thunder, Celtics, and Cavaliers) to win over 70% of their games in calendar year 2025, finishing the stretch 34-14. Their playing style is highly effective, featuring numerous shooters and versatile defenders capable of succeeding in both fast-paced and half-court environments. The Knicks won two of three regular-season games against Indiana and are also performing well in the playoffs, but in my view, the Pacers are at least co-favorites and offer significant value with the added 1.5 games. — Andre Snellings
Exact Series Total 7 games (+175). This matchup is a classic rivalry with a long history that is very closely balanced in playoff outcomes. I have a strong feeling this will be a series for the ages, going the full seven games. Honestly, many of us would be disappointed if it didn`t. The Knicks have the advantage of home court, but the Pacers have never been intimidated by playing at Madison Square Garden. — Steve Alexander
Knicks win series 4-3 (+350). The Knicks hold the edge in physicality, rebounding, and playoff-tested resilience. With Mitchell Robinson healthy and dominating the boards, New York can control possessions and generate valuable second-chance points. Jalen Brunson is the best player in the series, and versatile defenders like Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby possess the talent to disrupt the Pacers` key players. While Indiana has considerable depth, the Knicks` offensive firepower and defensive capabilities give them the edge. The Knicks` toughness, rebounding prowess, and playoff experience should see them win a hard-fought series. — Eric Moody
Exact Series Total 7 games (+175). Let`s pause for a moment to consider the odds here: the shortest odds in the exact series outcomes menu is seven games. What does this signify? It means there`s considerable uncertainty. Neither the oddsmakers setting the market nor the bettors wagering on it show strong confidence in a quicker outcome. If they did, you`d see one team heavily favored to finish the series in five or six games. If you`re too young to remember the intense Pacers-Knicks battles of the mid-to-late 1990s, the hope is that this series delivers even a fraction of the memorable moments from that rivalry. The Pacers aim to play at a fast pace, while the Knicks prefer a grinding style. This series has the potential to be truly special. — Jim McCormick
Favorite Prop Bets
Jalen Brunson to score 40+ points in any game in the series (-110). Brunson needed to score at a high volume in the previous series to keep the Knicks competitive, and he will need to do so again against Indiana. In fact, it`s easy to envision Brunson averaging over 30 points per game in this series. Let`s take the straightforward bet and assume he surpasses 40 points at least once here. — Eric Karabell
Josh Hart to record the most total rebounds in the series (+700). While I believe Karl-Anthony Towns is the likely leader in this category, I don`t find the extremely short odds appealing. Hart is the next best option at +700, and he might be the league`s premier rebounding guard. With averages of 8.7 boards against Detroit and 8.3 against the Celtics in previous rounds, he has a legitimate chance of out-rebounding Towns for the Knicks. — Steve Alexander
Jalen Brunson to score 50+ points in any game (+725). This player has accumulated 18 career games with at least 40 points and three career games with 50 or more points – all achieved while playing for the Knicks. The pace is key here. The Knicks will strive to dictate the game`s rhythm, favoring a half-court grind to reduce unpredictability. The Pacers, conversely, will push for a high-scoring sprint. Rarely does a series at this deep stage entirely conform to just one team`s preferred style. Imagine the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden when his points total hits fifty. There will likely be at least one game influenced significantly by the Pacers` pace, and in that game, Brunson could elevate his scoring to levels that, for him, are remarkably within reach despite seeming absurd for most players. — Jim McCormick
Karl-Anthony Towns to score the most total points in the series (+600). Towns has performed exceptionally well against the Pacers this season. Across their three matchups, he averaged 30.3 points per game, scoring at least 21 in each contest and hitting a season-high of 40. While Brunson is clearly the Knicks` leading scorer, he has faced more difficulty against the Pacers this season, averaging 22.3 points per game in their meetings. Brunson is the rightful favorite to lead the series in scoring, but Towns has a genuine opportunity and much more attractive odds at 6-to-1. — Andre Snellings
