The 2025-26 NBA Playoffs should deliver some memorable moments, and we’re going to work hard to make them as profitable as possible for all of our VSiN subscribers. So, make sure you head over to the VSiN NBA Playoffs Betting Hub for all of our postseason content. I’ll continue giving out NBA best bets and player props here throughout the playoffs, and I’ll also occasionally write up features on anything big that shakes up the league. So, make sure you check out my work over the next couple of weeks. With that out of the way, let’s get into some NBA best bets and NBA player props for Wednesday, May 6. Also, make sure you check out the picks page (linked right below) before games tip off. I occasionally add picks throughout the day. That’s also where you’ll get picks from my talented VSiN colleagues.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have!
Game 2: Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks – 7:00 pm ET
Knicks lead series 1-0
The Sixers had their “throwaway game” in Monday’s series opener. A lot of people expected a poor performance from Philadelphia in Game 1, as the team was just one full day removed from a Saturday Game 7 against Boston. That opening-round series took a lot out of the 76ers both mentally and physically, and it was pretty obvious in Game 1. Philly looked borderline drained, and the team made a lot of mental errors after the first quarter. Well, you can chalk that up to exhaustion, but things need to normalize in Game 2. If they don’t, the Sixers are in danger of getting steamrolled in this series.
As a Philadelphia believer, I’ll happily grab 7.5 points and hope the 76ers right the ship. That’s a lot of points in a series between two somewhat evenly-matched teams, which is exactly what I believe this is.
A lot of things that happened in Game 1 should even out a little in Game 2. For starters, it’s hard to imagine the Knicks shooting 63.1% from the floor again. The team also shot 51.4% from deep. Well, the Sixers are a strong defensive team. They should be able to prevent that from happening again. Philadelphia should also be able to improve on its 15-to-19 assist-to-turnover ratio. That’s a dreadful mark. And it’s especially brutal when your opponent has 34 assists to 15 turnovers.
It’s also just highly unlikely that Tyrese Maxey will be invisible again. In 27 minutes of action last game, he was 3 for 9 with only 13 points. Maxey has the ability to torch this New York defense, so I expect him to be much better here. And if he’s better, that’ll make life on Joel Embiid — and everyone else — easier.
Under Nick Nurse, Philadelphia also happens to be 5-4 straight-up and 6-3 against the spread when trailing in a playoff series. On top of that, the Sixers are 8-3 SU and 6-5 ATS when coming off a road loss by 20 or more under Nurse. We should see a better effort from Philly overall. It’s as simple as that.
Bet: 76ers +7.5 (-106 – 1.5 units)
UPDATE (May 6 at 1:30 pm ET): Joel Embiid will now miss this game for the 76ers. Unfortunately, we’re stuck with Philadelphia +7.5. This line has ballooned up to 10.5, and it just doesn’t make much sense to accept a bad cash out or buy back in any way. We simply need to hope for the best here.
This game now looks to favor New York in a big way, but Philadelphia did win Game 2 in Boston without Embiid. There will simply be more of a reliance on the perimeter trio of Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Paul George. Look for the Sixers to try to play a little faster, leaning into the explosiveness of the two guards. And don’t be surprised if Philly’s defense is a little more aggressive, as the team will likely have some lineups that feature a little more energy and foot speed.
Also, with this news, I did add some plays for this game to the “Additional Plays” section at the bottom.
Game 2: Minnesota Timberwolves at San Antonio Spurs – 9:30 pm ET
Timberwolves lead series 1-0
I think the spread for this game is a little too big, but I’m not pushing my luck with Minnesota here. I have Over 4.5 for the game total in this series, +2.5 games with the Wolves, and a sprinkle on Minnesota to win at +700. With the Wolves having stolen Game 1, I don’t really feel the need to add anything. In fact, it’s probably in my best interest to root for the Spurs. If Minnesota wins Game 2, a sweep would surprisingly be on the table.
Rather than unnecessarily throwing in a side or a total here, I’ll just roll with a player prop I like. That’s Jaden McDaniels to finish with Over 21.5 PRA.
McDaniels has thrived with a bigger on-ball role with Anthony Edwards being injured. In the closeout game in the opening round, McDaniels had 32 points in a game Edwards didn’t play. Then, even with Edwards back in the lineup for Game 1 of this series, we saw McDaniels score 16 points. I just don’t think McDaniels’ opportunities as a shot creator are going anywhere. The talented wing is also plenty capable of chipping in six or seven rebounds, and he’s a decent playmaker too.
McDaniels just needs to be on the floor often in this series, as he’s the best perimeter defender that Minnesota has. Well, as long as McDaniels is playing big minutes, he can be trusted to fill up the stat sheet. He just needs to find a way to avoid foul trouble.
Bet: McDaniels Over 21.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-125)
Additional Plays
Tyrese Maxey Over 3.5 Rebounds (-125 – 1.5 units) & Maxey Alt Rebounds 5+ (+165 – 0.5 units) & Maxey Alt Rebounds 6+ (+320 – 0.25 units) & Maxey Alt Rebounds 7+ (+625 – 0.1 units) – Maxey will surely be counted on to do some more scoring with Embiid out, but don’t sleep on him being more active on the glass in extended minutes. This is pretty damn close to being a must-win game for Philadelphia, even if it might look like the team is punting and looking to get back on track at home. Well, Maxey has had some decent rebounding games when playing strong competition this year, and that’s especially true without Embiid out there.
