The 2023-24 NBA regular season is over and we have turned the page to the NBA Playoffs. Throughout the postseason, Jonathan Von Tobel will continue to provide you with his exceptional coverage of the greatest league in the world. Just click here for all of his content. However, all of my picks will be featured in this daily column, which will combine my NBA best bets and NBA player props. So, keep reading to find out how I’m playing the Western Conference Finals game on Friday, May 24th. Also, check out our NBA Playoffs Betting Hub for all of our series previews and additional postseason content.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have on May 24
NBA Best Bets Today – May 24
Dallas Mavericks at Minnesota Timberwolves – 8:30 pm ET
I wish I was confident in Minnesota covering the spread tonight, but the number is a little too big for my liking. However, I have been picking a side and a player prop every night of the playoffs and I don’t plan on stopping now. That said, if forced into action tonight, I’d just bite the bullet and take Minnesota on the moneyline.
A lot will be made of the Mavericks winning despite shooting 6 for 25 from 3 in Game 1, and people will note that positive regression is coming for Dallas. And while that might be the case, the same is also true of the play of Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. Minnesota’s duo went 12 for 36 and combined for only 35 points in Game 1. Towns was also -5 on the floor, while Edwards was -1. I’d be shocked if the two of them aren’t positive players as far as +/- goes in Game 2, as Minnesota’s season might as well be on the line in this home Game 2.
Edwards should especially find a way to snap out of it in this game. Dallas did a good job of forcing Edwards to settle for long jumpers, but Edwards also failed to capitalize on some very good opportunities to score. There were quite a few instances in which the Mavericks had Irving guarding Edwards, but the Timberwolves didn’t put him in a position to attack. I’d be surprised if that isn’t a point of emphasis in Game 2. Minnesota also had a lot of success when attacking Luka Doncic, but the team didn’t go to it often enough. Even if those possessions don’t end in baskets, they can at least force Doncic to work. Considering how banged up he was last series, the Timberwolves need to prioritize tiring Doncic out.
It’s also just worth noting that Chris Finch seemingly lit into his team in the film session following Game 1. Considering Minnesota has responded to poor performances all year, one would think that the coach’s message will get through. All in all, I’m just not that worried about the Timberwolves losing this game outright. So, I’m willing to deal with the big price and play the moneyline.
Bet: Timberwolves ML (-218 – 1.5 units)
NBA Player Props Today – May 24
Dallas Mavericks at Minnesota Timberwolves – 8:30 pm ET
Anthony Edwards isn’t known for his rebounding, but the magnitude of these games has led to more of an effort from the 22-year-old on the glass. In Game 7 of the series against the Denver Nuggets, Edwards ended up pulling down eight rebounds. Then, Edwards had 11 boards in the Game 1 loss to the Mavericks. Edwards also had at least nine rebounds in three of the games against the Phoenix Suns in the first round. Overall, Edwards has reached the seven-rebound mark in six of the 12 games he has played in the postseason. And with this being a huge game for the Wolves, I’d be surprised if he isn’t full of adrenaline and looking to impact the game in any way that he can. So, I’m playing him to have at least seven rebounds at plus-money odds.
Bet: Edwards Over 6.5 Rebounds (+124)
2023-24 Record: 379-409-3 (+14.95 units)
