We are already nearing the end of the NBA Playoffs, as only four teams are standing right now. Throughout the rest of 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 Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals game on Thursday, May 30th. 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 30
NBA Best Bets Today – May 30
Dallas Mavericks at Minnesota Timberwolves – 8:30 pm ET
The Timberwolves were able to go into a difficult road environment and extend this series, earning a 105-100 win in Dallas in Game 4. Minnesota’s defensive rating in that game was 107.5, meaning the team was back to playing the elite defense it played in the regular season — and for most of these playoffs. The defense wasn’t the main issue in Games 1 to 3, but it wasn’t up to Minnesota’s standards.
One of the main things that helped the Timberwolves was going primarily to a drop coverage with Rudy Gobert. The big man’s defense has been scrutinized in this series, but he has mostly been good. And he was fantastic in Game 4. Look for the Timberwolves to mix it up a little more in Game 5 than they did in Game 4, as you can’t give elite offensive players like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving too much time to adjust. But overall, I like the Timberwolves’ chances of containing the Mavericks at home.
Offensively, we saw a more aggressive Anthony Edwards in Game 4, as he scored 29 points on 25 shots. The efficiency left a little to be desired, but Minnesota needs its star playing downhill and trusting his instincts. He should be just as aggressive when these teams hit the floor tonight. It was also massive that Karl-Anthony Towns got himself going from deep. If he can just avoid another disastrous offensive game, Minnesota will be in great shape here.
It’s also just hard to ignore the impact Dereck Lively II was having for Dallas. He has been the best center for the Mavericks in these playoffs, by far. So, it hurts to be without him against a team with as much size as Minnesota.
Bet: Timberwolves -4.5 (-112 – 1.5 units)
NBA Player Props Today – May 30
Dallas Mavericks at Minnesota Timberwolves – 8:30 pm ET
Jaden McDaniels isn’t known as much of a playmaker, but going Over a 1.5-assist total doesn’t require him to be. McDaniels just has to have two assists in order to help us cash a big plus-money play, and that’s a mark he hit in the first two games in this series. So, as this series returns home and the Timberwolves get a little more comfortable offensively, I like McDaniels to hit two assists tonight.
McDaniels is going to receive a lot of swing passes to the corners in this game, as he mostly operates as a catch-and-shoot weapon in those spots. Well, the Mavericks are well aware of that, so look for McDaniels to make a quick pass one spot away for an open shot. Also, look for the lengthy wing to have some opportunities to make plays in transition, where he can easily pick up an assist. On top of that, McDaniels should get lucky with an entry pass at some point in this game. All in all, McDaniels is averaging 3.8 potential assists per game in this series. So, this Over is worth a small sprinkle.
Bet: McDaniels Over 1.5 Assists (+164 – 0.5 units)
2023-24 Record: 383-418-3 (+8.16 units)
