The NBA Conference Finals matchups are now set. The Western Conference features a series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the Eastern Conference sees the New York Knicks compete against the Indiana Pacers.
Following a dramatic semifinals round that saw major teams like Boston, Cleveland, Golden State, and Denver eliminated, what can bettors anticipate from these two series? Which wagers are considered the most favorable?
A panel of NBA betting experts, including Andre Snellings, Eric Moody, Eric Karabell, Jim McCormick, and Steve Alexander, share their top betting picks for each upcoming series.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves 
Favorite bets for the series
Timberwolves +1.5 games (+140). My view on this series is that it`s at least a coin flip that could genuinely go either way, and potentially a situation where the Timberwolves hold a slight advantage. Therefore, I find the Timberwolves getting 1.5 games at plus money highly appealing. Minnesota had a sluggish start to the season, seemingly needing time to integrate following the significant trade involving Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. However, they adapted effectively and finished the season strongly. Since March 1st, including the playoffs, the Timberwolves boast a 25-6 record, placing them neck-and-neck with the Thunder (28-6) for the league`s best performance over that span. The regular season series has been split 2-2 in each of the last two seasons, further highlighting how evenly matched these teams are. Getting both the game handicap and plus money on Minnesota offers significant betting value. — Snellings
Series Total games under 5.5 (+115). Many observers were surprised last season when the Mavericks swept past the Timberwolves to reach the NBA Finals, with Minnesota winning just one game. While the Thunder didn`t completely dominate the Nuggets in the previous round, this is a different kind of matchup. The Thunder possess scoring ability and are certainly capable of defending Anthony Edwards effectively. Consider placing a wager on the Thunder replicating Dallas`s performance from last season and securing a swift series victory. — Karabell
Exact Series Score After Three Games: Thunder leading 2-1 (+110). Betting on the precise outcome after the first three games yields plus odds. Based on the overall exact series odds, the market expectation leans towards a 4-1 series win for the Thunder. Does this sound familiar? That`s because it was the same expectation going into their series against Denver. This isn`t meant as a criticism of the excellent Oklahoma City team, but rather a reflection of the reality that regular season dominance doesn`t always translate directly to playoff results. While I don`t necessarily predict an upset, I anticipate the initial games of this series will involve strategic adjustments and different game plans. The Timberwolves will likely secure one victory within the first three contests. — McCormick
Exact Series Total 5 games (+220). Minnesota easily defeated a Lakers team that showed minimal defense (aside from LeBron James) and a Warriors team missing Stephen Curry for part of the time. The Thunder have yet to unleash their full potential consistently throughout these playoffs, but I believe that changes against Minnesota. If you`re looking for a long shot, a sweep at +450 is enticing, but allowing the Timberwolves at least one win feels like a safer bet. We should get a good indication of whether this is a favorable matchup for the Wolves within the first half of Game 1. — Alexander
OKC Thunder 4-2 (+425). The Thunder`s elite defense, anchored by Luguentz Dort and Alex Caruso, will constantly challenge the Timberwolves` key scorers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stands out as the best player in the series, and Oklahoma City`s roster depth, coupled with their experience from a challenging second-round battle against the Denver Nuggets, provides them with an edge. Chet Holmgren`s ability to protect the rim and his potential added motivation playing in his hometown could be significant factors. I predict the Thunder winning in six games. — Moody
Favorite prop bets
Julius Randle most total points in the series (+1800). Randle recently scored 29 and 31 points in his last two playoff appearances, and he has scored at least 24 points in each of his last four games. The Thunder will likely focus their defensive efforts on stopping Edwards, but they might be willing to let Randle take numerous shots. If this is the case, the potential return at +1800 is very appealing, especially considering his current hot streak. — Alexander
250 or more total points in any game this series (+300). Betting on high-scoring games is enjoyable, though winning is even better, which is why betting the under often proves strategically sound. That being said, it feels likely that at least one game in this series – and only one is needed for this bet to win – will transform into an offensive showcase. A game that goes into overtime or features relentless, wide-open transition play that drives the score to exceptionally high levels is all that`s required. It`s a bet with three-to-one odds for a reason, but it`s also a fun one to root for. — McCormick
Chet Holmgren most total rebounds in the series (+275). Holmgren was dominant on the boards against the Nuggets, a dynamic that could translate to this series: Isaiah Hartenstein handles the opponent`s main big center (Rudy Gobert/Nikola Jokic), while Holmgren focuses on rebounding against the opponent`s shorter power forward (Randle/Aaron Gordon). Holmgren averaged 11.7 rebounds per game over the last six games against the Nuggets. If he can maintain a similar pace against the Timberwolves, he has a strong chance to win this prop bet at favorable plus-money odds. — Snellings
New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers
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 throughout the playoffs so far, holding an 8-2 record against tough opponents in the Cavaliers and Bucks. However, their strong play extends back even further. Indiana was one of only four NBA teams (along with the Thunder, Celtics, and Cavaliers) to win over 70% of their games in the calendar year 2025, posting a 34-14 record down the stretch. Their style of play is highly effective, featuring a roster filled with skilled shooters and defenders capable of excelling in both fast-paced and half-court situations. The Knicks won two out of three regular-season meetings and are playing well themselves, but I view the Pacers as at least co-favorites and see significant value in taking them with the added 1.5 games. — Snellings
Exact Series Total 7 games (+175). This matchup represents a classic rivalry with a long history that is closely contested in playoff outcomes. I have a strong feeling that this particular series will be memorable and will extend to a full seven games. In fact, many fans would likely be disappointed if it didn`t. The Knicks benefit from having home-court advantage, but the Pacers have historically shown no fear of playing at Madison Square Garden. — Alexander
Knicks win series 4-3 (+350). The Knicks hold advantages in physicality, rebounding prowess, and proven playoff toughness. With a healthy Mitchell Robinson dominating the boards, New York can control possessions and generate valuable second-chance scoring opportunities. Jalen Brunson is arguably the most impactful player in the series, while versatile defenders such as Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby possess the talent to disrupt the Pacers` offensive stars. Although Indiana has considerable depth, the Knicks` offensive firepower and defensive strength provide them with the edge. New York`s resilience, rebounding dominance, and experience should lead them to victory in what is expected to be a hard-fought series. — Moody
Exact Series Total 7 games (+175). Let`s consider an interesting observation: the shortest odds for the exact number of games played in this series are for seven games. What does this suggest? It indicates uncertainty. There is no strong conviction from either those setting the odds or those placing bets. If there were, we`d see much shorter odds for one team to win in five or six games. If you weren`t old enough to witness the intense Pacers-Knicks battles of the mid-to-late 1990s, hopefully, this series will produce at least a fraction of the unforgettable moments those rivalries created. The Pacers prefer a fast-paced game, while the Knicks aim for a slower, more physical style. This series has the potential to be truly special. — McCormick
Favorite prop bets
Jalen Brunson to score 40+ points in any game in the series (-110). Brunson had to carry a significant scoring load for the Knicks to advance in the Detroit series, and he will need to do so again against Indiana. It`s quite plausible that Brunson will average over 30 points per game in this series. Betting on him to reach the 40-point mark at least once seems like a reasonable proposition at these odds. — Karabell
Josh Hart to record the most total rebounds in the series (+700). While my personal belief is that Towns will ultimately lead in total rebounds, the -1000 odds are not appealing. Hart presents the next-best option at +700, and he might be the premier rebounding guard in the league. Averaging 8.7 rebounds against Detroit and 8.3 against the Celtics, he has a legitimate possibility of outrebounding Towns for the Knicks. — Alexander
Jalen Brunson to score 50+ points in any game (+725). This player has tallied 18 career games with at least 40 points and three career games with 50 or more points – all of which have occurred while playing for the Knicks. The key factor here is the pace. The Knicks will attempt to control the game`s tempo, favoring a slower, half-court battle that limits variance. The Pacers, conversely, will strive for a high-speed contest potentially reaching scores of 150 points. Rarely does a deep playoff series exclusively favor one team`s style of play. Imagine the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden if his scoring reaches the 50-point mark. There will likely be games where the Pacers dictate the pace, and in such a game, Brunson could elevate his scoring to extraordinary levels that, for him, are not entirely out of reach. — McCormick
Karl-Anthony Towns to score the most total points in the series (+600). Towns has performed exceptionally well against the Pacers this season. In their three previous matchups, Towns averaged 30.3 points per game, scoring at least 21 points in each contest and achieving a season-high of 40. While Brunson is undoubtedly the Knicks` primary scorer, he has faced more difficulty against the Pacers this season, averaging 22.3 points per game. Brunson is justifiably the favorite to lead the series in scoring, but Towns has a genuine chance and offers much more favorable value at 6-to-1 odds. — Snellings
