The NBA playoffs continue on Monday, May 5, with Game 1s in both the Eastern and Western Conference Semifinals. Here are the top betting picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for tonight’s exciting matchups between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics, and the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets.
Here is the full NBA playoff schedule for Monday, May 5 (all times Eastern):
- Knicks at Celtics, 7 p.m. (TNT/Max)
- Nuggets at Thunder, 9:30 p.m. (TNT/Max)
Knicks +9 (-110)
The New York Knicks open their Eastern Conference Semifinals series against the Boston Celtics as underdogs with a +9 point spread. The Celtics swept the Knicks in all four regular-season meetings, including a recent 119-117 overtime thriller on April 8. Three of those wins were by double digits, underscoring Boston’s dominance.
However, the Knicks have shown resilience in the playoffs, with Jalen Brunson emerging as a dynamic scorer and leader. Brunson is averaging an impressive 31.5 points, 8.2 assists and 4.0 rebounds through six playoff games, including a clutch 40-point performance to close out the first round. He has consistently stepped up against top defenses, and his ability to carry the offense will be crucial against Boston’s star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
While the Celtics boast home-court advantage and a deep roster, the Knicks’ recent playoff form suggests they can keep the game competitive. Taking the Knicks to cover +9 offers value, especially considering their ability to push Boston to the limit in the regular season.
Thunder -9.5 (-110)
In the Western Conference Semifinals, the Oklahoma City Thunder, favored by 9.5 points, host the Denver Nuggets. The Thunder enter the series with momentum after sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round, while the Nuggets endured a taxing seven-game series against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been sensational for Oklahoma City, averaging 30.3 points and 6.5 assists against Denver this season. His scoring and playmaking will be pivotal in leveraging the Thunder’s rest advantage and energy to set the tone.
Nikola Jokic, a three-time MVP, remains the focal point for Denver, averaging 24.0 points, 11.6 rebounds and 10.1 assists in the playoffs. However, Denver’s fatigue from the extended first round could give the Thunder the edge early in the series.
Backing the Thunder -9.5 is a solid pick, given their rest, confidence and Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominance.
Jalen Brunson Over 27.5 Points (-115)
Jalen Brunson has averaged 31.5 points, 8.2 assists and 4.0 rebounds in six games in this year’s playoffs. He has shown he can score against top teams, and with the Knicks needing to compete with Boston’s star power, Brunson will likely be called upon to carry much of the offensive load. Expect him to hit the 28-point mark in this one.
Jamal Murray Over 19.5 Points (-125)
Jamal Murray has averaged 22.9 points, 5.9 assists and 5.3 rebounds in the 2025 playoffs. His scoring ability, especially in high-stakes matchups, makes him a solid bet to hit 20 points in the opening game of this series. The Nuggets will need Murray to step up against Oklahoma City’s potent offense, and he’s shown he can deliver when called upon.
