- Looking for NBA Playoffs prediction? Here’s a match preview, key stats, team news, and betting insights for Knicks vs 76ers and Spurs vs Timberwolves.
- New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers tips off at 3:00 AM EAT at Madison Square Garden.
- San Antonio Spurs vs Minnesota Timberwolves is scheduled for 4:30am EAT at Frost Bank Center on Tuesday, May 5.
The best four of the Western and Eastern Conferences kick off their NBA playoffs semifinals with Game 1 set for Tuesday, May 5, and Wednesday, May 6, as they continue their quest for the franchise finals.
Here, Sportpesa Blog takes a look at the two matchups, including previews, kickoff times, and predictions for Tuesday’s games, where the New York Knicks will battle the Philadelphia 76ers in an Eastern showdown.
While the San Antonio Spurs will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western clash.
ALSO READ: Detroit Pistons rout Orlando Magic to cap comeback, book NBA playoff clash with Cavaliers
NBA Playoffs Prediction: Knicks vs 76ers & Spurs vs Wolves
New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers preview
The third-seeded Knicks advanced to the second round by dispatching the Atlanta Hawks in a six-game quarterfinal series that ended Friday with New York cruising to a 140-89 victory.
The seventh-seeded 76ers moved on by overcoming a 3-1 series deficit and stunning the second-seeded Boston Celtics, whom they eliminated with a 109-100 win in Sunday’s Game 7.
The Knicks, the only Eastern Conference team to get out of the first round in fewer than seven games, fell behind the Hawks with consecutive one-point losses in Games 2 and 3 before outscoring Atlanta 380-284 over the final three contests.
The Knicks have not won a championship since 1973, nor have they played in the NBA Finals since 1999.
The 76ers last captured the title in 1983, and their most recent Finals appearance came in 2001.
One side will move closer to ending the drought; the other will be sent back to another long, disappointing summer.
What time does the game tip off?
The two sides will lock horns on Tuesday, May 5, at Madison Square Garden in New York, starting at 3:00 AM EAT.
New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers prediction & odds
The Knicks have won the last two matchups against the Sixers, posting winning scores of 112-109 and 138-89 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. In the past 10 meetings between the teams, the Knicks have claimed seven.
New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers odds:
Thus, New York enters this clash as the favorite to grab an early lead in the series and set the tone, but the 76ers cannot be underestimated they arrive bursting with confidence after pulling off that comeback in Round 1.
San Antonio Spurs vs Minnesota Timberwolves preview
The San Antonio Spurs look to turn their power, overall depth, and momentum into a victory when they host the shorthanded Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinal series.
Game 2 in the best-of-seven series is on Wednesday in the Alamo City before the action shifts to Minneapolis for Games 3 and 4 on Friday and Sunday, respectively.
The Spurs come into this series riding strong momentum after closing out their previous round against Portland with a 4–1 victory. The team won the last three straight, including a convincing 114–95 win in Game 5.
Minnesota, meanwhile, produced one of the most notable results of the first round by eliminating the Denver Nuggets in a 4–2 series win.
After dropping the opening game, they responded with three consecutive victories and eventually closed out the series at home.
What time does the game tip off?
The two sides meet on Tuesday, May 5, at the Frost Bank Center, with kickoff set for 4:30 AM East Africa Time.
San Antonio Spurs vs Minnesota Timberwolves prediction and odds
It was a 126-123 win for the Spurs at Frost Bank Center when they last played the Wolves. Minnesota have triumphed in seven of the previous ten clashes between these teams.
San Antonio Spurs vs Minnesota Timberwolves prediction odds:
- Spurs to win first half odds at 1.24
- Timberwolves to win first half odds at 3.45
- Draw first half odds at 24.00. BET NOW!
That makes the Wolves the favorite on the road to win, but you cannot count out the Spurs at home, who will be aiming to make a statement and grab the first game victory.