NBA Predictions Today: Can the Pistons and Timberwolves Avoid Elimination?

The NBA Playoffs have reached a fever pitch. Friday night brings us a Game 6 in both the Eastern and Western conferences. The Pistons and Timberwolves are both facing elimination, one at home and one on the road. Is it possible for us to have a Game 7 (or potentially two) on Sunday? Find out by reading our best predictions for Friday’s games below.

With high stakes on the line, current nba western conference odds and nba eastern conference odds reflect just how narrow the margin for error has become for these teams.

Best NBA Predictions for Friday, May 15

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Cavaliers Beat Pistons by 3.5 Points in Game 6 (No, 49%)

The Pistons blinked first in Game 5, becoming the first team in this series to lose at home. Does that mean things have shifted in Cleveland’s favor? Yes, but that doesn’t mean the Cavs are going to be able to close out the series. The Pistons have their backs against the wall, just like they did down 3-1 against the Magic, so look for them to leave it all on the floor in Game 6. Plus, despite two losses earlier this series, the Pistons are 9-3 against the spread as road underdogs this season.

Also, think about how Game 5 unfolded. The Pistons were in control most of the way, only to let things slip away late, allowing the Cavs to force overtime. That will be a good learning experience for a team that’s still relatively young. They’ll adjust but still feel confident that they’re the better team. That’ll force another close game, which is why I’m taking the Pistons as underdogs.

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Cavaliers vs Pistons Over 210.5 Total Points in Game 6 (Yes, 52%)

Three straight games in this series have hit the over, so why go against the grain? Granted, Game 5 only hit the over because the game went to overtime; otherwise, there were just 206 total points. But the two previous games played in Cleveland ended with at least 215 points. The two regular-season games these teams played finished with at least 222 points, so there is a clear trend for a high-scoring game.

Also, while Detroit has been strong defensively all season, there has been only one game in this series in which a team failed to reach 100 points. The Cavaliers only scored 97 points in Game 2; otherwise, both teams have topped 100 points in every game. In fact, four of the five games have gone over 210.5 points, so there isn’t much margin for error in taking the under, making the over the safe bet for Game 6.

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Spurs Beat Timberwolves by 5.5 Points in Game 6 (Yes, 52%)

The Timberwolves are at least playing at home, as they try to force a Game 7. Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s in the cards for them. When the Spurs play anywhere close to their best game, the T’Wolves simply can’t match them. That was true in Game 5 when San Antonio had its second truly dominant win of the series. With a modest spread in Game 6, I think the Spurs get the job done.

While the T’Wolves have won two games in this series, there is a caveat to each. They took the Spurs by surprise in Game 1 with the unexpected return of Anthony Edwards. In Game 4, they benefited from Victor Wembanyama getting ejected. If he plays the whole game, it’s hard to envision the T’Wolves winning that game. Even if Minnesota puts up a fight with its back against the wall, the Spurs should be able to pull away late and cover because they are undoubtedly the better team.

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Spurs vs Timberwolves Over 218.5 Total Points in Game 6 (Yes, 52%)

Game 1 was the only game in this series that didn’t hit the over. Yet, the over/under total isn’t changing. Even with the Timberwolves failing to reach 100 points in Game 5, there were 223 total points. In fact, the last three games have ended with exactly 223 points. Regardless of the result, that’s a consistent outcome and a clear trend to follow.

Defensively, San Antonio can get to a higher level and potentially force a lower-scoring game. However, the Spurs were at home in the two games they held Minnesota under 100 points. Unless that happens again in Game 6, there is a limited chance this game will end with fewer than 218.5 points. In a must-win game, the T’Wolves will be aggressive and push the issue, which should ensure a high-scoring affair.

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