The 2025-26 NBA Playoffs should deliver some memorable moments, and we’re going to work hard to make them as profitable as possible for all of our VSiN subscribers. So, make sure you head over to the VSiN NBA Playoffs Betting Hub for all of our postseason content. I’ll continue giving out NBA best bets and player props here throughout the playoffs, and I’ll also occasionally write up features on anything big that shakes up the league. So, make sure you check out my work over the next couple of weeks. With that out of the way, let’s get into some NBA best bets and NBA player props for Friday, May 8. Also, make sure you check out the picks page (linked right below) before games tip off. I occasionally add picks throughout the day. That’s also where you’ll get picks from my talented VSiN colleagues.

MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have!

Game 3: New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers – 7:00 pm ET

Knicks lead series 2-0

Two nights ago, after it became apparent that OG Anunoby’s injury was a hamstring strain, I grabbed Philadelphia moneyline at +102. Anunoby ended up being designated with a “day-to-day” tag. However, I’d be surprised if we see the talented wing out there. That’s why I put a heavy play on the Sixers, and it’s one I’d still play up to -125 or -130. But if you haven’t yet grabbed the better number, I’d suggest waiting until he’s officially ruled out. I’d rather Philadelphia at a worse price if you have the peace of mind of knowing that Anunoby won’t be out there — and that perhaps Joel Embiid will be.

If Anunoby is either out or hampered, that’s just going to be a major problem for New York. This postseason, Anunoby is averaging 21.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, and he’s doing it on 61.9/53.8/81.1 shooting splits. His efficiency has been out of this world, and he’s also playing elite defense on the other end of the floor. If he’s not himself out there, that’s a consistent No. 2 scoring option out. That puts more pressure on Jalen Brunson. And defensively, Anunoby will be missed as a defensive option on Paul George, who could be in for a bounce-back performance in Game 3.

The Knicks are also 7-10 straight-up in road games with spreads of +3 to -3 this season. On top of that, the 76ers are 7-3 against the spread when trailing in a playoff series under Nick Nurse. Also, Nurse is 6-3 SU and 5-4 ATS in Game 3s throughout his coaching career.

There’s just a lot to like about this desperate Philadelphia team. Let’s hope the Sixers fans actually purchased tickets and kept the Knicks fans in the streets of New York City after the big Game 2 celebration.

Bet: Sixers ML (+102 – 2 units)

Game 3: San Antonio Spurs at Minnesota Timberwolves – 9:30 pm ET

Embed from Getty Images

Series tied at 1-1

I really like Minnesota to win this game, which also means I like the Wolves to cover. I played Minnesota +5 as a contest play in the KillerSports/VSiN NBA Playoff Challenge. And I’m very interested in a slightly juiced +5.5 with the Wolves as an actual side in this game. The only reason I’m not playing Minnesota is that I have the Wolves to win two games in this series, plus I also have a sprinkle on +700 for the team to advance. That said, I’m already invested in the outcome of this game.

Why do I like the Timberwolves? Well, I maintain that there isn’t much of a difference between these teams, making the 5-point spread look a little nuts. Minnesota is elite defensively, has a good Victor Wembanyama answer in Rudy Gobert, and has Anthony Edwards getting stronger and stronger in his return from the knee hyperextension last round. With all of that, I have consistently felt this series would be an absolute war, with the potential to go seven games. The lopsided Game 2 result didn’t change my thoughts there. San Antonio simply did what any favorite should do when down 0-1 in a series. The Spurs played with desperation, while the Wolves just wanted to get out of there and return to their home floor.

As far as plays I actually have in this game, I did take Jaden McDaniels Over 19.5 Points + Rebounds at -110. McDaniels had 21 PR in Game 1, and he was on his way to going Over again in Game 2. He only finished with 15 combined points and rebounds in that one, but that was in 20 minutes. Due to foul trouble, McDaniels didn’t play as much as usual in the first half. He also didn’t play much in the second half because the Spurs laid the smackdown on the Wolves. Well, I expect a friendlier whistle for Minnesota in Game 3. That, along with this game being expected to be closer, should keep McDaniels out there.

Bet: McDaniels Over 19.5 Points + Rebounds (-110)

Additional Plays

PARLAY: 76ers Alt +8.5 vs. Knicks G3 & Timberwolves Alt +10.5 vs. Spurs (-132 – 1.5 units)

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