The battle between the Celtics and Heat was a tough game to watch on Wednesday. The two teams combined for 173 points and went 17-for-78 (21.8%) shooting from 3-point land. Boston turned up their offense in the second half to close out a 93-80 victory over the Heat and take a 3-2 lead in the series. Hoping for a more entertaining offensive battle between the Mavericks and Warriors in Game 5, let’s dive into the best NBA bets today, picks and NBA betting tips for Thursday, May 26.
Best NBA Bets Today: Game Tips & Betting Predictions
Mavericks vs. Warriors Prediction
Claim YOUR $200 FREE at BetMGM if Either Team Hits a 3-Pointer
The Golden State Warriors aim to close out the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 inside Chase Center. The Warriors let their foot off the gas pedal in Game 4, losing their first chance to close out the series for the third straight series. Luka Doncic was dominant in another elimination game, finishing one assist shy of a triple-double with 30 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists. The Mavericks could not miss from beyond the arc, and it led them to a 119-109 victory. Dallas needs another win to save its season and force a Game 6 on Saturday back on its home court. Tip-off is at 9 p.m ET on TNT.
The Mavericks showed heart and effort in their Game 4 victory at home to avoid the sweep. Their offense was lights out, shooting 50% from the field and 47% from deep. Dallas could not miss from long-distance, draining 20 3-pointers. It is going to take more of the same from the Mavericks to keep their season from coming to an end. Doncic was able to get his teammates involved and they finally hit their shots, which they have not been to do consistently in this series. Dallas led by as many as 29 points with six players finishing in double figures. Dorian Finney-Smith added 23 points and Reggie Bullock scored 18 points, while Jalen Brunson chipped in with 15 points and five assists. Their defense needs to step up its efforts. They have a defensive rating of 121.8 this series, compared to their season rating of 109.4. The Mavericks will need to replicate their offensive efforts in Game 4 for a chance to win on the road against Golden State.
The Latest Sports Betting Content from Stokastic Odds
- BetMGM North Carolina Pre-Registration: $200 in Bonus Bets Awaiting You When Sports Betting Launches
- Bet365 North Carolina Pre-Registration: Get $100 in Bonus Bets Before March 11
- DraftKings North Carolina Pre-Registration: Up to $300 in Bonus Bets for NC Launch on March 11!
- FanDuel North Carolina Pre-Registration: Grab $300 in Bonus Bets Between Now and March 11!
- Bet365 Louisiana Bonus Code: Bet $1, Get $365 in Bonus Bets!
- Stokastic DFS on Youtube
The Warriors executed what they needed to do in Dallas by splitting the two games. Expect a more inspired effort on both ends of the floor from Steph Curry & Co. in Game 5. The Warriors were able to cut a 29-point lead down to eight points in the fourth quarter behind some quality play from their bench players, who combined for 51 points in the game. Their offense is performing well this series, shooting 52% as a team and 39% from beyond the arc. If the Warriors can keep up this pace on offense, they should be able to edge out the Mavericks in this series. Golden State put up 109 points, matching its point total from Game 3 despite the starters sitting much of the second half, which shows the depth Steve Kerr is working with.
These two teams are averaging 214.5 points in eight matchups this year and 219.8 points in the Western Conference Finals. Expect a fast-paced game with the Warriors controlling the tempo. Golden State knows that it has the advantage when it pushes the pace against a team as slow as Dallas. The over is 14-6 in these teams’ last 20 meetings. Do not expect the Mavericks to make 20 3-pointers again, but they will find ways to make baskets. The Warriors are averaging 114.1 points per game in the postseason, while Dallas’ offense is averaging 106.1 points. Golden State will be eager to get back in the win column, so watch for them to come out with energy. Take the over with confidence in what could turn into an offensive shootout similar to Game 2.
Up to $1100 Risk Free Bet at Caesars
Best NBA Bet for Today’s Game: Total Over 214.5Â
Claim YOUR $200 FREE at BetMGM if Either Team Hits a 3-Pointer
Thanks for reading to the end of this article! If you appreciate this free content and want to see more of it every day, you can help us out by sharing this article on social media!
Check out Stokastic's Best Bets home page for more sports betting picks and predictions.
