NBA Best Bets Today: Expert NBA Betting Picks for 05/09/2025

The Cavaliers find themselves in must-win territory, down 0-2 despite being favored in both home games against the Pacers.

Cleveland's shooting woes from beyond the arc have been uncharacteristic, as they were the 2nd best three-point shooting team in the regular season but haven't topped 30% in either playoff game.

The Cavaliers should benefit from potential returning players, with De'Andre Hunter, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley all questionable after missing Game 2—a contest they still nearly won despite their absences.

Cleveland's strong road record (3rd best in the NBA during regular season) included a victory in Indiana, suggesting they can perform well in this hostile environment.

With their season essentially on the line, expect a desperate and focused Cleveland team to execute better for a full 48 minutes rather than squandering another lead like they did in Game 2.

Despite Oklahoma City's dominant 149-point performance in Game 2, the series shifts to Denver where the Nuggets have been nearly unbeatable during playoff basketball.

Denver has won 14 of their last 19 home playoff games, creating a significant home-court advantage at the Ball Arena where they've consistently outperformed their regular season metrics.

The Nuggets will benefit from a likely more favorable whistle at home after questionable officiating in Game 2, plus Jokic and the offense are due for a bounce-back performance.

Oklahoma City's 58-27-4 ATS record is impressive, but underdogs have covered the spread in nine straight games between these teams at Ball Arena, suggesting Denver keeps it close.

With their championship experience and the tandem of Jokic and Murray playing in front of their home crowd, Denver should produce a much more competitive game than the blowout in Game 2.

Game 2 showed the explosive offensive potential of this series with Oklahoma City putting up 149 points, while Game 1 still saw 224 total points despite some shooting struggles.

Both teams rank among the most efficient offensive units in the NBA, with the Thunder's transition attack complementing the Nuggets' half-court execution led by Nikola Jokic.

Denver's home games typically feature higher scoring as the altitude affects visiting teams defensively in the later stages of games.

The Thunder's defense, while elite during the regular season, has shown vulnerability when Denver creates second-chance opportunities through their rebounding advantage.

With adjustments being made heading into Game 3 and both offenses looking to establish dominance, expect a fast-paced, high-scoring affair as neither team is likely to completely shut down the other.