Free NBA Expert and Computer Picks For Every Game May 23, 2026
NY
@
CLE
Sat, May 23 • 8:00 PM ET
NY (+115)
New York is on a dominant playoff run, winning nine straight games with eight of those victories coming by double digits. They’ve clearly been the sharper offensive team in this series, shooting the ball better than Cleveland while consistently controlling points in the paint. New York has also been excellent away from home, posting a stronger playoff net rating on the road than at MSG. Meanwhile, the Cavs might be running out of gas after playing high-intensity games every other night since April 29th – a span of 12 games.
Evan Mobley o3.5 Total Assists (+105)
Among centers averaging at least 30 minutes in the playoffs, Mobley ranks fifth in assist percentage (25.4) and seventh in usage (18.8).
Cleveland has struggled to move the ball, assisting on just 57.8% of made baskets, but Mobley has consistently gotten teammates involved with four dimes per tilt.
Cleveland is 6-3 when the big man dishes 4+, and Cleveland’s offense averaged 8.1 more points in those contests. This is a favorable line that I’ll bet up to 4.5, as Cleveland should emphasize ball movement to get better looks against New York’s stiff defense.
OKC
@
SA
Sun, May 24 • 8:00 PM ET
OKC (+110)
The disparity in bench numbers has been jarring, as OKC has gotten 61 points and 121.6 minutes per game from its reserves compared to just 21.3 points and 60.4 minutes for San Antonio. Wembanyama has averaged 41.7 minutes, but giving him a break isn’t viable. The Spurs are +21 with him on the floor and -38 when he’s on the bench. With Harper and Fox nursing injuries and Wemby forced into big minutes, fatigue will be critical. I priced this line at -140, so I’m thrilled to get it early at +110.
The Spurs have been absolutely torched from beyond the arc in the Conference Finals. San Antonio has given up 15.7 triples on 39.5% shooting. Most concerning is that 12.7 of the Thunder’s 15.7 makes have been “wide open,” with defenders more than six feet away.
All of Jaylin Williams, Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace have knocked down 2+ triples in at least two straight games. The trio are already key reserves, but they will benefit further from Jalen Williams’ injury by taking on increased shot volume. I love this parlay at plus-money odds.
Sharp NBA bets and market edges - available only to subscribers.
Covers’ NBA analysts have over 25 years of experience making smart basketball picks from the season’s opening tip to the NBA Finals.
We find the best NBA odds and share our picks and NBA best bets for the biggest games of the basketball season — right here on this page.
Our picks are researched and analyzed by experienced sports bettors looking for an edge to get the best value from their NBA betting
Making smart NBA picks means looking beyond the favorites. Our free expert NBA picks will include a wide variety of bet types and markets.
NBA point spreads even the odds between two teams, offering bettors as close to an even pick as possible. Our analysts research stats, matchups, injuries, and more to give you the best edge possible before making your NBA point spread bet.
Covers’ analysts make NBA Over/Under picks throughout the basketball season. Betting on NBA Over/Unders means choosing whether you think the combined total score of a game will be Over or Under a specific total set by oddsmakers.
Betting on the NBA moneyline means picking which team will win a game outright. While less common than picking the spread, or a prop, our analysts will always look for high-value NBA moneyline picks if they feel it’s the best bet.
There’s always value in NBA props. Our team scours through game, team, and player props to try and find opportunity and value. From player points to total threes made, expect well-researched NBA prop picks from Covers.
Covers’ consensus NBA picks highlight the odds and predictions that our vibrant community of bettors and players are making. Try our picks on with our free NBA contests for a chance at prizes and more.
If you’re ready to bet on NBA picks, you first need to find the right sportsbook. The best NBA betting sites offer secure banking, best odds, bonuses, and reliable customer service.
Covers’ staff of sports betting fans also offers a wide array of free picks for the NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA basketball, and NCAA football.
Covers NBA picks generally release on game day. Some significant matchups like playoff games release in the days leading up to the game.
Covers provides free NBA picks covering many markets, including point spreads, totals, moneylines, player props, and more.
Established in 1995,
All Picks
NFL
NCAAF
MLB
NBA
NCAAB
NHL
CFL
WNBA
Golf
World Cup
