As the NBA Playoffs intensify, 11 May 2025 serves up a tantalising double-header packed with drama, desperation, and defining moments. With both series finely poised, fans are guaranteed high-stakes basketball and fiercely contested encounters. The Denver Nuggets look to build on their narrow Game 3 triumph over Oklahoma City and put themselves in prime position to close out the series. Meanwhile, in the East, the Cavaliers travel to Indiana riding a dominant Game 3 victory and boasting a perfect playoff road record.
At this stage of the postseason, every possession matters and every star must shine. Let’s dive into the full breakdown of Sunday’s matchups, with expert predictions and betting tips from America Bet.
Oklahoma City at Denver
Match Info
- NBA Western Conference Semifinals
- Sunday 11 May 2025 – 15:30 EST / 20:30 BST
- Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado, USA
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder find themselves trailing 2-1 in the series despite having outscored the Nuggets by 32 points across the three games. Their inability to close out games in the fourth quarter has been a costly theme. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, usually the team’s dependable closer, faded down the stretch in Game 3, managing just three points in the fourth and none in overtime. The Thunder’s defensive schemes have clearly disrupted Nikola Jokic, but their own late-game execution has faltered under pressure. With the memories of last season’s second-round exit to Dallas still fresh, Oklahoma City will enter Game 4 with urgency, knowing full well the consequences of falling 3-1 behind.
Denver Nuggets
Denver’s resilience and championship experience were on full display in Game 3. Despite Jokic’s shooting woes and rebounding struggles, the Nuggets found a way to win. Michael Porter Jr.’s inspired shooting and Aaron Gordon’s clutch three-pointer were pivotal, but questions remain over Jokic’s form and the team’s over-reliance on scraping wins through grit rather than polish. Still, Denver has now won two of the first three games and has a golden opportunity to tighten their grip on the series at home. Game 4 will be a test of whether their experience can once again outlast the youthful tenacity of the Thunder.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Denver Nuggets to win
The Nuggets’ depth, composure, and recent home form give them the edge. Even with Jokic struggling, they’ve managed to find other contributors. If Jokic rediscovers his rhythm, Denver should have enough to stretch their lead in the series.
America Bet Score Prediction
Oklahoma City 106 – 112 Denver
Expect another close encounter with the Thunder showing fight but ultimately being edged out again by a Nuggets team that knows how to finish under pressure.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Denver Nuggets to win
- Match total points: Over 215.5
- Jokic to score 20+ points
- Michael Porter Jr. 3+ three-pointers made
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander under 30.5 points
- Both teams to score 100+ points
- Aaron Gordon to score 12+ points
- Game to go to overtime – No
- Denver Nuggets to win by 6-10 points
- First team to 20 points – Oklahoma City Thunder
Cleveland at Indiana
Match Info
- NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals
- Sunday 11 May 2025 – 20:00 EST / 01:00 (12 May) BST
- Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland bounced back in emphatic style in Game 3, dominating the Pacers with a 126-104 win. Donovan Mitchell was electric, controlling the tempo and punishing Indiana’s defence en route to 43 points. With a revitalised supporting cast that included Max Strus, Jarrett Allen, and the returning Evan Mobley and Darius Garland, the Cavaliers looked every bit like the top seed. Their 3-0 road record in the playoffs, with an average margin of victory of 38 points, is a testament to their ability to perform under pressure away from home. If they replicate their Game 3 intensity and maintain defensive discipline, Cleveland could level the series with momentum firmly on their side.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers’ Game 3 performance was a reality check after a flying start to the series. Tyrese Haliburton, who had been exceptional in the first two games, was a non-factor, contributing just four points and avoiding the post-match media glare. While the Pacers still lead the series 2-1, the nature of Friday’s defeat raises concerns about their consistency and ability to respond to adversity. They will need Haliburton to rediscover his spark and the supporting cast to step up against a Cavaliers team that is now clicking. A strong home performance in Game 4 is critical to avoid losing their advantage and letting Cleveland seize the series momentum.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Cleveland Cavaliers to win
With Mitchell in MVP-calibre form and the Cavaliers finally healthy, Cleveland are poised to continue their dominance on the road. Their momentum, depth, and recent blowout win suggest Indiana may struggle to respond.
America Bet Score Prediction
Cleveland 117 – 109 Indiana
The Cavaliers’ firepower and strong bench presence should allow them to dictate the pace and pull away in the second half, even if Indiana puts up early resistance.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Cleveland Cavaliers to win
- Donovan Mitchell 30+ points
- Tyrese Haliburton under 20.5 points
- Evan Mobley double-double
- Game total points: Over 222.5
- Max Strus over 2.5 three-pointers
- Cleveland to win both halves
- First quarter winner – Indiana
- Mitchell to score 10+ in the 4th quarter
- Garland under 15.5 points
