As the NBA Playoffs continue to heat up, the pressure is mounting and the storylines are becoming more compelling by the night. With both Eastern and Western Conference Semifinal series hanging in the balance, the games scheduled for 12 May 2025 offer pivotal moments that could determine the trajectory of the post-season. Boston look to claw back into contention against a New York side that has tasted both dominance and defeat in this series, while Golden State face a critical home test as they continue to cope with the absence of their talisman, Stephen Curry, against a confident Minnesota unit.
With bragging rights, momentum and elimination avoidance all on the line, fans and punters alike are in for a thrilling night of basketball. Here’s our full breakdown of the matchups, predictions and betting tips brought to you by America Bet.
Boston Celtics at New York Knicks
Match Info
- NBA Playoffs – Eastern Conference Semifinals
- Monday 12 May 2025, 19:30 EST / 00:30 BST (13 May)
- Madison Square Garden, New York City, USA
Boston Celtics
Boston entered this series as favourites and showed during Game 3 why that was the case, responding to back-to-back home defeats with a resounding 115-93 victory at Madison Square Garden. Their shooting returned with vengeance – a 50% clip from deep and five three-pointers apiece from Jayson Tatum and Payton Pritchard underpinned a commanding performance. Boston’s offence clicked across the board, with five players scoring 15+ points. Crucially, their defence tightened up, limiting New York to rushed decisions and capitalising on transition opportunities. With their confidence restored and the series now at a crucial juncture, the Celtics know levelling the series would turn the tide in their favour – especially with Game 5 set to return to TD Garden.
New York Knicks
After taking a commanding 2-0 lead on the road, the Knicks failed to match Boston’s intensity in Game 3 and were handed a stark wake-up call. Jalen Brunson’s 27 points offered a silver lining, but the rest of the team struggled for rhythm, and early complacency allowed Boston to control the game from start to finish. Karl-Anthony Towns continues to be a consistent force in the paint and appears untroubled by his hand knock, while Josh Hart and the supporting cast must now recalibrate their focus. Head coach Tom Thibodeau will be demanding a full 48-minute effort from his men – a loss would surrender home-court advantage and tilt the series dangerously away from them.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Boston Celtics to win
The Celtics have rediscovered their identity and offensive balance. If they can replicate the poise and intensity from Game 3, they should edge this crucial contest and level the series.
America Bet Score Prediction
Boston 109 – 102 New York
Expect a closer contest, but Boston’s revitalised three-point shooting and depth off the bench should give them the edge again, even in hostile territory.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Boston Celtics to win
- Over 210.5 total points
- Jayson Tatum over 24.5 points
- Karl-Anthony Towns double-double
- Payton Pritchard 3+ three-pointers
- Boston -3.5 handicap
- Both teams to score 100+ points
- Jalen Brunson 20+ points
- First quarter total over 50.5
- Game to be decided by 10 points or fewer
Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden State Warriors
Match Info
- NBA Playoffs – Western Conference Semifinals
- Monday 12 May 2025, 22:00 EST / 03:00 BST (13 May)
- Chase Center, San Francisco, USA
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota have done well to capitalise on Stephen Curry’s absence, and now hold a 2-1 series lead thanks to their grinding 102-97 win in Game 3. Anthony Edwards has emerged as the dominant force, pouring in 36 points and showing composure in key moments. Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels continue to be X-factors from deep, helping stretch the floor and create opportunities. What’s been most impressive, however, is Minnesota’s poise on the road – they’ve now won three of four away games in the postseason and look undeterred by the bright lights of San Francisco. That said, they will know that any lapse could reignite Golden State’s momentum, particularly with Game 5 looming in Minneapolis.
Golden State Warriors
Golden State showed remarkable fight in Game 3 despite missing their biggest weapon. Jonathan Kuminga’s breakout 30-point game gave the home crowd something to rally behind, while Jimmy Butler III continues to anchor the offence in Curry’s absence. Still, the Warriors were outscored in crunch time, and their perimeter shooting lacked its usual volume and verve. The team attempted their fewest threes of the season (23), suggesting a system recalibration without Curry. While they’re far from done, the Warriors need a standout team performance to avoid falling 3-1 down, and will look to their championship pedigree and defensive tenacity to carry them through a difficult night.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Minnesota Timberwolves to win
The Timberwolves have a system that’s clicking on both ends of the court, and Golden State’s reliance on patchwork solutions without Curry could leave them just short once more.
America Bet Score Prediction
Minnesota 108 – 100 Golden State
Golden State will put up a fight, but Minnesota’s form and shot discipline down the stretch should be enough to grind out another close win.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Minnesota Timberwolves to win
- Anthony Edwards over 29.5 points
- Game total under 212.5 points
- Naz Reid 2+ three-pointers
- Jimmy Butler III 20+ points
- Jonathan Kuminga 15+ points
- Minnesota to win 1st half
- Timberwolves +2.5 handicap
- Both teams under 110 points
- Game to go under 215 total points
