TST Best Bets: May 8, 2026

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TST Best Bets: May 8, 2026

TST Best Bets: May 8, 2026

Friday’s slate of NBA Playoff hoops sees two teams in desperate need of wins to stay afloat in their respective series.The writing may already be on the wall for the Philadelphia 76ers, who after a blowout loss in Game 1, were without their MVP center in Joel Embiid in Game 2, leading to an 0-2 defi

TST Best Bets: May 8, 2026

Friday’s slate of NBA Playoff hoops sees two teams in desperate need of wins to stay afloat in their respective series.The writing may already be on the wall for the Philadelphia 76ers, who after a blowout loss in Game 1, were without their MVP center in Joel Embiid in Game 2, leading to an 0-2 deficit. Embiid is listed as questionable for Game 3, but whether he suits up or not, we can expect to at best to see a hampered version of the star big man, whose defensive ability was significantly affe

Friday’s NBA Playoff action brings us two teams fighting for survival, each facing a must-win scenario to keep their championship dreams alive.

The Philadelphia 76ers are in a deep hole, trailing 0-2 after a blowout loss in Game 1 and a tough Game 2 defeat without their MVP center, Joel Embiid. While Embiid is listed as questionable for Game 3, even if he suits up, expect a limited version of the star big man. His defensive impact was already visibly hampered by injuries in the series opener, leaving Philly scrambling for answers on both ends of the floor.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves find themselves in a precarious spot despite a 1-1 series tie. Game 3 feels like a do-or-die moment for the Wolves, especially as Anthony Edwards—whose return from a first-round injury was initially a thrilling surprise—has looked like a shadow of his usual self. Can Minnesota rally at home and grab a 2-1 lead, giving Edwards more time to regain his rhythm?

To help you cash in on tonight’s playoff action, here are TST’s Best Bets:

First Pick: New York Knicks +1.5 over Philadelphia 76ers

The Knicks didn’t bring their A-game in Game 2, relying on late-game heroics from former Clutch Player of the Year Jalen Brunson to close out a 76ers squad missing Embiid. But here’s the key: Embiid’s injury has sapped his rim protection, leaving Philadelphia with few answers for New York’s offense. The 76ers’ only hope is a cold shooting night from the Knicks—and that happened in Game 2, with New York hitting just 26% from beyond the arc. Expect a regression to the mean in Game 3, which spells trouble for Philly. The Knicks are 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 games, and as underdogs against a hobbled 76ers team, they should keep rolling.

Second Pick: San Antonio Spurs -4.5 over Minnesota Timberwolves

The Spurs are clicking on all cylinders, and with the Wolves struggling to find their footing, San Antonio looks poised to cover the spread. Minnesota’s reliance on a banged-up Edwards and a lackluster supporting cast makes this a tough spot for the Timberwolves. Expect the Spurs to control the tempo and secure a comfortable win at home.

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