Betting the NBA Playoffs: Four bets for Wednesday

The 2025 NBA playoffs continue Wednesday with a pair of Western Conference Game 5s.

First, the Houston Rockets (-4.5, 204.5) return home and aim to stave off elimination from the Golden State Warriors. Then, the Los Angeles Lakers (-6.5, 209.5) try and keep their season alive against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Here are some of the bets that stand out for Wednesday's games.

Odds are as of publication time. For the most up-to-date odds, visit ESPN BET

Bets for Wednesday

Warriors-Rockets under 204.5 points (-112)

This series has been a defensive rock fight throughout, with an average combined score of 199.3 PPG. Game 4 was the highest-scoring thus far at 215 combined points, but a) that was a bit of an anomaly, and b) Game 5 is an elimination game. The Rockets are a young team that is much better on defense than on offense, and elimination games often lead to young teams tightening up even more on offense and putting even more effort into the defense. I wouldn't be surprised at all if this were a game more like Game 1 where neither team tops the century mark. -- Andre' Snellings

Luka Doncic over 32.5 points (-105)

With the Lakers in an elimination game, I fully expect both Luka and LeBron James to have great games tonight. With the added sauce of the lingering questions about Luka's physical fitness and will to win based on the aftermath of his trade from Dallas, in addition to the images of him missing layups late in Game 4, I particularly see Luka coming into this game with something to prove. And Luka has a history of putting up big scoring numbers against the Timberwolves. Last season, with the Mavericks, Luka averaged 33.6 PPG in seven games against the Timberwolves (including the playoffs). In this season's playoffs, outside of when he was battling illness in Game 3, Luka has averaged 35.3 PPG. -- Snellings

Alperen Sengun over 31.5 points and rebounds (-120)

The Rockets' season is on the line heading into Wednesday night's game against the Warriors. Good things happen when Houston leans on Sengun. He stockpiled 31 points and 10 rebounds in 42 minutes in Game 4 against Golden State. The Warriors have struggled to defend centers all season, which is something the Rockets would be wise to exploit. Sengun has cleared this line in three of four games against Golden State this season. He's also done it in eight of the 13 games where he's played 37 or more minutes. -- Eric Moody

LeBron James over 9.5 rebounds (-130)

The Lakers won't go down without a fight on their home court, facing elimination against the Timberwolves. James has cleared this line in three of four games this series, averaging 15.5 rebound chances per game. He's played 36 or more minutes in every game, and with the Lakers relying on small lineups, he has to be aggressive on the glass to keep their season alive. -- Moody

Projections and injury reports

Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds by ESPN BET

All times ET.

Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets
7:30 p.m. ET

Line: Warriors +4.5 (-115) | Rockets -4.5 (EVEN)
Money line: Warriors +145 | Rockets -170
Total: 204.5 (-102 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Rockets by 0.6, straight up 52%, 213.2 total points.

Injury Report:
Warriors: Jimmy Butler III, (GTD - Pelvis)
Rockets: Jae'Sean Tate, (OUT - Ankle)

Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers
10 p.m. ET

Line: Timberwolves +6.5 (-115) | Lakers -6.5 (EVEN)
Money line: Timberwolves +200 | Lakers -240
Total: 209.5 (-107 O, -107 U)
BPI Projection: Lakers by 3.4, straight up 61%, 214.4 total points.

Injury Report:
Timberwolves: Rob Dillingham, (OUT - Ankle)
Lakers: Maxi Kleber, (GTD - Foot)