NBA betting - Bets that stand out for Thursday's playoff games - ESPN

The 2025 NBA playoffs continue Thursday with a pair of Game 6's. Two teams are vying for a spot in the next round, and two are trying to stave off elimination and force a decisive Game 7.

The night tips off with the New York Knicks trying to finish off the Detroit Pistons, who are small favorites Thursday at home. Detroit was able to extend the series after pulling out a tight victory Tuesday in Game 5.

Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets have won two straight against the LA Clippers to nab a 3-2 series lead, but they are 6.5-point underdogs on the road Thursday.

The winner of the Knicks-Pistons series will face the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals, while the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder await the winner of the Nuggets-Clippers series in the Western Conference.

With the excitement ramping up, here are some of the bets that stand out for Thursday's pair of games.

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

Jalen Brunson over 35.5 points + assists (-125)

Brunson will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing Game 5, especially with the Knicks trying to avoid a Game 7 at Madison Square Garden. He has cleared this line in four of five games this series and is expected to play heavy minutes again Thursday. That's good news, as Brunson has hit this mark in 10 of 12 games this season when he has played 40 or more minutes. Expect him to be aggressive from the start. — Eric Moody

Jalen Duren over 12.5 rebounds

Duren has been dominant on the boards all season, but he has taken it up another notch of late with an average of 13 RPG over the last four games in the playoffs. He has faced the Knicks six times in April and has at least 13 boards in four of the six games.