About this episode
Munaf Manji and Mackenzie Rivers talk NBA Finals Game 5 betting. best bets as always. The latest episode of RJ Bell’s Dream Preview podcast features Munaf Manji and Mackenzie Rivers breaking down Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals and pivotal offseason developments. They begin by analyzing the Desmond Bane trade, where Memphis sent Bane to Orlando for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks, and a pick swap. The Magic, previously last in the league in three-point percentage and makes, addressed a dire shooting need. While Bane strengthens the backcourt alongside Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, both hosts agree Orlando still lacks a true playmaker to fully optimize the roster. Turning to Memphis, the trade signals a possible rebuild despite the Grizzlies surpassing expectations last season with a +5 net rating. The franchise had already fired head coach Taylor Jenkins. Ja Morant, despite off-court controversies, recorded his best statistical season per estimated plus-minus, but trade value concerns and injury history complicate future decisions. Jaren Jackson Jr., on a one-year deal, might be easier to move but would likely require a max extension. Mackenzie suggests Memphis may be following Oklahoma City’s “draft capital” model to rebuild in a Western Conference crowded with rising powers like the Thunder, Mavericks, and Spurs. The conversation shifts to Kevin Durant’s future. Odds favor Minnesota, Miami, Houston, and San Antonio as potential trade destinations. Mackenzie argues Houston offers the best fit, balancing defense and the need for a closer. The Rockets’ roster is full of youth and effort but lacks a go-to scorer in crunch time. However, Munaf notes the potential cost—losing Jalen Green, Jabari Smith, or Cam Whitmore—may be steep for an aging Durant with limited prime years remaining. Both agree that while the trade could elevate Houston, it does not guarantee championship contention. In analyzing Game 5 of the NBA Finals, the Thunder return home with the series tied 2–2 and are listed as 9.5-point favorites. Game 4 was pivotal—Oklahoma City finally covered a road playoff game, aided by Shea Gilgeous-Alexander’s late-game scoring surge. The Pacers attempted a record number of full-court press possessions, forcing OKC to shift SGA off-ball. This change, emphasizing scoring over playmaking, resulted in SGA posting zero assists. His potential assists have dropped from 15.3 earlier in the playoffs to just 10.3 in the Finals. Mackenzie recommends betting under 6.5 assists for SGA in Game 5. Statistical betting trends further back the Thunder. Teams favored by eight or more points at home in a tied 2–2 playoff series are 20–2 straight up and 17–5 against the spread. Historically, such teams cover at a 62 percent rate in Game 5 scenarios. Munaf adds that OKC is 9–2 straight up and 8–3 ATS at home this postseason, further reinforcing confidence in them to win and cover. Among player props, Aaron Neesmith is spotlighted for Indiana. He’s averaging 15.4 points per game in road contests this postseason. Munaf recommends the over on both his points and three-point props, noting his consistency when Halliburton struggles to create. The episode closes by revisiting odds and possible futures for Durant and the teams in play. With the draft looming on June 25, both hosts suggest the next big move could come sooner than expected. Game 6 will shift back to Indiana, but Game 5 is set to be decisive. Listeners are offered a promo code for discounted picks, and the hosts preview a busy offseason ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices