Quick Recap:
• Record: 1-1
• Units: -0.1
• Best Win: New York Knicks -7.5 (+1.0u)
• Tough Loss: Spurs -13.0 (-1.1u)
Handicapper Bryan Bash posted a split record on May 04, 2026, finishing 1-1 on his NBA playoff selections. The evening featured contrasting outcomes as a dominant Knicks performance delivered a comfortable cover while a thrilling Spurs-Timberwolves contest came down to the wire and fell short.
Timberwolves at Spurs
Bash backed the San Antonio Spurs -13.0 at -110 odds in the Western Conference semifinals opener, but the selection Lost as Minnesota pulled off a 104-102 upset victory. The Timberwolves not only failed to cover the spread—they won outright, making this a particularly tough result for Spurs backers. Anthony Edwards made an unexpected return from injury after suffering a bone bruise and hyperextended left knee on April 25, scoring 18 points including 11 in a critical performance. Despite a monster effort from Victor Wembanyama, who recorded 11 points, 15 rebounds, and an impressive 12 blocks, San Antonio couldn’t hold serve at home.
The game remained competitive throughout, with Minnesota’s 35-30 fourth-quarter advantage proving decisive in the tight finish. The Timberwolves shot slightly better from the field at 45.6% compared to San Antonio’s 44.8%, and Minnesota’s superior three-point shooting (38.5% versus 27.8%) provided a crucial edge. San Antonio’s struggles from beyond the arc ultimately undermined their ability to pull away and cover the substantial 13-point spread, even with Wembanyama’s defensive dominance protecting the rim.
76ers at Knicks
Bash found success with the New York Knicks -7.5 at -105 odds, as the selection Won convincingly in a 137-98 blowout. The Knicks demolished Philadelphia by 39 points, covering the spread with plenty of room to spare. Jalen Brunson led the charge with 35 points, including 27 in a dominant first half that set the tone early. New York made history by becoming the first NBA team to win three consecutive postseason games by at least 25 points, continuing a remarkable run that began in their first-round series against Atlanta.
The Knicks’ offensive efficiency was extraordinary, shooting 63.1% from the field and an impressive 51.4% from three-point range. New York established control immediately, outscoring Philadelphia 33-25 in the first quarter before extending their advantage to 41-26 in the second period. By halftime, the game was effectively decided, and the Knicks led by as many as 40 points during the rout. Philadelphia managed just 41.1% shooting from the field and was thoroughly outmatched in assists (34-15) and rebounds (39-28). Paul George led the 76ers with just 17 points in a forgettable performance for the visitors, who had no answer for New York’s balanced attack and suffocating execution.
Bryan Bash finished the night at .500, splitting his two playoff selections on May 04. While the Knicks delivered an emphatic cover in blowout fashion, the Spurs’ inability to hold off Edwards and the Timberwolves resulted in both a straight-up loss and a failed cover in San Antonio.
