NBA Playoffs Predictions (09-05-2026)

The NBA Playoffs continue with two important Game 3 matchups on Friday night.

Philadelphia return home already trailing 0-2 against New York, while Minnesota look to build on the momentum gained after stealing home court advantage from San Antonio earlier in the series.

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This total has already been cleared in both games of the series, as well as during the NBA regular season meetings between these teams.

The main issue for Philadelphia so far has been offensive consistency.

Defensively, slowing down New York Knicks has looked difficult across both matchups, especially once the Knicks find rhythm in transition and early offense.

Even though the 76ers previously managed to defend well against Boston earlier in the NBA playoffs, this series has looked completely different offensively.

New York continue to push the pace much more aggressively, and Philadelphia usually respond better themselves when games become more open offensively.

Considering the current series flow and the relatively modest total line, another high-scoring game still looks realistic heading into Game 3.

Minnesota already managed to steal one road win in San Antonio and now return home knowing this is a major opportunity to take control of the series.

The Timberwolves have generally looked strong at home throughout these NBA Playoffs, especially in the previous NBA series against Denver.

San Antonio, meanwhile, faced Portland in the opening round, but Minnesota are clearly a much more demanding opponent offensively than the Trail Blazers were.

The first game of the series already showed that the Timberwolves can score efficiently against this Spurs defense when the pace increases, winning 104-102 on the road.

The second matchup was completely different, with San Antonio Spurs controlling the game early and dominating defensively in a 133-95 win.

Still, the series now shifts to Minnesota, where the Timberwolves have already shown they play with far more confidence offensively.

Now back at home, Minnesota have a good chance to put pressure on San Antonio again.

With the NBA series tied 1-1, another competitive matchup feels likely, and if Minnesota manage to push the pace closer to what we saw in the opener, this team total still looks reachable.