The NBA Playoffs are in full swing, and the action has been fast and furious. We are ready to find more winning player props.
We have 3 games in the NBA Playoffs tonight: Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics, New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics
Tuesday, April 18, 2023 – 07:00 PM EDT at TD Garden
Dejounte Murray (Atlanta Hawks)
- Over 19.5 Points Scored
The Atlanta Hawks came out flat in Game 1. After a rousing victory over the Miami Heat in the NBA Play-In Tournament, the Atlanta Hawks looked nothing like the team that defeated the Miami Heat in order to qualify for the playoffs.
The Hawks shot 1-16 from three-point range in the first half and went into halftime down by 30 points. Atlanta is not as bad as that performance displayed and we expect them to show some fight and bounce back tonight.
The Pick
Dejounte Murray went over his point prop total in Game 1. The Boston Celtics chose to focus their defense on Hawks superstar Trae Young, leaving Murray with plenty of opportunities to score.
Murray scored 24 points on 10-25 shooting. He was a disappointing 0-6 from behind a 3-point arc. It is reasonable to expect that Murray will improve on his long-distance shooting performance tonight.
NBA defenses have to pick their poison, and the Celtics have chosen to stop Trae Young. This gives Dejounte Murray an opportunity to lead his team in scoring. When betting on player props we target usage and Murray will have excellent usage this evening.
We also expect Murray’s shooting percentage to increase after having time to dissect the Celtics’ defense.
NBA Prop Pick: Dejounte Murray Over 19.5 Points (-115) at Caesars Sportsbook
New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Tuesday, April 18, 2023 – 07:30 PM EDT at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Mitchell Robinson (New York Knicks)
- Over 10.5 Rebounds
The New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers played a hard-fought game 1 playoff battle on Saturday. The New York Knicks were able to overcome the Cavaliers 101-97.
New York had a 10-point lead in the 4th quarter, the Cavaliers fought back and took a one-point lead, but then the Knicks closed the door on the Cavaliers’ chances with clutch play in the final 2 minutes.
The Knicks have an excellent opportunity to take a commanding lead in the series tonight. If they were to get the win here and head home with the 2-0 lead, they would be heavy favorites to win the series. The Cavaliers really need this win tonight.
The Pick
Although Jalen Brunson dominated the headlines for the Knicks, the play of Mitchell Robinson was just as important. Mitchell Robinson countered the Cavs’ size with excellent play and rim protection. Robinson’s ability to be effective down low was a great counter to the Cavaliers’ strength; their Twin Towers of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
Mitchell Robinson averages 9.4 rebounds per game. He had eight rebounds in Game 1, however, he only played 26 minutes. We would expect Robinson to get more minutes tonight, which will give him a great opportunity to increase his rebounding output.
Prior to the playoffs beginning, Robinson went over this number in his last four regular season games. Robinson will return to double digits in the rebounding category tonight.
NBA Prop Pick: Mitchell Robinson Over 10.5 Rebounds (+100) at BetMGM
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns
Tuesday, April 18, 2023 – 10:00 PM EDT at Footprint Center
Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns)
The Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers played an exciting game on Sunday where the Los Angeles Clippers scored the upset. The Clippers prevailed 115-110. In the game, Kawhi Leonard established himself as the best player on the court. However, Kevin Durant will have something to say about that tonight.
The Clippers were able to win despite a 3-19 shooting performance from Russell Westbrook. However, Westbrook proved that you can be effective in more ways than just putting the ball through the hoop, and his eight assists, 11 rebounds, three blocks and two steals more than made up for his shooting woes.
The Clippers’ two stars, Westbrook and Leonard, were better than Durant and Booker in Game 1. Will this trend continue in game two?
The Pick
Kevin Durant had a fantastic statistical night in Game 1. Durant had 27 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds. It was the first time the Suns had lost in a game that Durant played. He and his teammates will be eager to even the series tonight.
In betting on this Double-Double we have two different ways to get there. Durant is capable of getting double digits in rebounds and assists, and his point total is almost a given. When attacking Double-Double props, finding players who can get there with both rebounds and assists is important.
Win or lose, Kevin Durant will have another big game for the Phoenix Suns and record a Double-Double.
NBA Prop Pick: Kevin Durant Double-Double / Yes (+200) at Unibet
