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Clark’s ‘Caps: Milwaukee Bucks at Phoenix Suns Game 5 player prop predictions

Geoff Clark breaks down two NBA player prop bet predictions for Saturday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Phoenix Suns NBA Finals Game 5 showdown.

The Milwaukee Bucks (2-2) visit the Phoenix Suns (2-2) Saturday for Game 5 of the NBA Finals at Footprint Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:05 p.m. ET. Below, we’ll highlight the top NBA player prop bet predictions for Bucks-Suns Game 5.

Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton shredded Phoenix with their two-man game Wednesday as they combined for 66 points on 50% field goal shooting with 20 rebounds and 12 assists.

On the other hand, aside from Devin Booker almost all of the Suns struggled offensively in Game 4. Booker put up 42 points on 17-of-28 shooting, but Chris Paul added just 10 points and SF Mikal Bridges scored only 7 points.

Also see: Bucks at Suns Game 5 odds, picks and prediction

Bucks at Suns Game 5 prop bet predictions

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:14 p.m. ET.

Phoenix Suns SF Mikal Bridges OVER 15.5 points, assists & rebounds “PRA” (-130)

Bridges struggled over the past two Finals games in Milwaukee but typically role players are more reliable at home in the playoffs and four of Bridges’ five highest game scores during the postseason have been in Phoenix.

Also, Bridges has gone Over 13.5 “PRA” in four of the six Bucks-Suns games this year (including the regular season) and averaged 19.9 “PRA” during the regular season and is averaging 17.1 “PRA” in the playoffs.

Furthermore, Bridges is more of a 3-and-D guy. He has 10 multi-assist games in these playoffs, five or more rebounds in nine playoff games and Phoenix’s fourth-highest usage rate in the Finals (minimum of five minutes played).

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Milwaukee Bucks SG Pat Connaughton OVER 1.5 made 3-pointers (-135)

First of all, I hate that I’m betting two Overs for player props in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Typically as postseason series wind down, games get played at a slower pace and fewer points are scored.

However, Connaughton’s 3-point player prop has been easy money so far in the Finals. He’s made at least two 3-pointers in every Finals game (and five straight playoff games) with the second-most 3-point attempts for the Bucks in this series while shooting 45.8% from three.

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Moreover, Connaughton is averaging 31.0 minutes per game in the Finals not only because he’s a knockdown 3-point shooter but because he can also defend guards, wings and stretch-4s.

In fact, Connaughton has a plus-16 net rating this series and has been tasked with chasing Phoenix’s 3-and-D guys off the 3-point line. which has been a key wrinkle in Milwaukee’s defensive scheme in the Finals.

What I’m getting at is Connaughton should get the necessary 3-point volume and brings other things to the table, which ensures he gets enough playing time to go Over his 3-pointers made prop.

Want some action on these props? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Clark’s ‘Caps: Phoenix Suns at Milwaukee Bucks Game 3 player prop predictions

Geoff Clark breaks down two NBA player prop bet predictions for Sunday’s Phoenix Suns at Milwaukee Bucks NBA Finals Game 3 showdown.

Game 3 of the NBA Finals tips off Sunday at Fiserv Forum at 8:05 p.m. ET with the Milwaukee Bucks (0-2) hosting the Phoenix Suns (2-0). Below, we’ll highlight the top NBA player prop bet predictions for Bucks-Suns Game 3.

All the superstars came to play in Game 2: Giannis Antetokounmpo put up 42 points with 12 rebounds, Chris Paul scored 23 points and notched 8 assists and Devin Booker added 31 points with 6 assists.

Phoenix also got a career outing from Mikal Bridges who scored 27 points on 53.3% shooting, but Game 2 was swung because of lackluster performances from the Bucks backcourt as Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton who only scored a combined 28 points on 12-for-37 shooting.

Also see: Suns at Bucks Game 3 odds, picks and prediction

Bucks at Suns Game 3 prop bet predictions

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:17 p.m. ET.

Milwaukee Bucks SF Khris Middleton OVER 2.5 made 3-pointers (-120)

After having an awesome first game, Middleton put up a stinker in Game 2 but should have a bounce-back effort now that the series is in Milwaukee.

Offensively, Middleton has been a lot comfier at home, shooting 46.8% from three in Milwaukee (36.6% from three on the road) with a 121 offensive rating at home (111 offensive rating on the road).

Furthermore, Middleton has sunk at least three 3-pointers in five of his eight playoff home games this year.

Also, Middleton has hit at least three 3-pointers in four of his last six games against Suns SG Devin Booker.

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Phoenix Suns SG Devin Booker OVER 28.5 points (-120)

Speaking of Devin Booker, his preference to operate in the mid-range and his 3-point volume are why Booker’s points prop is priced this high.

This is obviously a sharp number as he averaged 27.0 points per game vs. the Bucks in two regular-season meetings and is averaging 29.0 PPG through the first two games of the NBA Finals.

However, the Over is the play because Milwaukee’s defense ranks 20th in defensive field goal percentage on mid-range attempts, according to CleaningTheGlass.com, and that’s where a bulk of Booker’s production comes from.

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For instance, 50% of Booker’s field goal attempts during the regular season came in the mid-range which was in the 100th percentile of all guards and his mid-range field goal volume has increased to 57% during the postseason.

The same case could be made for CP3’s point prop but I prefer Booker’s more so since Holiday – who’s NBA All-Defensive First Team – is defending Paul and because of CP3’s interesting history with Game 3 official Scott Foster.

Lastly, Booker has increased 3-point attempt volume thus far in the Finals because of Milwaukee’s defensive strategy to play drop coverage on pick-and-rolls and allow their opponents to hoist threes.

He’s averaging 10.0 3-point attempts per game in the Finals and if Booker continues to chuck threes at that rate, he should be flirting with a 30-piece in every game this series.

Want some action on these props? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Clark’s ‘Caps: Milwaukee Bucks at Phoenix Suns Game 2 player prop predictions

Geoff Clark breaks down two NBA player prop bet predictions for Thursday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Phoenix Suns NBA Finals Game 2 showdown.

The Phoenix Suns (1-0) look to take a two-game lead in their NBA Finals series against the Milwaukee Bucks (0-1) Thursday at their self-titled arena. Tip-off is set for 9:05 p.m. ET. Below, we’ll highlight the top NBA player prop bet predictions for Bucks-Suns Game 2.

Bucks two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo surprised everyone by returning from a knee injury that kept him out of the last two games of the Eastern Conference Finals by suiting up for Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

There was certainly a little rust for Giannis to knock off but he still had a solid outing scoring 20 points on 54.5% shooting with 17 rebounds and 4 assists.

On the other side, Chris Paul was fantastic, putting up a game-high 32 points on 63.2% shooting with 9 assists while Suns big Deandre Ayton added 22 points with 19 rebounds and Devin Booker had 27 points.

Bucks at Suns Game 2 prop bet predictions

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated 7:23 a.m. ET.

Milwaukee Bucks C Brook Lopez OVER 12.5 points (-130)

Lopez cleared this points prop in Game 1 easily by scoring 17 points on 50% shooting (3-for-5 from 3-point land) and did so on just 22:50 minutes of game time.

I could see Lopez getting more run in Game 2 since Ayton played 38:44 minutes in Game 1. Ayton is a legit seven-footer, as is Lopez, and if the Bucks don’t put Lopez out there then Ayton could dominate the paint.

Furthermore, Ayton spent more time defending Giannis than any other Suns player, which left Phoenix stretch-4 Jae Crowder to guard the much larger Lopez.

This was a big reason why Lopez had a game-high five offensive rebounds Tuesday and, if he gets matched up with Crowder again, Lopez will have an easier time getting putbacks. Any deep post touches for Lopez vs. Crowder should be easy points.

BET B. Lopez OVER 12.5 points (-130) for 1 unit.

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Suns PF Cameron Johnson OVER 1.5 made 3-pointers (+110)

Even though I whiffed with this angle in my Game 1 player props piece, I’m going back to the well with Johnson’s 3-point prop under the thinking that he’ll get quality looks because Milwaukee’s defense will be more fixated on defending CP3 and Booker.

Again, this has been Milwaukee’s defensive strategy all year long as the Bucks have the worst defensive 3-point percentage vs. opposing power forwards on the most 3-point attempts allowed to the position during the regular season.

This strategy could burn them if employed against Johnson because he’s been on fire during these playoffs.

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Johnson is shooting 45.5% from behind the arc in the postseason and has made at least two 3-pointers in nine of his 16 playoff games.

Also, Johnson shot 46.2% from three (6-for-13 from behind the arc) against Milwaukee in the regular season.

Lastly, any adjustments the Bucks defense makes to prevent CP3 from lighting them up again or keeping Booker off the foul line is going to create wide-open looks for Phoenix role players.

BET C. Johnson OVER 1.5 made 3-pointers (+110) for 1 unit.

Want some action on these props? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Clark’s ‘Caps: NBA playoffs player prop predictions – Round 1, 5/31

Geoff Clark breaks down two NBA player prop bet predictions for Monday’s first-round NBA playoffs card.

The NBA’s Memorial Day playoff card is a doubleheader of the 1-vs.-8 matchups from both conferences. Below, we’ll highlight Monday’s top NBA player prop predictions.

Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers try to bring out the brooms in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference First Round playoff series with the Washington Wizards.

Philly has looked every bit the 1-seed of the East as the Sixers are playing great on both sides of the floor. The 76ers have the highest effective field-goal percentage (eFG%) this postseason and the second-best defensive rating.

The West Coast primetime game features the Memphis Grizzlies hoping to even their series with the Utah Jazz in their home building of FedExForum. It has been a team effort for Utah thus far as the Jazz have five players averaging at least 15.0 points per game and the second-highest offensive rating in the playoffs.

Monday’s NBA player prop bet predictions

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Philadelphia 76ers SF Tobias Harris OVER 30.5 points, assists & rebounds (-115)

Embiid deserves all the praise being heaped on him but it’s somewhat expected since he’s an MVP finalist. A pleasant surprise for Philly has been the fantastic play of SF Tobias Harris this series.

Harris is averaging 25.3 points per game on 64.3% true shooting (.571/.455/1.000) with 9.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game in the series. He went Over 30.5 “PRA” in two of the three games and the one contest he didn’t go Over is because he played only 23:17.

I like Washington to keep Game 4 close enough so Philly isn’t sitting starters in the fourth quarter. This being the fastest-paced first-round playoff series means Harris should have plenty of possessions to collect stats.

BET T. Harris OVER 30.5 points, assists & rebounds (-115) for 1 unit.

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Utah Jazz SF Royce O’Neale OVER 1.5 made 3-pointers (+125)

Utah’s offense is scorching Memphis’ defense and any adjustment the Grizzlies make will probably include O’Neale’s man helping off of him since he’s the least scary offensive player in the Jazz’s starting five.

Conley or Mitchell off of the pick and roll is deadly because of their ability to hit the open man in the corner or knock down an outside shot if their defender goes under the screen. They can also lob it to a rolling C Rudy Gobert.

The Jazz player most likely to be forgotten with the Grizzlies playing help defense is O’Neale, who has a 69.0% eFG% this series. Also, Memphis is 21st in opposing power forward’s 3-point shooting percentage.

Furthermore, O’Neale is averaging the second-most minutes per game for Utah in this series because of his defensive versatility. He had a career-high 58.0 eFG% during the regular season.

BET R. O’Neale OVER 1.5 made 3-pointers (+125) for a half unit.

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Want some action on these props? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Clark’s ‘Caps: NBA playoffs player prop predictions – Round 1, 5/30

Geoff Clark breaks down three NBA player prop bet predictions for Sunday’s first-round NBA playoffs card.

Four pivotal Game 4s are on the NBA’s Sunday docket as each series is currently 2-1 with the higher-seeded teams returning home for Game 5. Below, we’ll highlight the top NBA player prop predictions.

Julius Randle tries to end his playoff slump when his New York Knicks (1-2) visit the red-hot Trae Young and Atlanta Hawks (2-1) in State Farm Arena at 1 p.m. ET.

Next, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers (2-1) hope to put Phoenix Suns (1-2) on the ropes before heading back to Arizona for Game 5. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET.

Then the Boston Celtics (1-2) surprisingly have a chance to even their series with the Brooklyn Nets (2-1) after Jayson Tatum dropped a 50-burger in Game 3 to key Boston’s victory. The action is set to get underway in TD Garden at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Finally, at 9:30 p.m. ET, the Dallas Mavericks (2-1) look to Luka Doncic to keep up his dazzling postseason performance at American Airlines Center when they host the Los Angeles Clippers (1-2).

Sunday’s NBA player prop bet predictions

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:01 a.m. ET.

Los Angeles Lakers PG Dennis Schröder OVER 14.5 points (-135)

While LeBron and Anthony Davis getting a majority of the attention makes sense it that also hides the fact that first-year Laker Dennis Schröder is playing very well in this series.

Schröder has posted an efficient 19.3 points per game on 67.8% true shooting (.559/.400/.800) and has scored more than 14.5 points in the past two games while scoring 14 points in Game 1 on 5-of-7 shooting.

During the regular season, Schröder put up 19.5 points per game on 55.8% true shooting (.452/.444/.778) in two games against the Suns.

Furthermore, Schröder could be the benefactor of each team’s injury situations because AD is dealing with knee soreness, which might mean more plays being run for Schröder, while the injury to Chris Paul‘s shoulder makes Phoenix’s backcourt defense a little softer.

BET D. Schröder OVER 14.5 points (-135) for 1 unit.

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Boston Celtics G Marcus Smart OVER 2.5 made 3-pointers (+110)

Marcus Smart has been chucking and sinking threes in Boston’s first-round series with Brooklyn, attempting a team-high eight 3-pointers per game, while his 54.2% 3-point percentage is good for second on the team.

Brooklyn’s defense has been known to take naps since the offense is one of the deadliest in NBA history. The Nets were ranked 23rd in defensive rating during the regular season and 3-point attempts allowed per game.

Also, during the regular season, Smart shot an above-average 36.4% from behind the arc in his three games against the Nets, making three 3-pointers in two of those games. In the one game he didn’t reach that mark he attempted 10 threes.

Finally, with Tatum going off for 50 points in Game 3 we could see Brooklyn expend more of its defensive bandwidth on him, which should help Smart get more open looks.

BET M. Smart OVER 2.5 made 3-pointers (+110) for a half unit.

Dallas Mavericks big Kristaps Porziņģis UNDER 7.5 rebounds (-135)

Kristaps Porziņģis is listed as Dallas’s starting center but plays more like a stretch-4 and spends a lot more time outside the paint than in it.

For instance, Porziņģis has the eighth-highest rebounding rate on Dallas out of the 10 Mavs that have played during this series and is averaging just 3.7 boards on 33.9 minutes per game.

Moreover, KP has grabbed more than eight boards in just one of his past nine games, a stretch that includes this playoff series and dates back to April 21 of the regular season.

Whether Porziņģis plays power forward or center, the Clippers have done a good job keeping opponents at both positions off of the glass. They’ve held opposing power forwards to the fewest rebounds per game and opposing centers to the 10th-fewest rebounds per game.

BET K. Porziņģis UNDER 7.5 rebounds (-135) for 1 unit.

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Want some action on these props? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Clark’s ‘Caps: NBA playoffs player prop predictions – Round 1, 5/29

Geoff Clark breaks down three NBA player prop bet predictions for Saturday’s first-round NBA playoffs slate.

Saturday’s NBA playoff bonanza features a four-game card with two games from each conference. Below, we’ll highlight the top NBA player prop predictions.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks look to complete the sweep of the Miami Heat as the Bucks try to get revenge for last year’s Eastern Conference Semifinals playoff exit at the hands of the Heat.

Probable MVP Nikola Jokic and his Denver Nuggets try to take a commanding 3-1 lead on the Portland Trail Blazers before heading back to Denver for Game 5.

The Washington Wizards hope to get back into their first-round series with the Philadelphia 76ers as they are down 0-2 heading to the nation’s capital for the next two games.

Finally, the Utah Jazz visit FedExForum to play the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 3 with the series tied 1-1.

Saturday’s NBA player prop bet predictions

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:40 p.m. ET.

Denver Nuggets PG Facundo Campazzo OVER 1.5 made 3-pointers (-110)

The 30-year-old rookie is playing the third-most minutes per game for Denver in this series and is shooting an impressive 46.2% from behind the 3-point arc.

Also, Jokic’s domination of the Blazers thus far—he’s averaging 36.0 points per game on 68.4% true shooting—will only ensure Denver’s role players continue to get quality looks.

Portland’s 3-point defense cannot stop a nose bleed. The Blazers have the fifth-worst defensive 3-point percentage against opposing point guards, were 20th in 3-point defense during the regular season and have the second-worst 3-point defense in the playoffs.

BET F. Campazzo OVER 1.5 made 3-pointers (-110) for 1 unit.

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Philadelphia 76ers C Joel Embiid OVER 30.5 points (-115)

Philly will go for the jugular on Washington in Game 3 and specifically, Embiid should have a monster game and put the Wizards’ season on the brink.

Washington’s role players should shoot the ball better in their home gym and a more competitive game only helps Embiid’s chances of cashing his points prop.

Embiid is playing three fewer minutes per game in the playoffs than in the regular season but when on the floor, he’s dominating the Wizards.

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“JoJo” is scoring 26.0 points per game on 74.2% true shooting (.607/.429/.938) so all we really need is an increase in shooting volume.

Lastly, given Wizards SG Bradley Beal‘s trolling in Game 1 and Embiid’s willingness to mix it up, I think Embiid is motivated to essentially put this series to bed.

BET J. Embiid OVER 30.5 points (-115) for 1 unit.

Memphis Grizzlies SG Dillon Brooks OVER 19.5 points (-110)

Brooks has played his way into perhaps being one of Memphis’ building blocks of the future and is an integral piece of the Grizzlies’ short-term future.

He averaged a career-best in both points per game and usage rate during the regular season and his true shooting percentage increased from 51.5% to 54.4% when playing the Jazz this season.

In this series, Brooks is averaging 27.0 points per game on 57.5% field-goal shooting (57.1% from behind the arc) with the team’s second-highest usage rate and has played well against Jazz SG Donovan Mitchell in recent meetings.

Brooks has scored 22 or more points in three of his last four head-to-head meetings with Mitchell, which includes 23 points on 10-for-14 shooting in Game 2.

BET D. Brooks OVER 19.5 points (-110) for a half unit

Want some action on these props? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Clark’s ‘Caps: NBA West Play-In player prop predictions, 5/19

Geoff Clark breaks down two NBA player prop bet predictions for the NBA’s Western Conference play-in tournament games.

The inaugural NBA postseason play-in tournament continues Wednesday with a Western Conference doubleheader. Below, we’ll highlight the top NBA player prop predictions.

Technically, this is the first season of the play-in tournament, but the 9-seed Memphis Grizzlies are playing a play-in game for the second straight season. This time against the 10-seed San Antonio Spurs in the FedExForum at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Memphis was eliminated by the Portland Trail Blazers from the Orlando Bubble in last season’s postseason play-in game after the regular-season restart concluded.

Perhaps the biggest game thus far on the NBA calendar tips off afterward at 10 p.m. ET in the Staples Center when LeBron James and the 7-seed Los Angeles Lakers host Stephen Curry‘s eighth-place Golden State Warriors.

Wednesday’s NBA player prop bet predictions

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:45 p.m. ET.

Memphis Grizzlies PG Ja Morant OVER 20.5 points (-125)

There’s been a lot of noise in the basketball media this week about how last season’s Rookie of the Year Ja Morant needs to step up if Memphis is going to advance to the playoffs, and I think he comes through for the Grizzlies.

Morant has only eclipsed 20 points in one of the three Spurs-Grizzlies meetings this season with a 44-point eruption Dec. 23 and, in the other two meetings, he still shot efficiently but didn’t play much since both games were Memphis blowouts.

In fact, Morant is averaging 25.3 points per game on 68.2% true shooting (.620/.375/.846) this season vs. San Antonio, and Morant’s 130 offensive ratings against the Spurs is his highest of any Western Conference opponent.

Furthermore, the Spurs have struggled against point guards this season, allowing the fifth-most points per game and worst defensive field goal shooting (FG%) vs. opposing point guards.

BET Ja Morant OVER 20.5 points (-125) for 1 unit.

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Los Angeles Lakers C Andre Drummond UNDER 11.5 rebounds (-125)

In a must-win with the defending champion Lakers flirting with disaster, I cannot believe Andre Drummond will be on the floor long enough to grab 12 boards.

First, Drummond is averaging the fewest minutes per game since his rookie season. Also, we know that it takes time for LeBron to warm up to new teammates, and there have been instances where’s not warmed up to teammates at all.

Well, Drummond has only played four games with LeBron since joining the Lakers at the end of March, and there’s no guarantee he plays more minutes than Marc Gasol, who has a lot more big-game experience.

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Also, Drummond gets himself into foul trouble and he’s constantly benched because of this. For instance, Drummond is in the top-20 for personal fouls drawn for the seventh time in his nine-year career.

In fact, Drummond led the NBA in fouls in back-to-back seasons (2013-15), has been top-4 five times) and ranks 13th this season even though he’s missed 23 games.

BET Andre Drummond UNDER 11.5 rebounds (-125) for a half unit.

Want some action on these props? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Clark’s ‘Caps: Bank on these NBA player prop predictions, 5/8/21

Geoff Clark breaks down two NBA player prop bet predictions for Saturday’s NBA card.

The NBA’s Saturday slate brings us some possible play-in previews and a cross-conference showdown between two of the Association’s finest teams. Below, we’ll highlight Saturday’s top NBA player prop predictions.

The 10th-place Washington Wizards visiting the 9-seed Indiana Pacers for their second game this week is the would-be 9- vs. 10-seed game in the Eastern Conference play-in if the regular season ended today.

The West Coast primetime game features the third-place team of each conference when the Denver Nuggets host Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets.

Another sneaky important Pacific time zone game is on the docket with the 10-seed San Antonio Spurs meet the 6-seed Portland Trail Blazers as both teams are jockeying for playoff positioning.

Saturday’s NBA player prop bet predictions

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:40 p.m. ET.

Washington Wizards PF Rui Hachimura OVER 13.5 points (-120)

Hachimura has balled out in the first two Wizards-Pacers meetings this season, and Indiana has been playing matador defense since the All-Star Game.

In two Wizards-Pacers games this year, Hachimura is averaging 26.5 points per game on 55.8% field goal shooting.

Hachimura has also increased his points per game to 15.1 PPG and his shooting to 49.5% post-All-Star break from 12.5 PPG and 45.7% shooting pre-All-Star break.

The key to Hachimura’s uptick in scoring is due to his development of a solid midrange jumper, which is helped immensely by Russell Westbrook ripping through defenses and opposing defenses focusing on Bradley Beal‘s skillset.

Also, the Pacers are ranked 22nd in defensive rating post-All-Star break and are surrendering the most paint points per game in the NBA.

Finally, Indiana allows the most points per game to opposing power forwards on the fourth-worst defensive field goal percentage vs. power forwards.

BET Hachimura OVER 13.5 POINTS (-120) for 1.25 units.

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Memphis Grizzlies C Jonas Valančiūnas OVER 12.5 rebounds (+105)

Memphis Grizzlies taking on the Toronto Raptors is a tale of two motivations as the Raptors have all but quit on their 2020-21 campaign while Memphis is jostling for seeding in the Western Conference play-in tournament.

The reason I lead with the “motivation” angle for Valančiūnas’ rebounding prop is that there’s no clearer indication of motivation than rebounding rates and Toronto is one of the worst rebounding teams in the league.

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This is a fantastic matchup for Valančiūnas because not only is he averaging a career-best 12.3 rebounds per game this season and going against the Raptors, but he also has the “revenge” motivation after beginning his career in Toronto.

In the first Grizzlies-Raptors meeting, Valančiūnas grabbed 20 boards (tied for the second-most vs. any team this season) and he has snagged at least 15 rebounds in four of his previous five games.

Lastly, Toronto is tied for the ninth-most rebounds per game allowed to opposing centers and the Raptors have the fourth-lowest rebounding rate.

BET Valančiūnas OVER 12.5 rebounds (+105) for a three-fourths unit.

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Clark’s ‘Caps: Bank on these NBA player prop predictions, 5/7/21

Geoff Clark breaks down two NBA player prop bet predictions for Friday’s NBA slate.

Friday’s NBA schedule features several rivalry games and contests with playoff implications. Below, we’ll highlight Friday’s top NBA player prop predictions.

The New Orleans Pelicans and PF Zion Williamson visit the Eastern Conference’s first-place Philadelphia 76ers in a near must-win game for a Pelicans team 1.5 games back of the 10th-seeded San Antonio Spurs for the final play-in spot in the West.

The sixth-place Los Angeles Lakers, without SF LeBron James, look to stay out of play-in territory as they face against the 7-seed Portland Trail Blazers. These teams have the same record and have split the season series 1-1 thus far, so whoever wins this meeting will own the tiebreaker.

Friday’s NBA player prop bet predictions

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:20 p.m. ET.

Minnesota Timberwolves C Karl-Anthony Towns OVER 24.5 points (+100)

The T-Wolves travel to South Beach for their second meeting with the host Miami Heat this season and Towns has been balling over the past five weeks.

KAT is averaging 26.3 points per game on 47.9% field-goal shooting (39.1% from 3-point range) since the beginning of April. He eclipsed 24.5 points in nine of his 16 games over that span.

Also, Towns has played well against Miami C Bam Adebayo when they’ve met. In their five head-to-head games, KAT is scoring a super-efficient 22.8 points per game on 50% shooting and 55.6% from behind the arc against Adebayo.

BET Towns OVER 24.5 points (+100) for 1 unit.

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Los Angeles Lakers PF Anthony Davis OVER 29.5 points + rebounds (-120)

Davis took a roasting last night on “NBA on TNT” after exiting the Lakers’ spanking by the Los Angeles Clippers early due to what looked to be a sprained ankle but turned out to be back spasms.

Former Lakers great Shaquille O’Neal said Davis needed to “man up” and Charles Barkley joked about how the Lakers are destined for the postseason play-in tournament with SF LeBron James not being available for the next couple of games.

NBA players clearly follow what’s said about them and this combined with L.A.’s motivation to not be in the play-in should equal a better effort out of Davis Friday night.

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More importantly, Davis has owned the Trail Blazers throughout his career. AD is averaging 24.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per game in his 25 career games against Portland.

In his four regular-season games against the Blazers since joining the Lakers last season, he is averaging 27.3 points and 11 rebounds per game.

Furthermore, AD has been incredible against Portland when the games have mattered. He is averaging 31.2 points and 10.4 rebounds per game in his nine career postseason games vs. Portland.

BET A. Davis OVER 29.5 POINTS + REBOUNDS (-120) for a half unit.

Want some action on these props? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Clark’s ‘Caps: Bank on these NBA player prop predictions, 4/13/21

Geoff Clark breaks down three NBA player prop bet predictions for Tuesday’s NBA slate.

Tuesday’s NBA card goes seven games deep with the headliners being cross-conference matchups in primetime on the West Coast. Below, we’ll highlight Tuesday’s top NBA player prop predictions.

First, the Los Angeles Clippers and SG Paul George visit the Indiana Pacers for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off. This will be George’s seventh game against his former team who drafted and rostered him from 2010-17.

Then we get SF Jayson Tatum’s Boston Celtics playing PG Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers along with the defending Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat facing the Western Conference’s second-seeded Phoenix Suns.

Tuesday’s NBA player prop bet predictions

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:40 p.m. ET.

Boston Celtics PG Kemba Walker UNDER 18.5 points (-115)

Even though Lillard’s defense takes a backseat to his offense—which is the nicest way to put it—Walker hasn’t scored more than 18 points in any of his past three games against Lillard.

Also, Walker hasn’t scored more than 17 points in any of his last five games, which is mostly due to the Celtics having better scoring options with All-Stars Tatum and SG Jaylen Brown.

Finally, Walker’s scoring and usage have declined since the All-Star break; he is averaging 2.1 fewer points per game, shooting 6.6% worse from behind the arc and his usage rate has dropped by 5.3% in the second half.

BET K. WALKER UNDER 18.5 POINTS (-115) for a half-unit.

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Los Angeles Lakers PF Markieff Morris OVER 1.5 made 3-pointers (-150)

The Lakers drop by Spectrum Center Tuesday for a game against the host Charlotte Hornets. Morris has started the past 22 games for L.A., primarily because PF Anthony Davis has been sidelined due to injury.

Since being inserted into the starting 5, Morris has connected on 38.6% of his threes and has made two or more 3-pointers in 15 of his last 22 outings. Plus, Morris has made at least two 3-pointers in four straight and eight of his last nine games.

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Finally, the Hornets allow the second-most made 3-pointers per game to opposing power forwards and the seventh-highest 3-point shooting percentage to opposing PFs.

BET M. MORRIS OVER 1.5 MADE 3-POINTERS (-150) for a half-unit.

Utah Jazz SG Donovan Mitchell UNDER 31.5 points (-120)

The tanking Oklahoma City Thunder visit the first-place Jazz and tonight is a perfect sell-high point for the red-hot Mitchell.

Over his past four games, Mitchell is averaging 40.5 points on 30.8 field-goal attempts per game; however, the last three games were against the weak defensive backcourts of the Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards.

A big reason why this is a “sell-high” spot for Mitchell is that he’ll be guarded by an elite on-ball defender in Thunder SF Lu Dort.

In Mitchell’s three career games vs. Dort, he’s averaging just 19.7 points per game on 36.5% shooting and 13.6% from three, including a 20-point performance against OKC earlier this season.

Lastly, there could be a lot of garbage time in Thunder-Jazz because Oklahoma City is clearly tanking.

The Thunder’s previous six losses were each by double digits, including five 20-plus point blowouts, so Mitchell resting in the fourth is another out we’d have for his points prop Under.

BET D. MITCHELL UNDER 31.5 POINTS (-120) for 1 unit.

Want some action on these props? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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