NBA Postseason Player Props: Back The Beard in Beantown

Paul Connor

A pair of pivotal Game 5s highlight Tuesday’s NBA playoff schedule as the Boston Celtics host the Philadelphia 76ers, followed by the Phoenix Suns battling the Denver Nuggets.
Among the many recommendations via SportsGrid’s Player Props Model, the following plays stand out.
Note: All odds and props courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
PHX Deandre Ayton OVER 12.5 Points (-106)
SportsGrid Model Rating = 5/5 Stars
Model Projection = 15.4
After scoring 14 points in both Games 1 and 2, Ayton has been held to single digits in back-to-back outings while playing no more than 27 minutes. As the series shifts back to Denver, Phoenix needs the 24-year-old to be more aggressive offensively, particularly given the absence of injured point guard Chris Paul.
Having topped tonight’s points prop in four of his past six games, I’m willing to look past Ayton’s recent struggles and like him to get back on track in Mile High.
PHI James Harden OVER 8.5 Assists (+122)
SportsGrid Model Rating = 4/5 Stars
Model Projection = 8.9
Looking to avoid a 3-1 series deficit, Harden stepped up in a major way in Game 4, tallying 42 points along with nine assists and eight rebounds as Philadelphia pulled out a 116-115 overtime victory. Tonight, I’m focused on The Beard’s playmaking abilities as Harden has topped his 8.5 assists prop in two straight and three of his past five. The former MVP led the league in assists during the regular season at 10.7 per game and looks like a fantastic value this evening. Give me James Harden over 8.5 assists.
PHX Cameron Payne OVER 1.5 Made Threes (+142)
SportsGrid Model Rating = 4.5/5 Stars
Model Projection = 1.6
Continuing to start in Chris Paul’s absence, Payne has struggled from downtown the past two games, shooting a combined 2-9. However, the volume is encouraging, and the 28-year-old shot a respectable 36.8% from three during the regular season. With Denver’s defense focused on slowing down stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, Payne will continue to see open looks. At plus money, I’ll gamble on the former first-rounder finding his stroke.
LATEST VIDEOS
NCAAF · 1 hour ago
NCAAF SEC Odds 5/31: Ole Miss (+5000) Is Live At That Price
Mike Carver · Joe Lisi
NCAAF · 1 hour ago
Alabama HC Nick Saban Says The Playing Field Isn't Even
Mike Carver · Joe Lisi
NFL · 1 hour ago
Bucs HC Todd Bowles Talks About Who Could Start At QB
Mike Carver · Joe Lisi
MORE ARTICLES
NBA · 5 hours ago
No. 1 High School Basketball Prospect Ron Holland to Join G League Ignite
Paul Connor
NBA · 5 hours ago
NBA Finals Bringing Plenty of Action to FanDuel Sportsbook
Zachary Cook
NBA · 8 hours ago
Knicks Parting Ways with GM Scott Perry
Paul Connor
NBA · 8 hours ago
NBA Finals Prop Bets: Jokic, Jamal Murray Remain Keys for Nuggets
Zachary Cook
NBA · 9 hours ago
Buy or Sell: Jamal Murray to Win NBA Finals MVP
Zachary Cook
NBA · 1 day ago
NBA Draft Odds Position and Best Bets: Brandon Miller 2nd Overall?
Zachary Cook
NBA · 1 day ago
Bob Myers Stepping Down as Warriors' President and GM
Paul Connor
NBA · 1 day ago
Jayson Tatum on Ankle Injury: 'I was a Shell of Myself'
Paul Connor
NBA · 1 day ago
Heat Defeat Celtics in Game 7, Advance to NBA Finals
Paul Connor
NBA · 1 day ago
NBA Finals: Miami Heat vs. Denver Nuggets Series Best Bets
Zachary Cook