The NBA Finals series has been an absolute haven for NBA player props enthusiasts. There has been no end to riveting performances, and the projected “Over/Under” has often been decided within a couple of points.
From Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Tyrese Haliburton, the thrill has been as good as it gets. Thus, as the Oklahoma City Thunder host the Indiana Pacers for Game 5, NBA player props bettors will be watching closely.
So, where should you place your bets? Here is a look at my picks based on BetMGM and FanDuel.
Aaron Nesmith U 10.5 points for –106 (FanDuel)
Nesmith hasn’t been at his best during the NBA Finals series. He has scored just 9.8 points per game on 37.1% FG. Although his performance from the three-point line has been impressive, with 2.5 makes per game on 45.5% shooting.
However, the forward has scored 10 or fewer points in five of the six games. I expect the Thunder defense to hold him below 11 points again.
Tyrese Haliburton U 8.5 assists for -145 (BetMGM)
The Pacers’ PG has been stellar during most postseason games. He has averaged 17.8 PPG on an excellent 50% FG during the Finals. However, his assist numbers are down from 10.5 APG to 7.5 APG in the Finals.
The guard has been held to 7 assists or below in three of the four games thus far. Thus, opting for under 8.5 assists appears like a safe bet for Game 5 on the Thunder’s home floor.
Pascal Siakam O 7.5 rebounds for +116 (FanDuel)
Siakam is no means an elite rebounder, but he has upped his boards game like the 2019 Finals. The power forward is tallying 7.8 RPG during the Finals, having not touched the 7 RPG mark in any series before.
He has grabbed 8 or more rebounds in two of the four games. I expect him to pull down a similar number of rebounds again.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander U 33.5 points for +100 (BetMGM)
SGA has been the most productive scorer in the series. It is, of course, the least surprising outcome, but his contributions remain more than impressive. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 in the last game and has crossed the 33-point mark in five of the last six, carrying a 3/4 slate in the Finals.
However, I believe he will score fewer than 34 here.
Alex Caruso Over 10.5 points for -102 (FanDuel)
Caruso has been a huge reason why the Thunder have been able to tie the Finals series. He scored 20 points in Game 4 while also clinching 5 steals. Caruso has averaged an impressive 14.8 PPG in the finals, scoring 20 points twice and crossing the 10-point barrier thrice.
Thus, he can be a safe pick to touch the 11-point mark here.
Photo Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
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