Bettors and hoops fans can find a variety of NBA player props for Monday’s three-game playoff slate. Sportsbooks often beef up their wagering options during the postseason, and gamblers looking to get in on the action won’t find any shortage of NBA odds and lines on which to wager.
Monday’s NBA playoff schedule features Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic, both leading candidates in the MVP race. Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers are aiming at a 2-0 series lead over Toronto. Meanwhile, Jokic and the Denver Nuggets will try to even up their series with Golden State before heading home.
Here’s a look at point spreads, totals, and player props for Monday’s trio of contests.
Toronto Raptors vs. Philadelphia 76ers Props
Joel Embiid Under 32.5 points (-110, DraftKings)
Embiid can erupt for a big scoring total on any given night. However, banking on him reaching 33 on Monday is a risky proposition for NBA bettors. With James Harden and Tobias Harris capable of leading the scoring charge, Embiid doesn’t need to dominate this department. Also, if Game 2 is anything like the opening stanza, the Sixers may be able to manage Embiid’s workload — he attempted only 15 shots in 37 minutes in Saturday’s victory.
Fred VanVleet Over 21.5 (-110, DraftKings)
VanVleet was second on the Raptors in scoring (20.3) and shots (16.9) per game during the regular season. Those figures alone provide optimism toward the Over. Additionally, Scottie Barnes will miss Monday’s contents, putting VanVleet in position to shoulder more of the scoring load. Barnes averaged 12.6 shots and 15.3 points, and it’s not a bad idea to bet on VanVleet picking up some of that slack.
Utah Jazz vs. Dallas Mavericks Props
Rudy Gobert Over 15.5 Rebounds (+106, FanDuel)
The Mavericks will likely make offensive adjustments after shooting 38.2 percent in Game 1. However, Luka Doncic (calf) is again unlikely to suit up, suggesting scoring will continue to be a challenge for Dallas. Even for a player of Gobert’s stature, 16 boards may feel rich. He’s cleaned the glass to the tune of 16 rebounds 11 times in 21 games since March 1. That includes Saturday’s victory. The Mavs will likely provide enough missed shots for Gobert to post another dominant rebound total.
Denver Nuggets vs. Golden State Warriors Props
Nikola Jokic Over 7.5 Assists (-105, FanDuel)
Jokic averaged 7.9 dimes during the regular season, and he will continue to dominate usage throughout the Nuggets’ playoff run. He recorded eight-plus assists 40 times this season, including three times against the Warriors. The Nuggets shot well as a team in Game 1 (46.2 percent), though that only yielded six assists for the “Joker”. Even so, too much offense flows through him to be bearish on his distribution ability Monday night.
Draymond Green Under 8.5 Points (-108, FanDuel)
Bettors who lean Under for Green’s scoring may sweat a little bit considering the modest total. However, Green has scored nine-plus points in fewer than a third of his games. There are a couple of things working against Green’s potential scoring exploits. For starters, he neither shoots efficiently nor with volume. With Klay Thompson looking like his old self and Steph Curry resharpening his stroke after a lengthy lay-off — not to mention the presence of Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole — there simply won’t be enough looks for Green to make a significant dent in the scoring column. Also, to Green’s credit, he embraces his role within the team, which doesn’t rely on him to put the ball in the hoop.
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