The first round of the NBA playoffs continues Tuesday and the Thunder will be hosting the Grizzlies for Game 2 of their series. In Sunday’s Game 1, the Thunder dominated with a 131-80 victory. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Oklahoma City is favored by 14.5 points for Game 2 and this contest presents a total of 229 points.
Below, I dive into three of my favorite player prop bets for Tuesday’s Game 2 between the Thunder and the Grizzlies on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Best Thunder vs. Grizzlies Player Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
Ja Morant U 22.5 Points (-115)
Morant was held to 17 points in the embarrassing Game 1 loss for the Grizzlies and we should expect a similar result from the guard in Game 2. In his three matchups with the Thunder this season, Morant is averaging 19.3 points and he has only surpassed 22.5 points once. Oklahoma City has far and away been the best defense in the NBA this season and it is yielding the second-fewest points to point guards in the league. Mostly thanks to their incredible defense, the Thunder have dominated the Grizzlies this season, winning all five matchups with Memphis by an average of 25.2 PPG.
The Grizzlies are simply no match for the Thunder, especially with Oklahoma City on its home floor, and another blowout in favor of the Thunder is likely tonight, which would limit Morant’s playing time once again. In the 51-point Game 1 loss for Memphis on Sunday, Morant only logged 26 minutes. Even if the Grizzlies somehow keep this game close, Morant having a lackluster showing is very possible given Oklahoma City’s elite collection of perimeter defenders. The 22.5-point line is simply too high for Morant in this league-worst spot and he is a must-bet for this under.
Zach Edey U 8.5 Points (-120)
Edey was a non-factor in Game 1, finishing with only four points, nine rebounds and one assist in 19.4 minutes of work. The blowout was the main reason for his low playing time, but in general, facing the Thunder just doesn’t set up well for the slow, big Edey. Oklahoma City is a fast-paced team that sometimes uses small-ball lineups and in this spot, having Jaren Jackson Jr. see most of the work at center is most optimal for Memphis, given he is a faster big man that can stretch the floor. As a result, Edey is only averaging 17.3 minutes per game in four matchups with the Thunder this season, which has translated into only 5.8 PPG for the rookie.
Edey seeing a light workload no matter if Game 2 is close or not is very possible and Oklahoma City’s league-best defense is giving up the fifth-fewest points to centers this season. Especially as a scorer, Edey should struggle to make an impact in Game 2 and he is a great bet to fall short of 8.5 points.
Alex Caruso O 0.5 Made Three-Pointers (-166)
Don’t let Caruso going scoreless in Game 1 stop you from attacking this over. The veteran is averaging 1.1 made three-pointers on 3.1 attempts per game this season. Plus, Caruso is averaging 1.3 made three-pointers in his three matchups with the fast-paced Grizzlies this season. Memphis ranks third in pace and as a result, it is allowing the fifth-most three-point attempts per game this season.
Caruso’s job is to play tough defense and hit three-pointers, and he has knocked down at least one three-pointer in eight of his past 12 games entering Tuesday.
