We’re only six days into the 2025 NBA postseason, and things are already heating up. After two dramatic contests at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks and Pistons will battle in Detroit for Game 3. Elsewhere, the Grizzlies are looking to avoid an 0-3 series deficit when they host the Thunder. As a nightcap, the Clippers and Nuggets will continue their epic showdown as the stage shifts to Los Angeles.
With can’t-miss matchups on tap, there are several bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here are three player props catching my eye on Thursday.
Ausar Thompson over 9.5 points (-120)
A gritty Pistons win on Monday was made possible down the stretch without Ausar Thompson. The two-way forward picked up six personal fouls, forcing his exit midway through the fourth quarter. The same issue hampered Thompson in Game 1, as he accounted for five personal fouls. When the 22-year-old is actually on the court, he’s a game-wrecking presence on defense. Matched up against Jalen Brunson, the wing has held his own.
On offense, it’s unclear what the Pistons will get out of Thompson on any given night. Through 59 games, he’s averaged 10.1 points on 53.5% shooting from the field. In eight of his last nine outings, Thompson has compiled 11 or more points. Detroit will need its best defender on the floor for as long as possible against New York’s superstar. If Thompson stays out of foul trouble on Thursday, there’s a good chance his scoring success continues.
Chet Holmgren over 8.5 rebounds (-130)
Through two games, Oklahoma City has dominated the Grizzlies. One of the biggest advantages for the Thunder in this series has been down low. The two-headed monster of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein have cleaned up on the glass. Since Game 1, OKC is winning the rebounding battle 109-85 over Memphis; Holmgren leads all players with 21 boards.
When healthy, few big men come close to Holmgren’s all-around skill. The seven-footer is a solid shooter, terrific rim protector and a willing passer. He’s also an adept rebounder, averaging 8.0 boards in just 27.4 minutes per game this season. Chet has notched at least nine rebounds in each of his previous four meetings with Memphis. There’s no reason to expect anything different in Game 3.
Kawhi Leonard over 1.5 steals (-130)
So far, Clippers-Nuggets has been the standout series of these NBA playoffs. Los Angeles came away the winner in Game 2, thanks to the individual excellence of Kawhi Leonard. The six-time All-Star dropped 39 points, three rebounds and five assists on Denver. As always, The Claw made his presence felt on defense, recording three steals. Unburdened by his usual minutes restriction, the veteran has logged at least 39 minutes over his last three appearances.
It’s no secret that the Nuggets struggle to defend; however, their offense can also look sloppy at times. Look no further than Monday night, when the Clippers forced 20 turnovers. Leonard has notched at least two steals in nine of his last 15 contests. In addition, the 33-year-old is averaging 2.4 steals over his last five meetings with Denver. Assuming Kawhi stays on the court for close to 40 minutes, he should force several mistakes on Thursday night.
