The NBA playoffs continue on Tuesday, with two semifinals matchups worth tuning in for. Tonight’s action gets started in Cleveland, where the Cavaliers hope to even up their series with the high-octane Pacers. Later, Steph Curry and the Warriors visit Anthony Edwards’ Timberwolves in a star-powered Game 1. With so many can’t-miss contests on tap, there are several bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here are three player props catching my eye.
Pascal Siakam over 6.5 rebounds (-135)
A 121-112 Pacers victory on Sunday was made possible due to the team’s impressive depth. Six different players on the roster scored in double-digits, led by point guard Tyrese Haliburton. Heading into Game 2, asking for another stellar shooting day from the entire roster isn’t realistic. To pull off a second-straight road win, Indiana will need its stars to step up. That includes Pascal Siakam, one of the sport’s best power forwards. The 31-year-old has struggled as a scorer recently, averaging 13.0 points over his last three outings.
Siakam is due for a bounce-back performance, but that doesn’t necessarily mean 20+ points. Instead, it makes more sense to back the All-Star as a rebounder on Tuesday. In five of his last six meetings with the Cavaliers, Siakam has recorded at least seven boards. Cleveland’s massive front court pairing of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen are a handful for anyone. However, the duo’s size should force Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle to keep his lineups as tall as possible. Expect another productive night on the glass for Indiana’s 6’8″ big man.
Anthony Edwards over 3.5 three-pointers made (-140)
Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves took down LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Now, they’ll attempt to knock out Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler. If Minnesota wants to take down Golden State, it’s face of the franchise needs to be at his best. That’s been the case so far this postseason for the 23-year-old. In five games against the Lakers, Ant-Man posted 26.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists while shooting 42.0% from the field.
One area where Edwards could improve on is his three-point shooting. After making 39.5% of his attempts from deep during the regular season, that number has gone down to 33.3% in the playoffs. Still, the guard is taking nearly ten shots per game from beyond the arc. The Warriors are a solid defensive unit, especially on the perimeter. However, Edwards knocked down at least four treys in each of his four meetings with the Dubs this season. Given his history in this matchup, Minnesota’s leading man is poised for success as a shooter on Tuesday.
Jimmy Butler over 34.5 points + rebounds + assists (-110)
It took seven games, but the Warriors earned a series victory on Sunday vs. the Rockets. Now, the team will face a Timberwolves squad that can defend and score at a high level. The same can be said of Jimmy Butler, Golden State’s newest superstar. It’s been a fantastic few months in the Bay for the forward, acquired in February from Miami. Since trading for Butler, the Dubs have won 23 of their last 31 games. Despite an injury scare in round one, the veteran put up 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in Game 7.
Butler, facing off against his old team, is built for what could be an intense, physical series. The 35-year-old’s postseason heroics are well-documented at this point, having carried the Heat to the Finals twice. Minnesota boasts plenty of high-end defenders, including wing Jaden McDaniels. Still, Butler managed to have offensive success against an elite Rockets defense. In four of his six appearances in round one, the six-time All-Star recorded at least 35 points + rebounds + assists. At this point, bet against the future Hall of Famer at your own risk.
