Throw the records out the window; the only thing that matters now is picking up four wins. The NBA playoffs get started on Saturday with four marquee matchups. To kick things off, it’ll be the Raptors taking on the Cavaliers. Later, the Timberwolves and Nuggets will renew their Western Conference rivalry. At night, the Knicks will host the Hawks at Madison Square Garden. To cap things off, it’ll be a showdown between Kevin Durant’s Rockets and LeBron James’ Lakers.
Which players should bettors be targeting this evening? Here are my three favorite NBA prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Saturday’s postseason contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Julius Randle 20+ points (-118)
Two years ago, the Timberwolves shocked the world by taking out the then-defending champion Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals. With that being said, this Minnesota roster has undergone plenty of change since then. Among the newcomers to this exciting rivalry, Julius Randle should make the biggest difference. The three-time All-Star has been a great fit in Minneapolis, serving as the Robin to Anthony Edwards’ Batman. It’s worth noting that the latter comes into this one listed as questionable with a knee injury. Even if Ant-Man does suit up, he might not be at 100%.
Randle has been his usual stat-stuffing self this season; he’s averaging 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. Although he’s a willing passer, Minnesota may need the big man to take on more of a scoring role in this one. Randle has tallied at least 20 points in seven of his previous eight meetings with the Nuggets. In fact, the power forward has reached this total in four of his last five outings in general. Denver will also be short-handed in the front court; Peyton Watson (hamstring) and Spencer Jones (hamstring) are both injured. Given Edwards’ uncertainty, there’s never been a better time for Randle to carry this Timberwolves offense.
Mitchell Robinson 9+ rebounds (-107)
In what should be an exciting series, the biggest advantage New York holds over Atlanta is down low. In addition to starting center Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks roster another seven-footer in Mitchell Robinson. At this point, the overqualified backup is a proven playoff x-factor. The eighth-year pro has almost single-handedly turned the tide of multiple postseason matchups. Through 60 appearances in the regular season, Robinson recorded 5.7 points and 8.8 rebounds. That was despite averaging just under 20 minutes per game. At this point, the veteran should play an even larger role.
Boxing out has been a weakness for the Hawks this season. The team has allowed 53.4 rebounds per game to opponents this season, 13th-worst in basketball. To make matters worse, 6’11” backup Jock Landale (ankle) won’t take the floor for at least two more weeks. That leaves starting center Onyeka Okongwu without much support down low. When these two teams met on April 6th, Robinson managed to snag 12 boards. In fact, he’s grabbed at least nine rebounds in each of his last six contests vs. Atlanta. New York’s secret weapon should play a prominent role on Saturday night.
Tari Eason 10+ points (-104)
It’s difficult to know what you’re getting from the Lakers this evening. Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) are out, forcing bench pieces such as Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia into larger roles. That leaves an already mediocre Los Angeles second unit stretched thin. As a result, Houston’s most important bench pieces have a golden opportunity on hand. If anyone deserves the title of sixth man for the Rockets, it’s Tari Eason. Through 60 games, the wing is putting up 10.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists while playing stellar defense.
Eason comes into this one with some momentum; he’s tallied 12+ points in three of his last four games. In addition, he’s had some success in this spot before. The LSU alum has notched at least ten points in three of his previous four outings against the Lakers. A shorthanded Los Angeles defense can only prioritize so much in this one. Slowing down the dynamic duo of Durant and Alperen Sengun will be the main objective. Given LA’s personnel issues, it’s difficult to imagine Eason won’t have a few open looks from long range. Houston’s underrated bench piece is poised for a solid showing tonight.
