The NBA Playoffs are heating up, with three different Game 2’s set to tip off tonight. To kick things off, the 76ers will look to pick up a road win over the juggernaut Celtics. Later, the Trail Blazers are attempting to do the same over the Spurs. To cap things off, it’ll be a primetime battle in Los Angeles between the Rockets and Lakers.
Which players should bettors be targeting this evening? Here are my three favorite NBA prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Tuesday’s postseason contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Paul George 3+ three-pointers made (-104)
You’d be forgiven for expressing some hesitation when it comes to betting on Paul George. The future Hall of Famer has been a bit of a disappointment during his time in Philadelphia. With that being said, PG13 has been quite solid since returning from his 25-game suspension. Over his last ten regular season outings, the wing averaged 21.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists to go with 47/42/74 shooting splits. In addition, Joel Embiid (abdomen) is out tonight; that leaves the Sixers without much offense alongside Tyrese Maxey.
It’s never an easy proposition backing a streaky shooter from deep. However, an otherwise solid Celtics defense is a bit vulnerable from beyond the arc. Teams are knocking down 13.9 three-pointers per game against Boston, ninth-most in basketball this season. In comparison, George has drained at least three treys in four of his last six games without Embiid in the starting lineup. In this crucial matchup for Philadelphia, the time is now for their All-Star veteran to step up in Beantown.
Devin Vassell 13+ points (-124)
San Antonio’s offense revolves around Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. Still, the Spurs have done a terrific job of rostering complimentary pieces alongside their two best players. Devin Vassell certainly fits the bill; there’s a reason he’s been with the franchise for six seasons. Through 67 games this year, the guard is putting up 13.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists. As always, he’s been quite efficient from long distance. Vassell is hitting over 38% of his three-pointers on 6.4 attempts per game.
Tuesday’s opponent, the Trail Blazers, are somewhat susceptible to giving up buckets. That’s especially true in this contest, where both squads operate at an above-average pace. In Game 1, Vassell managed to tally 15 points despite lackluster shooting (38.5%). To boot, he’s reached 13+ points in 40 of his 68 appearances this year (58.8%). Portland, despite some decent effort on the perimeter, will have its hands full defending Wemby and Castle. Expect a handful of open looks for Vassell in this one.
Amen Thompson 31+ points + rebounds + assists (-109)
Kevin Durant (knee) remains questionable heading into Game 2 at the Crypto Center. That leaves Houston’s offense in a state of flux with mere hours before tip-off. Should the former MVP sit out again tonight, it’ll mean more offensive responsibility for Amen Thompson. The two-way star is more than capable of making an impact without the ball in his hands. This season, he recorded 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 53% from the field. That level of all-around play makes Thompson a force, although a lack of floor-spacing isn’t ideal.
In Game 1 on Saturday, Thompson delivered 17 points, seven rebounds and seven assists over 43 minutes vs LA. That was despite abnormally inefficient shooting (38.8% FG). The 23-year-old has done quite well in this matchup as well. In five of his last six meetings with Los Angeles, Thompson has notched at least 31 points + rebounds + assists. The Lakers only rank 19th in defensive rating this season (116.4). In what’s proven to be a favorable matchup, another stat-stuffing performance should be expected from Thompson.
