The NBA playoffs resume this Friday, as three crucial matchups take center stage tonight — and our NBA betting expert Joe Dellera has identified player prop picks showing significant value in two of today's contests.
Let's get into the breakdown of his top NBA player props for Ausar Thompson and Scottie Barnes on Friday, May 1.
NBA Player Props: Friday, May 1
| Time (ET) | Player Prop |
|---|---|
| 7 p.m. | |
| 7:30 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | |
Pistons vs. Magic Player Prop: Ausar Thompson
Ausar Thompson Over 7.5 Rebounds (-105)
The Pistons face off against the Magic and try to force a Game 7 tonight. As a result, we should continue to see big minutes from both teams' primary rotation.
One player who has certainly cemented his role for Detroit is Ausar Thompson.
Ausar played 36 minutes last game and has seen his minutes rise in each game as the series has progressed.
He secured a game-high 15 rebounds on 19 chances last game. So, even with some regression likely due, he should still have plenty of chances to clear 7.5 rebounds in this spot.
Thompson has now gone over 7.5 rebounds in four straight games — and in a Game 6 where the pace slows down and the defense tightens up, this is a great opportunity for Ausar to shine.
Pick: Ausar Thompson Over 7.5 Rebounds (-105)
Cavaliers vs. Raptors Player Prop: Scottie Barnes
Scottie Barnes Over 7.5 Assists (-110)
Brandon Ingram is on the Raptors' injury report — and if he's sidelined tonight, that would do wonders for Scottie Barnes' assist numbers.
Barnes went over 7.5 assists in all four games that he played without Ingram during the regular season. Much of that is because the ball moves more fluidly without Ingram, and Barnes absorbs a lot of the leftover usage.
Barnes is coming off an 11-assist game, and the most encouraging part of it was the fact he had 20 potentials in that spot too.
During this series, he is averaging 8 assists on 14.6 potentials per game, but the potentials are on the rise — logging 15, 16, and 20 in the last three games.
Pick: Scottie Barnes Over 7.5 Assists (-110)
