Best NBA player prop bets for today 5/5: Embiid puts on defensive clinic

Germantas Kneita

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Like most Lithuanians, I started watching basketball from the age of six. I'm based out in London and played basketball at the University of Lincoln here in the UK. I had always had an interest in the NBA but things really took off in the summer of 2010. That year Linas Kleiza led Lithuania to 3rd place at the World Championships and signed with the Toronto Raptors to replace the departing Chris Bosh. I've been a Raptors fan since that day and I've not missed a game since. I've been handicapping games for more than a decade, specializing in player props. For Germantas Kneita media enquiries, please email contact@pickswise.com.

@NBAGreenMachine

Joel Embiid, PHI, Over 2.5 blocks (+200)

While the 76ers were outclassed in Game 2 of the series, Joel Embiid was a monster when it came to defending the rim. He was able to record 5 blocks in just 26 minutes of action. With the 76ers being unlikely to be blown out in similar fashion on Friday, the star center should see bigger minutes tonight. That would give him plenty of time to get to the 4 blocks per game he is averaging in the postseason so far. He will also benefit from being matched up against the much smaller man in Al Horford, which should give him a great chance blocking him when the pair is down low. With the MVP in the paint, the 76ers are also freer to aggressively chase down shooters on the perimeter — funneling them down to Embiid. That should give him plenty of opportunities to contest shots.

James Harden, PHI, Over 2.5 made 3s (-115)

After a spectacular Game 1 performance, James Harden saw a dropoff in scoring in Game 2. I expect him to return to his previous levels tonight, especially with his 3-point shooting. In the previous series against the Nets, Harden benefited from sharing the floor with Embiid. The attention he can draw inside allowed Harden to knock down at least 3 triples in 2 of the 3 games they played together. Being back on their home floor, I expect a similar performance tonight. On the season he has averaged 3 threes per game at home; that is 0.5 more than in his road games on 0.9 more attempts per game. Couple that increased aggression in attacking from the perimeter with the fact he is making 39.6% of his attempts this postseason and we should see him hit this over.

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Jeff Green, DEN, Over 2.5 rebounds (+130)

In each of the first 2 games of the series, Jeff Green was able to pull down 4 rebounds for the Nuggets. It is hard to see a major drop off from that tonight. With Chris Paul injured, the Suns will more than ever turn to their wings in Kevin Durant and Devin Booker for offense. The Nuggets are likely to utilize a long and experienced defender like Green against them. The Suns duo are also very adept at drawing fouls, which could help Green see more minutes off the bench tonight. Denver has been running a very short rotation, with no traditional backup center taking the floor. As a result, look for the forward to spend time at the 4 and even some minutes as a small-ball 5. It should put him in great rebounding position as a result.

Kevin Durant, PHX, Over 2.5 made 3s (+130)

Durant was very aggressive in looking for his 3-point shot in Game 2. The Suns’ superstar attempted 12 shots from the arc. However, he was uncharacteristically only able to knock down 2. If he stays similarly aggressive on Friday, I expect much better production from him. In the postseason so far he is knocking down 35.9% of his 3-point attempts. He hit the over on this line in 3 of 5 games in thre series against the Clippers and looks overdue to hit it for the first time against the Nuggets. In his 2 regular-season games against the tonight’s visitors, he made more than 60% of his shots from beyond the arc. Durant is too good to miss that many shots from the perimeter 2 games in a row. Back him to bounce back.

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