Germantas Kneita
Looking at a lot of the predictions for the predictions before the series started, few had predicted that we would be going into Game 5 with the series all even at 2 games a piece. That is exactly where we find ourselves on Monday. The Pacers have been the frontrunners so far in the NBA Finals, taking the series lead on 2 occasions. Now returning on the road, they will try and earn the chance to close out the series on their home floor in Game 6.
You can find our previews for the NBA Finals here. But for now take a look at my favorite player props below.
Tyrese Haliburton (IND) over 2.5 made threes (+100)
Indiana Pacers superstar Tyrese Haliburton has been consistent getting his 3-point attempts up during this series. Through the first 4 games, he has not attempted fewer than 7 or more than 8 in a game. That sort of consistency is reassuring heading into Game 5. With Isaiah Hartenstein moving back into the Thunders starting 5 and clogging the paint further, look for the Pacers and Haliburton to try and space the floor, increasing their 3-point output.
Haliburton has had some issues with efficiency, making 33.3% of his attempts from deep in this series. It still allowed him to hit the over on this line in 2 of the games. Looking at his form in the regular season, it seems like he still has another level that he can get to, considering he was averaging 3 makes per game on 38.8% shooting. With the Pacers being on the road tonight, I expect their leader to step up to the occasion, utilizing one of the most effective weapons in his offensive arsenal.
Alex Caruso (OKC) over 10.5 points (-115)
Alex Caruso has been by far the most consistent reserve for the Thunder, putting together a couple of 20-point performances, averaging 14.8 points per game in the series and hitting the over on this line in both home games so far. The latter has not been a surprise, with his field goal percentage jumping by 5.7% and his 3-point percentage increasing by 3.5% when playing at home as opposed to the road this regular season. With his playing time now reaching at least 30 minutes in the last 2 games, a similar scenario here should position him well to score 11 points.
Against the Pacers he has been lethal from beyond the arc, knocking down 50% of his 3-point attempts en-route to 2 made three pointers per game in the NBA Finals. He has also been aggressive attacking the rim and getting to the line, managing close to 4 made free throw makes per game this series. With the Pacers preoccupied on slowing down SGA, Caruso should be well positioned once more to offer the Thunder superstar reliable offensive support.
