Germantas Kneita
For both the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors, it could be make-or-break time on Monday night. Both find themselves on the road and facing a 2-1 series deficit. Tonight’s results could either see them all tied up and in the driving seat for the rest of the series, or in a 3-1 hole with no more room for error. The New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves will be hoping to put them away as soon as possible, with tonight’s action live on ESPN. You can find out all of our NBA picks for Celtics vs Knicks and Timberwolves vs Warriors tonight, but for now, let’s get into our best NBA player prop bets for Monday, May 12.
Best NBA player prop bet: Jaden McDaniels (MIN) over 2.5 steals & blocks (+128)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Jaden McDaniels has been a defensive menace for the Minnesota Timberwolves so far this series, averaging 2 blocks per game along with 1.3 assists. He has also hit the over on this line in 2 of the 3 games. The steals have been a consistent factor against the Golden State Warriors this season, with him also averaging 1.3 during the regular season. With his opponents finishing the regular season 24th in opponent blocks per game, those opportunities should be there tonight too.
The Warriors are also in a more vulnerable position now. With Steph Curry being out, their offense has to readjust to functioning without him. It also leaves them increasingly trying to feed the ball down to Jimmy Butler, who becomes the number-one option on the team. Both of these factors can lead to increased mistakes — ones that McDaniels is well equipped to collect in the form of steals and blocks.
Find out our expert’s Timberwolves vs Warriors Same Game Parlay at mega +717 odds!
Best NBA player prop bet: Payton Pritchard (BOS) over 9.5 points (-115)
Odds available at bet365 at time of publishing.
Payton Pritchard came to life in Game 3, dropping 23 points on the Knicks. He has consistently been one of the more efficient three-point shooters on the Celtics this series, knocking down 41.7% of his attempts. It has helped see his minutes jump past the 30-mark for just the 2nd time this postseason but it would not be surprising to see them remain there. The point guard did average 14.3 points per game in the regular season so extended minutes should give him a great chance to get to that level here.
Matchup-wise, the Knicks are favorable for Pritchard. Going up against guards in Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride gives him a couple of opponents who do not possess great length. While Brunson can be a tough matchup in the paint due to his physicality, it should not impact a shooter like Pritchard. The line seems set too low for the Sixth Man of the Year.
See tonight’s Celtics vs Knicks Same Game Parlay picks at +330 odds
