Germantas Kneita
With the first round of the NBA playoffs now behind us, 2 more series will be beginning on Monday. The New York Knicks will be taking on a Boston Celtics team that they had real issues against during the regular season. That will be followed by a clash between 2 of the NBA MVP frontrunners, as Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets face Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
You can also check out all of our NBA Playoff previews. But for now take a look at my player prop selections below.
Jalen Brunson, NY, Over 10.5 assists + rebounds (+110)
Knicks star Jalen Brunson stuffed the stat sheet in the last few games and should continue that to begin the series against the Celtics. Over the last 4 outings the guard has recorded a combined 11 assists and rebounds in 3 of the games. He came just 1 shy in the other contest. He has been averaging 40 minutes of playing time and something similar on Monday should give him enough opportunities to hit the over on this line once more.
The Celtics led the league in 3-point attempts per game, which should help ensure there are long rebounds for Brunson to chase down. Assists should be easy for him to come by, too. He has not recorded fewer than 7 assists in any playoff game so far. Considering that the Knicks have been in the top 10 of the league in true shooting percentage, his teammates should be set to convert the looks that Brunson will create.
Jamal Murray, DEN, Over 2.5 made 3s (+140)
Jamal Murray has been efficient so far this this postseason, increasing both his field-goal and 3-point percentages compared to his regular-season averages. Murray made 40.4% from beyong the arc in the series against the Los Angeles Clippers and should be looking to build on that against the Thunder. He did manage to make a trio of 3-pointers the last time the sides met. With Murray likely pushing past 40 minutes of playing time, he should get no shortage of opportunities to take shots from deep.
The Thunder have allowed teams to get shots off this season, ranking 23rd in in opponent 3-point attempts per game. With Nikola Jokic demanding defenses to collapse the paint, Murray will get the chance to space the floor. The Nuggets will need Murray to match the offensive production of Gilgeous-Alexander, and his 3-point shooting should plan a major part. He is well positioned to knock down at least 3 tonight.
