The NBA playoffs continue tonight with the Sixers and Celtics as the newly crowned MVP Joel Embiid and company look to avenge a 30-point loss in Game 2. Afterward, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, and the Phoenix Suns will look to fight off going down 3-0 to the Nuggets.
These Game 3s will be pivotal for several reasons, which means fans are likely in for some great basketball. Get ready for the action by reviewing some of the Best NBA Player Prop Bets we’ve found for the games tonight. You can find all of these bets and more at the top sports betting apps available in the United States.
Best NBA Player Prop Bets for May 5
Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN) — Series tied, 1-1
The Sixers looked content with their Game 1 victory in Boston, which may have led to their abysmal performance in Game 2. If they don’t want to return home-court advantage to the Celtics in their first game on their home court, they’ll need much better performances from the entire team.
Joel Embiid to Score the First Basket (+360 on FanDuel Sportsbook)
Embiid’s opening tip win percentage is 67% compared to 43% for Al Horford. Additionally, the Sixers strike first 66% of the time. When the Sixers do strike first, Embiid scores the basket 43% of the time. The MVP returned in the last game after a nearly two-week break due to his knee sprain, and his performance offensively reflected his extended absence.
Now that he has gotten a game under his belt, he should be more comfortable getting to his spot and being aggressive. With the fans in Philly bringing the noise to celebrate his MVP Award and give the team energy, the 76ers will be looking to make a statement early.
Bet on Embiid to score first with $150 in bonus bets from FanDuel
Jaylen Brown to Score Over 30 Points (+190 on DraftKings Sportsbook)
Brown has been one of the most efficient scorers in the playoffs. In his last five games, he has shot the ball at clips of 54%, 65%, 52%, 80%, and 52%. His scoring performances in those games were 31, 35, 32, 23, and 25 points. Both 20-point games were against Philadelphia. In Game 1, he only shot 10 times. In Game 2, the score was so vast that he didn’t have to do more.
The next game should be a lot more competitive. With P.J. Tucker guarding Jayson Tatum, there isn’t a defender in the Sixers’ starting lineup who can slow down Brown. The Sixers are at home and are 2-point underdogs. Considering his efficiency and the expectation of a close game, taking Green to secure 30 isn’t a bad wager at all.
Pick Brown to score big with $1,200 in bonuses from DraftKings
Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns, 10 p.m. ET (ESPN) — Denver leads series, 2-0
Suns point guard Chris Paul is guaranteed to be out at for least Games 3 and 4 with a groin injury. They were short on offensive firepower without him on the court, so things are only going to get more challenging for them. Durant must bring his ‘A’ game if Phoenix wants to avoid a potential sweep in this series.
Devin Booker to Score the First Basket (+375 on Caesars Sportsbook)
Deandre Ayton’s opening tip win percentage is 71% compared to Nikola Jokic’s 50%. In both games so far, Ayton has won the jump ball and given the Suns the first possession, and Booker hit the first shot of both games. Booker also attempted the most shot attempts for the Suns in both contests. The current version of Booker is arguably the most aggressive he has been all year, and Phoenix needs every ounce of effort he has been giving them so far.
Bet on Booker to score early with a $1,250 bonus from Caesars.
Nikola Jokic to Score Over 26 Points (-105 on BetMGM Sportsbook)
Jokic has had his way with the Suns, and it appears Ayton and company don’t have the answer to slow the big man down. He scored 39 points in the last contest, and he has averages of 27 points and 11 rebounds against Ayton in his career. Additionally, Jokic hasn’t shot the ball fewer than 20 times in his last four outings. When he is being aggressive, there aren’t many big men who can stop him. Jokic to score 26 plus points given the rhythm he is in isn’t a bad choice at all.
Wager on Jokic to keep it up with a $100 bonus from BetMGM.
