Two new semifinal matchups will begin tonight in the NBA. The Philadelphia 76ers will take on the Miami Heat on the road while the Dallas Mavericks travel to Phoenix for a matchup against the Suns.
The Suns have returned Devin Booker, and the Mavericks have Luka Doncic back. Both teams are much more healthy coming into the series. However, the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers have some questionable players and players that have already been ruled out between.
At this time, the Heat have Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, Caleb Marin, Markieff Morris, Max Stru, and P.J. Tucker all listed as Game-Time Decisions. Meanwhile, Kyle Lowry will be out for the first game, and the 76ers will be without star player Joel Embiid for a couple of games. So who will step up for these two teams?
Here are our favorite player props for the two NBA games on May 2.
(Odds courtesy FanDuel)
76ers vs. Heat: Tobias Harris Over 7.5 Rebounds
Joel Embiid has averaged 11.3 rebounds per game in the playoffs. With his absence, someone will have to crash the glass for the 76ers. Harris is second on the team with 9.5 rebounds per game in the playoffs. His opportunities aren’t going to be fewer. They will be greater, and Harris has simply been terrific, earning rebounds in the playoffs.
In four of six games, Harris earned double-digit rebounds. In two other games, he tallied six and seven rebounds, respectively. He’s earning 41 minutes per game and should become an even bigger contributor for the 76ers while Embiid sits out.
I’m expecting double-digit rebounds from Harris, but his line is at 7.5. Let’s take it.
Bet: Tobias Harris Over 7.5 Rebounds (-134 at FanDuel)
James Harden is at his best when he’s leading a team. Harden has averaged 10.2 assists in the playoffs and should end up getting more assists just based on the fact that Embiid isn’t out there. I mean that Harden gets a lot of assist opportunities, but Embiid is so good at earning foul calls that Harden always misses out on those assists.
There’s no one better than Embiid when it comes to getting fouled. So no matter who the 76ers put out there, it just won’t be the same in that regard. Paul Reed will likely slot in for extra minutes, and while he’s got potential, he’s not going to get to the foul line or even get the calls that Embiid gets down low.
Harden is going to dish a lot of get his teammates involved. Double-digit assists are in the cards for tonight.
Bet: James Harden Over 9.5 Assists (-118 at FanDuel)
With Chris Paul, you never know what you’re going to get. But he’s consistent in that he’s always going to be in one area exceptionally well.
Paul has had massive scoring outputs and has also had games where he can pile up the assists. In the playoffs, Paul is averaging 22.2 points and 11.3 assists. Combined, that’s 33.5, and Paul’s line for points and assists is currently 27.5.
Yes, I know Devin Booker being back might hurt his case just a little bit, but if Booker is having a solid night, Paul will get him the ball and earn a whole lot of assists. Paul is valuable, reliable, and efficient.
Bet: Chris Paul Over 27.5 Points, Assists (-111 at DraftKings)
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The post Top NBA Prop Picks for Monday, May 2 (2022) appeared first on BettingPros.
