Best NBA Prop Bets Today: Expert NBA Player Props & Picks for 05/18

Article By Admir Aljic

Last Updated: Mar 14^th, 2024

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Best NBA Prop Bets Today, May 18, 2023:

• Nikola Jokic Over 28.5 Points (-130) @ BetMGM Sportsbook)
• Russell Over 12.5 points (-128) @ bet365 Sportsbook
• Gordon Over 13.5 points (+100) @ BetMGM Sportsbook)

Game 1 of the Western Conference finals provided a thrilling experience, and now we eagerly await the excitement of Game 1 in the Eastern Conference finals. The Boston Celtics will host the Miami Heat in a highly anticipated rematch of last year's Eastern Conference finals.

To help you make informed decisions for tonight's NBA action, our team of analysts has carefully selected some of the best NBA bets. The Miami Heat will heavily rely on their role players to support their star players and overcome the Celtics. On the other hand, the Boston Celtics will be seeking consistency from their star players.

Below, you will find our best NBA bets today for the Heat vs. Celtics matchup. Stay tuned for an exciting game ahead!

• Date: Wednesday, May 17 | Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
• Location: TD Garden, Boston, MA
• TV channel: TNT
• Over/Under Odds: O/U 226.5 (-110) @ BetMGM Sportsbook

When it comes to scoring, Nikola Jokic has been a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs. His dominant performances have left defenses struggling to contain him, making it a wise choice to bet on him surpassing the 28.5-point mark consistently.

Throughout the playoffs, Jokic has been averaging an impressive 31 points per game. In fact, he has scored 29 points or more in six consecutive games, showcasing his ability to consistently deliver high-scoring performances.

In Game 1, Jokic displayed incredible efficiency, shooting 12-for-17 from the field and scoring 34 points. He showcased his versatility by knocking down three three-pointers on three attempts, while also contributing 21 rebounds, 14 assists, and two blocks. These exceptional numbers demonstrate why Jokic was crowned the real MVP.

Considering Jokic's remarkable playoff scoring average, his recent streak of 29+ point games, and his ability to dominate both inside and outside the paint, it is highly likely that he will continue to score over 28.5 points in the upcoming games.

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When it comes to player scoring in the playoffs, game-to-game adjustments are crucial. In Game 1, we witnessed impressive scoring performances from various players, highlighting the competitive nature of the playoffs. However, amidst these performances, there's one player who stands out with a prop bet that doesn't align with his track record: D'Angelo Russell.

D'Angelo Russell has consistently surpassed the 12.5-point mark in eight out of 13 playoff games so far. His median points across those games is 17, and his average stands at 15.1 points. Even when we consider his regular season performances against the Nuggets, he scored below 13 points only once in his last 12 games. It's important to note that these games were played while he was with the Timberwolves.

What makes this even more enticing is that some sportsbooks are offering odds with a favorable juice on the 12.5-point line, providing an opportunity for those who like to compare odds and find the best value.

Considering D'Angelo Russell's consistent scoring ability throughout the playoffs and his track record against the Nuggets, there are strong indications that he will score more than 12.5 points in Game 2.

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Aaron Gordon's recent scoring struggles should not overshadow his potential to exceed his point total of 13.5 in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals. 

Despite a lackluster performance in Game 1, projections indicate he is expected to score above 16 points. The Lakers' defensive adjustments, including assigning Anthony Davis to guard him, may have limited his offensive output.

 However, Gordon has shown his ability to score in previous playoff games and could capitalize on the space created by double teams on Nikola Jokic. 

With a notable gap between his projections and the point total, there is significant value in betting on Gordon to surpass 13.5 points .

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Updated by

Admir Aljic

Last Updated:   Mar 14^th, 2024

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