The 2025-26 NBA Playoffs should deliver some memorable moments, and we’re going to work hard to make them as profitable as possible for all of our VSiN subscribers. So, make sure you head over to the VSiN NBA Playoffs Betting Hub for all of our postseason content. I’ll continue giving out NBA best bets and player props here throughout the playoffs, and I’ll also occasionally write up features on anything big that shakes up the league. So, make sure you check out my work over the next couple of weeks. With that out of the way, let’s get into some NBA best bets and NBA player props for Thursday, May 7. Also, make sure you check out the picks page (linked right below) before games tip off. I occasionally add picks throughout the day. That’s also where you’ll get picks from my talented VSiN colleagues.
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Game 2: Cleveland Cavaliers at Detroit Pistons – 7:00 pm ET
Pistons lead series 1-0
Like an old car, it took a while for the Cavaliers to rev up in Game 1. But eventually, Cleveland did get going and find its way into the game. After trailing by as many as 18 points, the Cavaliers actually had the game tied at 93-93 with 5:23 left. From there, the Pistons were able to get across the finish line. But Cleveland should be able to get off to a better start in Game 2. That start likely won’t include three quick fouls for Jarrett Allen.
Speaking of fouls, I’m not sure I see the Pistons shooting 35 free throws again. There should also be more of an emphasis on ball security for Cleveland, as coughing up the rock is a non-starter when you’re looking to beat Detroit. The Pistons are not a great team offensively, so giving them easy transition opportunities is a big mistake. The better decision-making for the Cavs will have to start with James Harden, who turned it over seven times in Game 1. Harden did his best to bring the team back into it in the fourth quarter, but he played a big role in digging the hole to begin with.
In addition to just cleaning up some mistakes from Game 1, I do believe we’ll see better overall shot-making from Cleveland. I haven’t gone back on my pre-series handicap about the Cavaliers possessing a type of firepower that the Pistons just can’t match. And at some point, I do think we’ll see Tobias Harris cool off. He has been awesome for Detroit throughout the postseason, but history suggests he’ll come crashing down soon. Once he does, do the Pistons have enough scoring outside of Cade Cunningham? I doubt it.
JB Bickerstaff’s teams are also just 1-3 both straight-up and against the spread when leading in a playoff series. Of course, those games were played when Bickerstaff was coaching the Cavaliers, but I do think it’s natural for a team that’s leading to let up a little. Meanwhile, the team that’s down tends to come out with more motivation. I’m expecting to see some of that here. I believe people are writing Cleveland off too quickly.
Bet: Cavaliers +3.5 (-110 – 1.5 units) & Cavaliers ML (+144 – 0.5 units)
Game 2: Los Angeles Lakers at Oklahoma City Thunder – 9:30 pm ET
Thunder lead series 1-0
I had Rui Hachimura to go Over his point total in Game 1. Well, in 37 minutes of action, the 28-year-old scored 18 points and looked confident against an elite Thunder defense. You can’t say the same about the other Lakers. That said, I really don’t see any reason Hachimura can’t go out and have another strong offensive game.
Dating back to the start of the regular season, Hachimura has gone Over his point total in three of the five games he has played against Oklahoma City. Hachimura has also gone Over 12.5 points in 12 of the last 15 games, averaging 15.2 points per game in that span. So, I’m playing Hachimura to have at least 13 points again, and I’m also sprinkling him to have 15 or more.
Another play I’m throwing in here is Jared McCain to score at least four points. McCain had 12 points in Game 1, knocking down four triples in 15 minutes of action. Well, I imagine Mark Daigneault will look to get him some minutes after that performance, and that’s especially true with this being a game that could end in another OKC blowout. As long as McCain is on the floor, he’s a threat to put up points in a hurry. He’s an absolute flamethrower from deep.
Bet: Hachimura Over 12.5 Points (-111 – 1.5 units) & Hachimura Alt Points 15+ (+150 – 0.5 units)
Bet: McCain Over 3.5 Points (+108)
Additional Plays
Nothing yet.
