Best Bets on Today’s NBA Player Props Market
If you’re looking for some plays for the NBA Playoffs action on Thursday, May 18th, we have you covered in every way possible. As always, we’ll have best bets to give you some ideas of what to back when it comes to moneylines, spreads and totals. However, we’re tackling player props here, and we’re targeting LeBron James in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets tonight. Keep reading to find out how we’re betting on them. Also, check out our NBA Playoffs Hub for all of our postseason NBA content.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have on May 18
Here are our favorite NBA prop bets for Thursday, May 18:
Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets (-5.5, 226.5) – Game 2
In Game 1, LeBron James had 26 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists in a 132-126 loss. The rebounding is what really stood out to me there, and LeBron is now averaging 10.2 rebounds per game throughout the course of the postseason. With LeBron getting worse as a scorer with age, it feels like the 38-year-old knows that he needs to actively do the little things in order to always make sure his fingerprints are all over the result — at least in the playoffs.
With the Lakers down 1-0 in the series, an argument can also be made that Los Angeles’ season is on the line tonight. Falling behind two games against this Nuggets team would be a nightmare scenario for Los Angeles, as beating Denver four times out of five games is going to be nearly impossible — especially with two of those games being at Ball Arena, where the Nuggets have been tremendous all season. With that said, I’m expecting LeBron to come out with a ton of energy as he tries to even this series up.
LeBron has already had six double-digit rebound games throughout these playoffs, and that’s a pretty good number considering he has played only 13 postseason games thus far. And this matchup should continue to bring out the best in LeBron as a rebounder. While Anthony Davis and Nikola Jokic battle one another in the paint, there should be some clear paths for LeBron to go in there and clean the glass.
It’s also just hard not to like the plus-money odds you’re getting on this play. You’d really be that surprised if LeBron flirts with a triple-double in a game the Lakers must win?
Bet: James Over 9.5 Rebounds (+115)
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Lakers vs. Nuggets Western Conference Finals Series Preview
