The 2025 NBA playoffs continue with Game 2 matchups between the New York Knicks and the Detroit Pistons, and the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers. In the first game, the Knicks overcame a deficit to beat the Pistons 123-112, while the Nuggets narrowly defeated the Clippers 112-110 in overtime. Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets, who averaged a triple-double this season, almost achieved another one in Game 1 with 29 points, nine rebounds, and 12 assists. Experts are considering whether to include Jokic in NBA prop bets for points, rebounds, and assists, with an over/under of 49.5. DraftKings Sportsbook also lists Jokic at +135 to record a triple-double.
Stephen Oh, a data scientist, has analyzed simulations to identify the best value player props for today`s games. NBA odds are subject to change, so it`s advisable to act quickly.
Mikal Bridges Over 15.5 Points (-114)
Despite scoring only eight points in Game 1, Knicks small forward Mikal Bridges is expected to bounce back. The model predicts Bridges to score 18.2 points, exceeding his season average of 17.6 points per game. His home game average is even higher at 19.3 points, having scored at least 16 points in 28 of 42 home games (66.7%).
Oh notes that Bridges was outperformed in Game 1 but anticipates a strong response in Game 2. Historically, after scoring low points, Bridges has consistently followed up with higher scores. Caesars offers odds of -114 for Over 15.5 points.
Bogdan Bogdanovic Over 5.5 Points (-115)
The points over/under for Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanovic is set lower than it was weeks prior, reflecting his recent low scoring games. However, prior to his last three games, Bogdanovic averaged 12 points for the Clippers and exceeded 5.5 points in 25 of 28 games.
Oh believes Bogdanovic will step up, especially if other players like Norman Powell, Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn don`t perform as expected. BetMGM has odds of -115 for Bogdanovic to score at least six points.
Michael Porter Jr. Over 18.5 Points + Rebounds (-105)
Michael Porter Jr. of the Nuggets had a slow Game 1 with only three points and four rebounds. However, this is uncharacteristic for him, as he averaged 18.2 points and seven rebounds this season, with similar averages in his last seven regular season games. His combined points and rebounds often exceed 18.5.
The model projects Porter Jr. at 23.4 points + rebounds for this game, despite the Clippers having a strong defense. Porter has performed well against top defenses recently, averaging 24.8 points + rebounds in his last five games against top 10 defenses. DraftKings offers this prop at -105.
Jasper Hawthorne