As the NBA Playoffs continue, finding value in player prop bets can offer an exciting way to engage with the games. While the Milwaukee Bucks secured a crucial Game 3 victory against the Indiana Pacers, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo`s impressive performance, attention now turns to Sunday`s slate. Here are three player props highlighted for potential value.
LeBron James: Over 5.5 Assists (-105)
Despite falling under this assist total in two out of three games this series, LeBron James, a future Hall of Famer, remains one of the league`s elite passers. During the regular season, he averaged 8.2 assists per game, ranking sixth overall. His playmaking often elevates in the postseason; in fact, he has averaged over 5.5 assists in each of his previous 17 playoff runs, including a league-leading 8.8 assists per game last postseason.
The Los Angeles Lakers face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday as 2.5-point road underdogs, a scenario where James has historically excelled at setting up teammates. He has surpassed his assist total in nine of his last ten games as a road underdog, averaging an impressive 8.9 assists in those contests. With the Lakers trailing 2-1 and needing a road win to regain home-court advantage, expect a focused performance from James, prioritizing getting his teammates involved.
Paolo Banchero: Under 34.5 Points + Assists (-110)
The Orlando Magic return home for Game 4 following a low-scoring, slow-paced 95-93 victory in Orlando, which marked their first win of the series. After allowing high point totals in their initial road losses, the Magic are likely to replicate their Game 3 strategy, emphasizing defense and control of the game`s tempo. While this approach might benefit the team`s win probability, it could limit offensive opportunities for individual players like Paolo Banchero.
The top pick from the 2022 draft exceeded this points and assists total in two of the first three postseason games. However, in the low-scoring Game 3 at home, he finished with 29 points and just one assist, staying under the 34.5 mark. For the season, Banchero averaged 25.9 points and 4.8 assists (30.7 combined). He has gone under his combined points and assists total in four of his last five home games, averaging 28.4 over that stretch.
Damian Lillard: Over 23.5 Points + Rebounds (-110)
Damian Lillard is playing his third game since returning from a blood clot that sidelined him for a month. Though his initial two games saw him average only 10.5 points and 3.0 rebounds, he has played at least 32 minutes in each and has been actively looking for his shot. Despite struggling with shooting efficiency (24% from the field, 18.8% on 3-pointers), Sunday`s game presents an opportunity for him to regain his rhythm.
Lillard averaged 24.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game during the regular season, maintaining an average of at least 24 points per game over the past decade. Projections for Sunday place his expected total at 25.6 points and 4.5 rebounds. Furthermore, Lillard has exceeded his combined points and rebounds total in four of his last five home games when favored against a team ranking in the middle third for team defense. The Pacers currently rank 17th in scoring defense, giving up 115 points per game, and Lillard has averaged 28.2 points plus rebounds over these five specific games.
Jasper Hawthorne