Photos by Dale Zanine, Wendell Cruz and Brad Penner-Imagn Images. Pictured: Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson
We have three NBA props for this Monday, and our staff of basketball betting experts is focused on key players who could be in line for noteworthy performances in tonight’s Game 4 between the Celtics and Knicks.
Continue below for my NBA player props for Monday, May 12.
Parlay Payout: +450 via BetMGM
Josh Hart has been an engine for this New York Knicks team throughout the season. His contributions are on both ends of the floor in this series, but Boston has left him relatively uncovered with plenty of shot opportunities.
He’s now scored 10+ points in nine straight games against the Celtics, and the key is that they have generally allowed him to shoot the basketball. He has taken at least nine shots in eight of these nine games.
The Celtics do not respect him as a scoring threat and often sag off or help off of him on the offensive side of the ball.
Hart is not necessarily the most efficient player; however, he’s an adept slasher and creates extra opportunities for himself off the offensive glass. Mix a three in there, and he’ll be able to clear this line easily.
Pick: Josh Hart Over 12.5 Points (+100)
Karl-Anthony Towns has been instrumental to New York’s battle on the boards in this series. He has recorded 13, 17, and 15 rebounds on 22.6 rebound chances per game.
While it seems as if he reaggravated his thumb injury during Game 3, he still played 36 minutes and pulled down nine of his 15 rebounds in the second half. He’s a gutsy player and continues to see time on the floor.
It’s a bit speculative, but if his thumb is bothering him, maybe being a bit less handsy on the defensive side of the ball will help him avoid foul trouble.
Pick: Karl-Anthony Towns Over 11.5 Rebounds (-130)
Our colleague Jim Turvey pointed out that Jalen Brunson’s shot diet has slightly changed during this series as he has had to contend with Jrue Holiday and Derrick White.
He has taken nine, nine, and eight three-pointers in this series, an increase from the 6.3 he has taken per game on the season.
Considering he is a 38.3% three-point shooter, with that extra volume, it is not surprising that he has made 3+ three-pointers in 5/7 against Boston this season.
Couple this with KAT’s three-point shots evaporating, and Brunson is in a strong position to succeed from beyond the arc.
Pick: Jalen Brunson Over 2.5 Three-Pointers (-120)
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