NBA Player Props and Best Bets for Friday, May 17

The Minnesota Timberwolves embarrassed the Denver Nuggets in a 45-point victory, the second-largest margin of victory in an elimination game in NBA history. That means both the Nuggets and Timberwolves, along with the Dallas Mavericks and New York Knicks, are just one win away from advancing to the conference finals. 

Here are our favorite NBA player prop picks for the playoffs on Friday.

Odds for today's NBA Prop Bets are courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook where new users can get $150 in bonus bets when wagering $5.

Best NBA Prop Bets Today

Josh Hart Over 4.5 Assists (+110) at FanDuel

Hart is the heart and soul, no pun intended, of the Knicks’ offense and defense. Even though he isn’t a natural playmaker who will find teammates out of the pick-and-roll or standard offensive actions, he does an awesome job of finding the open man in transition and making nifty passes around the hoop.

The 6-foot-4 guard went under this line in three straight games after he started with seven and eight dimes in Games One and Two. He still averaged more than this line for the playoffs overall and is facing an Indiana Pacers team that plays at one of the fastest paces in the league, which should give him plenty of opportunities to cash the over. 

Bet on Josh Hart Props at FanDuel 

Andrew Nembhard Over 9.5 Points (-104) at FanDuel

Nembhard is one of the standouts of the playoffs, relative to how he performed in the regular season. He averaged 12.2 points in the playoffs, a three-point increase on his usual standard, and hit the over on his line in eight of 11 outings, including a Game Five matchup which he finished with 11 points.

The young Indy guard has shot the ball with confidence from the mid-range and from three-point land throughout the postseason and will get to go against Jalen Brunson, the least influential of the Knicks guards (on defense). He typically shoots the ball much better at home, which is another reason to back him.

Bet on Andrew Nembhard Props at FanDuel 

Miles McBride Over 2.5 Assists (-128) at FanDuel

McBride was elevated into the starting lineup after OG Anunoby went down with a hamstring injury that will likely hold him out until the conference finals. Although playmaking isn’t as important of a responsibility as defending or three-point shot-making, he still dished four assists in the two games he started following the injury.

As we mentioned, the Pacers play at a frenetic pace and can often lose sight of their defensive values (though they’ve been better in the playoffs). McBride will have chances to drive the ball because of the held defense shown on Brunson, allowing him to pick the open man as he attacks the basket.

Bet on Miles McBride Props at FanDuel 

Aaron Nesmith Under 1.5 Threes (-104) at FanDuel

Nesmith has been an unmitigated disaster shooting the ball after he impressed greatly during the regular season. The 24-year-old Vanderbilt product went 41.9 percent from beyond the arc during the regular season but is down to 29.8 percent in the playoffs. His playoff field goal percentage (37.4) is even lower than his normal three-point percentage.

Nesmith missed this line in each of his last two games and went under in six of 11 playoff games overall. He logged his lowest minutes of the series in each of his last two games and also now has the responsibility of defending Brunson, which will take more energy out of his legs and affect his jump shot.

Bet on Aaron Nesmith Props at FanDuel 

Isaiah Hartenstein Over 8.5 Points (-113) at FanDuel

“iHart” has been tremendous in every aspect throughout the playoffs, yet he didn’t go over this line in three straight games. We won’t let that deter us, however, as he averaged 9.6 points in the playoffs and raised his scoring average on the road, putting him in a strong position for Friday.

The Pacers are susceptible to the presence of opposing big men, and Hartenstein has a great touch around the rim. He won’t get many plays drawn up for him, but his activity and nose for the basketball are enough of a reason for us to roll with him hitting the over on Friday.

Bet on Isaiah Hartenstein Props at FanDuel 

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