NBA Player Props Today: Jalen Duren, Chet Holmgren & More Picks for NBA Playoffs on Saturday

The NBA Playoffs are about players and moments just as much as they are about teams — that’s why I’ve made my favorite player prop picks for today.

The New York Knicks took a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Philadelphia 76ers last night behind 33 points and nine assists from Jalen Brunson. Later in the day, Victor Wembanyama poured in 39 points, 15 rebounds, and five blocks as the San Antonio Spurs went up 2-1 over the Minnesota Timberwolves despite 32 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists from Anthony Edwards.

The Saturday slate will see the Los Angeles Lakers transition back to their home court, trailing the Oklahoma City Thunder 0-2, while the Cleveland Cavaliers will find themselves in the same situation against the Detroit Pistons.

Here are my top NBA player prop picks and bets today for the playoffs on Saturday, May 9.

Best NBA Prop Bets for Saturday, May 9

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James Harden over 2.5 threes (+116) at FanDuel Sportsbook

This is a shot at a value play, as far as I am concerned. Harden has been miserable in this series, making one of 11 total threes, and averaging just 16 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists with 5.5 turnovers on 32/9/100 shooting splits.

Harden might be known for his playoff disappointments, but he typically takes (and makes) a lot of three-pointers. The Cavs are going to their home floor for the first time in this series, and Harden should be able to bounce back at least one time.

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Jalen Duren over 13.5 points (-114) at FanDuel Sportsbook

Similar to the line of reasoning above, Duren simply cannot be as bad as he has been on the offensive end throughout the playoffs. He scored 11 and 8 points in the first two games and only beat this total one time in nine playoff appearances after he averaged 19.5 points per game during the regular season.

Duren scored eight, 24, and 33 points in his three regular-season matchups with the Cavaliers. He’s more physical than both Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, and his horrific 33.3 percent shooting standard from the floor in this series is bound to regress to a higher mean… hopefully.

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Chet Holmgren over 8.5 rebounds (-114) at FanDuel Sportsbook

Holmgren has been OKC’s best player in this series, averaging 23 points and 10.5 rebounds per game while playing excellent defense. He went over this total in three straight playoff games and has been great against a smaller LA abc line, especially when the Lakers have downsized their lineup.

Role players tend to shoot better on their home court, which could put the Lakers in a position to make more shots and concede fewer rebounds. However, Holmgren is playing lots of minutes and has looked imposing on the glass after he split the over/under in the teams’ four regular-season meetings.

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Luke Kennard over 1.5 threes (+108) at FanDuel Sportsbook

Kennard hasn’t gotten as many minutes or looks as he did in the Houston Rockets series, when he was arguably the best player on the court not named LeBron James. I could see the Thunder sweeping the Lakers, but if there is going to be a response, it will be at home in Game 3.

JJ Redick’s team has done a nice job on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but has still let the Thunder shoot efficiently from all over the floor. They need offense of their own, and Kennard provides that with his brilliant three-point shooting.

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Marcus Smart over 3.5 assists (-144) at FanDuel Sportsbook

Smart played 32 and 34 minutes to start the series, logging seven and five assists in those games. He’s spent a lot of time with the ball in his hands and has more of a role as a playmaker with Luka Doncic unavailable through injury, and to help ease the burden off of LeBron James and Austin Reaves.

Although Smart shot horrible 29/20 splits from the field and from three, his defense and playmaking have made him invaluable to the Lakers. Again, players typically shoot better at home, which could lead to Smart being the benefactor.

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