The NBA playoffs are always wild, wacky and filled with knife-cuttable drama. With players putting everything on the line in an attempt to bask in championship glory, the pressure-packed games are tremendously fun to wager on. As a result, the sportsbooks offer many creative ways to enhance the action. What is Brad’s favorite prop play in Nuggets vs. Lakers on Thursday? Check out his juicy SGP below.
The pick — Nikola Jokic OVER 1.5 three-pointers at Lakers (+120, BetMGM)
BetMGM offers:
Whatever the contentious fan uttered in the presence of Nikola Jokic’s brothers during Monday’s Lakers-Nuggets clash at Ball Arena, the jaw displacement was probably well deserved. Similar to their MVP sibling, they’re big, occasionally hotheaded and unwilling to back down when assertively prodded.
Genius move, random “fan.” Genius.
In the City of Angels, Jokic is bound to take out his family issues on the opposition. With a series sweep dancing around in his head, he and the Nuggets are sure to lash out on the Lakers.
Outside of the usual triple-double market, which is worth a sprinkle at +165, Jokic hurling two or more accurate triples at +120 is the best value on the board. Yes, his release resembles Rafiki throwing Simba off the cliff in “The Lion King,” but when he’s open at the top of the arc, he typically buries those threes.
What is most promising is Jokic’s history of three-point shooting in the postseason. In his career, he averages 4.4 attempts and 1.8 makes per game. That’s an impressive 41.2% clip. Already 3-for-7 against the Lakers in the series, the Joker is destined to overhead-chuck another four-plus attempts from distance on Thursday.
Throw in the fact that Jokic has cashed the OVER in three of his last five contests against L.A. and the Lakers’ general deficiencies clamping down along the arc (third-most 3PM allowed at 14.9 per game in the regular season), and the above prop triggers the salivary glands.
If it doesn’t hit, don’t express your disgruntled feelings toward Jokic’s older bro, Strahinja, if you value your face.
NBA postseason record: 5-6, -0.55 units
BONUS TIME — Jalen Brunson OVER 11.5 assists/rebounds (-105, BetMGM)