Basketball Player Propositions Today: Jimmy Butler's Performance May Seal Rockets' Victory in Game 5
In the 2025 NBA playoffs, both the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers face elimination on April 30 against the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves, respectively. Here's our 4-pick guide to backing these exciting showdowns.
- Fred VanVleet OVER 13.5 Points vs. Warriors (-114 at FanDuel)
Our first pick is for Fred VanVleet to score over 13.5 points in the Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets game. Despite a dip in scoring in the first two contests, VanVleet has been on fire lately, pouring in 48.1% of his shots and 11 total 3-pointers over the last two matches. Although he's struggled at home, we think he'll rally the Rockets and surpass this mark.
- Jimmy Butler OVER 18.5 Points vs. Rockets (-130 at FanDuel)
Handicapping the Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets game, we're backing an OVER for Jimmy Butler's point total. With his pelvis injury no longer an issue, he's averaged 27 points in the last two contests and has scored at least 25 in both games against the Rockets. Given his stellar performance, we believe Butler will easily exceed 18.5 points.
- Austin Reaves UNDER 23.5 Points + Assists vs. Timberwolves (-136 at FanDuel)
Heading to the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers matchup, our third pick is an UNDER for Austin Reaves' total points and assists combination. Despite impressing through his first playoff appearances, Reaves has yet to post a standout performance. As the Lakers rely on their superstar duo for offense, we expect a reduced role for Reaves, leading to an UNDER in this category.
- Rudy Gobert UNDER 7.5 Points vs. Lakers (-130 at BetMGM)
Lastly, we're betting on an UNDER for Rudy Gobert's point total during the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers showdown. With the Lakers running a small lineup featuring Jaxson Hayes over Gobert, his playing time has decreased significantly from the regular season. As a result, we expect just 7.5 points or fewer from the Stifle Tower.
- In the highly-anticipated duel between Jimmy Butler and the Houston Rockets, our bet is on Butler to score over 18.5 points, given his recent impressive performances and past success against the Rockets.
- Amidst the Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets matchup, we anticipate Fred VanVleet to surpass 13.5 points, despite his dip in scoring in the initial games and struggles at home.
- Contrarily, when it comes to UNDER bets for the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers fixture, we predict an UNDER for Austin Reaves' total points and assists, as his role within the Lakers' offense may be reduced, limiting his opportunities.
- Finally, the clash between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers presents another UNDER opportunity with Rudy Gobert, as his reduced playing time due to the Lakers employing a small lineup featuring Jaxson Hayes leads us to expect 7.5 points or fewer from the Stifle Tower.
