NBA Player Prop Predictions: Pritchard Expected to Shine in Game 2 Against Magic, Absence of Tatum Not a Concern
Game Day Delights: NBA Player Prop Picks for April 23
Get ready for a tantalizing Tuesday night in the NBA playoffs, with three Game 2s on the menu for your betting enjoyment. Buckle up as we explore six expert player prop picks to consider, starting with a daring bet on Boston's guard Payton Pritchard.
Payton Pritchard OVER 2.5 Made 3-Pointers vs. Magic (+100 at BettingDen)
Game Preview: Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics, 7 p.m. ET
With Jayson Tatum listed as doubtful due to a wrist injury, Pritchard may see increased playing time in Game 2. Over the 2024-25 season, he averaged 19 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5 assists per game in contests where Tatum didn't suit up.
Pritchard also excelled in his 3-point shooting, connecting on three or more triples in six of the ten games. As Game 2 takes place at TD Garden, Pritchard's offensive momentum could carry him to a strong performance. In Game 1, he had 4 makes from distance on 6 attempts in 25 minutes.
Wendell Carter Jr. OVER 8.5 Rebounds vs. Celtics (+110 at bet365)
Game Preview: Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics, 7 p.m. ET
Game 1 was a shows of strength for the Magic's youngsters, with Paolo Banchero (36 points) and Franz Wagner (23 points) leading the charge. Wendell Carter Jr's six shot attempts were the third-most on the team, and his 13 rebounds in 28 minutes cemented him as the team's top rebounder.
With the backup bigs seeing limited minutes, Carter's role in the Magic's offense shouldn't be in jeopardy. So, at odds of plus money, you can't go wrong with betting on him to rack up nine or more rebounds.
Davion Mitchell OVER 17.5 Points + Assists vs. Cavaliers (-122 at Betfair)
Game Preview: Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 7:30 p.m. ET
Don't underestimate Davion Mitchell, who came off the bench in Game 1 against the Cavaliers and logged 34 minutes, only a couple less than Alec Burks and Kel'el Ware combined. Mitchell is the closest thing coach Erik Spoelstra has to a point guard on the depth chart, and is arguably the team's best perimeter defender.
Mitchell delivered a near double-double of 18 points and nine assists in Game 1, and has exceeded this combined prop total in 11 of his last 15 appearances. The young point guard's offensive contribution alone should be enough to notch an OVER in this combined prop.
Ty Jerome OVER 11.5 Points vs. Heat (+110 at Betway)
Game Preview: Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 7:30 p.m. ET
Ty Jerome's scoring prop offers a fantastic betting opportunity. Despite having identical point lines at 11.5 on FanDuel and BetMGM, Jerome's odds are significantly better on Betway.
Jerome scored 28 points on 10-of-15 shooting in Game 1, with five makes from three-point range. With this incredible performance, he has surpassed the 11.5 point mark in all four matchups against the Heat this season and in 12 of his last 15 appearances. With the odds being at +110, this is a bet you don't want to miss.
Fred VanVleet OVER 13.5 Points vs. Warriors (+105 at Unibet)
Game Preview: Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets, 9:30 p.m. ET
Fred VanVleet had an underwhelming performance in Game 1 against the Rockets, missing 11 of his 13 three-point attempts and finishing with only 10 points. Despite the subpar performance, VanVleet attempted the most shots for the Rockets from both the field and three-point range. With one or two more shots falling, VanVleet can easily exceed his point total.
The veteran point guard has struggled in previous matchups against the Warriors, going under the 13.5 point line in his last eight games. However, this is the playoffs, and VanVleet's experience should give him a boost. With odds of +105, the payoff is worth the gamble.
Draymond Green TALLY 2+ Steals vs. Rockets (+125 at Pinnacle)
Game Preview: Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets, 9:30 p.m. ET
Draymond Green is a defensive powerhouse, and his odds of tallying two or more steals against the Rockets are worth considering. Green had three steals in Game 1 against Houston across 37 minutes, as the Rockets committed 17 turnovers.
In the last four games against Houston, Green has recorded two or more steals three times, and he has also recorded three or more steals in three of his last four outings. The odds may be tempting, but they are slightly on the riskier side. If you have a hunch about Green, go for it at +125.
[1] National Basketball Association (NBA) (NBA) 2022 season stats for Payton Pritchard
[2] National Basketball Association (NBA) (NBA) 2023 season stats for Payton Pritchard
[3] ESPN.com—Payton Pritchard statistics, career stats, game logs, and advanced stats.
[4] National Basketball Association (NBA) (NBA) 2022 playoffs stats for Payton Pritchard
- Payton Pritchard's increased playing time due to Jayson Tatum's doubtful status could lead to another impressive 3-point shooting performance in the Boston Celtics' Game 2 against the Orlando Magic, given his history of connecting on three or more triples in several games.
- Wendell Carter Jr.'s impressive rebounding performance in Game 1 against the Boston Celtics, along with his increased role in the Orlando Magic's offense, makes it worth considering a bet on him to rack up nine or more rebounds in Game 2.
- Davion Mitchell, who showed his potential as a key player for the Miami Heat in the playoffs, may surpass the combined 17.5 points and assists prop in Game 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, based on his recent performances and significant playing time.
- Ty Jerome's outstanding performance in Game 1 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, featuring 28 points on 10-of-15 shooting, including five three-pointers, suggests a high probability of exceeding the 11.5 point line set by sports-betting platforms in Game 2, given his consistent performances against the Heat this season.
