NBA Player Props Today: Jimmy Butler's Closing Performance Could Secure Rockets' Victory in Game 5
In the nail-biting 2025 NBA playoffs, both the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers buzz with anticipation as they scrap to stay alive against the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves respectively. Here's a lowdown on four thrilling player prop picks for these fancy encounters.
Fred VanVleet OVER 13.5 Points vs. Warriors (-114)
In the clash between Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets at 7:30 p.m. ET, look out for Fred VanVleet! With Jalen Green mysteriously becoming a scoring ghost after his outstanding Game 2, VanVleet has stepped up the ante. Despite his unpredictable shooting form, the skilled 31-year-old has been on a roll during the last two games, shooting 48.1% and dropping 11 treys in just two matches. While Alperen Sengun led scoring for the Rockets with 23 points per game, VanVleet's percentage has been far better.
Playing in his hometown, VanVleet aims to bank on his hot hand and save the day for the Rockets. Games 1 and 2 were far from satisfactory, with VanVleet scoring a mere 17 points from 6/27 shooting, which was his output in Game 3 alone. Setting the OVER at 14 points here seems reasonable considering it's bang on VanVleet's average across the four matches. Barring an unexpected Green comeback, VanVleet is set to keep the scoreline close.
Jimmy Butler OVER 18.5 Points vs. Rockets (-130)
In the thrilling matchup of Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets, brace yourselves for the athletic powerhouse, Jimmy Butler! While Butler's pelvis injury forced him to miss Game 2 and part of Game 3, his Game 4 numbers were impressive, scoring 27 points, hitting all his free throws, adding five rebounds, and six assists. The reappearance of "Playoff Jimmy" boosted the Warriors closer to another second-round spot, echoing their 2019 season.
Butler has haunted opponents led by slim hopes, making him the go-to guy for squeezing the throat of a foe. In his two completed games against the Rockets, he's scored 25 points or more, and here, he only needs 19 points to surpass this mark. Butler's gone OVER 18.5 points in six straight matches, post the regular season, excluding Game 2.
Austin Reaves UNDER 23.5 Points + Assists vs. Timberwolves (-136)
Moving on to the contest featuring Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers at 10 p.m. ET, keep a close eye on Austin Reaves! The charming wing player is feeling the heat of his first postseason basketball, especially after playing the entirety of the final two quarters in Game 4, despite missing a possible game-tying triple at the end of the fourth quarter. With averages of 17.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4 assists, Reaves is yet to make a big impact but is vital for the Lakers' playoff run.
Reaves' combined scoring and facilitating prop of 23.5 points + assists at Crypto.com Arena for Game 5 is a challenging target he's only overcome once in this series, namely in Game 3. For the Lakers to continue their series, their superstar duo needs to step up big, taking scoring and distributing duties away from Reaves.
Rudy Gobert UNDER 7.5 Points vs. Lakers (-130)
In the final encounter between Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers, the focus shifts to Rudy Gobert. Although Gobert's defensive prowess and rebounding skills keep him going, even that hasn't been enough against a small-ball Lakers team featuring Jaxson Hayes, who's been almost unusable. Consequently, Gobert's playing time has dropped from 33.2 minutes per game in the regular season to 26.3 minutes during this series. Despite the significant size advantage, he's only attempting 3.3 shots, which is less than 50% of his usual output.
A potential fresh matchup in the semifinals may revive Gobert's confidence. For now, it's hard to project the 7-footer ending his four-game streak of UNDERs at 7.5 points. Gobert has managed just four total field goals at an abysmal 30.8% shooting efficiency. spectators can sense the frustration in Gobert's game, evident when he gets hold of the ball. Eight Timberwolves players have taken 10 or more shots going into Game 5, and Gobert ranks last in this category with 13 shots.
In the upcoming game between Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets, Fred VanVleet's hot scoring hand and improved shooting form make him a strong candidate to exceed 14 points, given his recent performance.
During the clash between Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers, Austin Reaves' combined scoring and facilitating prop of 23.5 points + assists may prove challenging for him, as the Lakers' star players are expected to take on bigger scoring and distributing responsibilities.
