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The NBA playoffs continue tonight with a pair of conference semifinal series starting off. The Milwaukee Bucks will be looking to overcome the absence of Khris Middleton against the Boston Celtics. The Celtics have gone from strength to strength this season and should have the defensive acumen to cause the defending champions trouble. Meanwhile, in the Western Conference the surprising Memphis Grizzlies will be looking to cause an upset against the Golden State Warriors.
You can find our full coverage of the NBA here. But for now check out my favorite player props below.
Marcus Smart to record 2+ steals (+100)
The defensive player of the year could set the tone for the series tonight. The Milwaukee Bucks have not been great at protecting the ball in this postseason. During the first round of the playoffs, they ranked 12th of 16 teams in turnovers per game. Marcus Smart has had success against them this season too, having hit the over on this line in 2 of the teams’ 4 games during the regular season. With increased playing time during the playoffs, he should be able to hit this line with more regularity. Expect him to be one of the Celtics who is used to help whenever Giannis Antetokounmpo gets the ball in the post, which I would expect to lead to several steals for him tonight.
Read our full game preview for Milwaukee Bucks vs Boston Celtics.
Grant Williams over 1.5 made threes (+130)
The Milwaukee Bucks allowed the most 3-point attempts per game to opponents during the regular season and have seen that carry over to the playoffs. Only 2 teams so far this post-season are allowing more perimeter shots, and the same should be the case today. With the defensive attention being on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, players such as Grant Williams should thrive. He has played a major role for the Celtics in the playoffs, managing 32 or more minutes in each of his last 3 outings. This increased level of trust in Williams is partly due to his shooting, with him making 50% of his post-season attempts. With 8 makes in his last 3 games and the efficiency he shoots with it should not take much for this line to hit.
Don’t forget to check out our +1022 odds Sunday NBA mega parlay!
Draymond Green to record 2+ blocks (+200)
Draymond Green does not have the sort of size to deter teams from attacking the perimeter, which should put him in positions where he needs to contest shots. The Warriors forward is more than capable of turning that scenario into blocks. He managed 2 performances with 3 blocks in the series against the Denver Nuggets. He was also very effective against the Grizzlies in the regular season. In the 2 games he played against them, he recorded a total of 8 rejections. He will see time today against Brandon Clarke, who is similarly sized and looks to finish at the rim. With Ja Morant always looking to get into the paint too, Green could put together another strong defensive stat line.
Take a look at our full game preview for Golden State Warriors vs Memphis Grizzlies.
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