Best player props for Friday's NBA Playoffs slate: Kawhi and Luka battle in Dallas

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) passes around LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second quarter in game four in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center.
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Filip Tomic

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Long-time NBA fan, following the game closely for 21 years now. Joined the Pickswise writing staff for the 2020-21 season and have given out winning picks since. Hopefully we can make some money together! Oh, and I firmly believe Lebron James is not one of the two best basketball players of all time. Yeah, I said it. For Filip Tomic media enquiries, please email contact@pickswise.com.
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Just one game in the NBA Playoffs takes place on Friday, but what a matchup it’s going to be.

It’s a huge showdown between the Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks as the series shifts to Dallas for Game 6. The Mavs hold a 3-2 series lead and the Clippers know that defeat here will see them join the Lakers in being dumped out of the playoffs at the first hurdle. Be sure to check out our picks on the side and total for that huge game, where our experts hold a tremendous 52-30 record in the NBA Playoffs so far.

But for now, it’s time to break down our two best player prop bets for tonight’s clash.

Kawhi Leonard to Score 30+ Points (-108)

The Clippers’ season is on the line and their best player will have to step up if they want to take this back to L.A. for a deciding Game 7. Kawhi’s averages have been amazing so far in this series – he is at 30.4 points per game, shooting 57.4 percent from the field, 39.3 percent from the three-point line, and 86.8 percent from the charity stripe.

So far he has had only one sub-par game and that was in Game 5 when the Clippers lost at home. In the two wins in Dallas he had 36 and 29 points on over 70 percent shooting from the field. With Paul George being unreliable more often than not, it’s up to Kawhi to keep the Clippers’ season alive. Look for him to deliver tonight.

Be sure to check out our full game preview for Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks.

Luka Doncic to Score 35+ Points (+186)

Patrick Beverly has taken a shot at guarding Luka, Paul George had a crack at it, Kawhi Leonard as well, but no matter who they throw at him the Clippers simply don’t have an answer for Doncic in this series. He has already had two 40+ point performances and is averaging 35 points for the series. His numbers would have been even better if it wasn’t for the neck injury that limited his production in Game 4.

In the three wins, he’s averaging 37.3 points, not getting any help from his teammates whatsoever. In the Game 5 win, only Tim Hardaway Jr. scored in double figures besides Luka. The way Doncic has been playing, it wouldn’t shock me if he went for 40+ tonight as the Mavs try to close out the Clippers. This bet has huge value at +186.

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