Germantas Kneita
The 2 NBA Playoff games on Monday night should have very different levels of intensity. In the opening game, the Miami Heat will simply be looking to avoid getting swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers. The other game however looks set to be an all out war, as the Houston Rockets look to level the series against the Golden State Warriors.
You can find our NBA Playoff previews here. But for now take a look at my favorite player props for Monday below.
Kel’el Ware (MIA) over 5.5 points (-115)
This series seems a forgone conclusion. Even with a key player like Darius Garland out in Game 3, the Cavaliers did not break a sweat. As a result, do not be surprised that the Heat turn their attention to the future and giving their youngsters more playoff exposure. Kel’el Ware would benefit from this. He has already hit the over on this line in 2 straight games. That includes making 2 of 3 attempts from beyond the arc in his last outing.
Game 1 of the series was the first time in his last 19 games that Ware had failed to hit at least 6 points, and he has been able to correct that since. Once he saw an increased role this season, Ware became the leading offensive rebounder for the Heat, as seen over the last 15 games of the regular season. With the Cavaliers locking down the Heat, he should get plenty of opportunities to use this avenue and get himself in great scoring positions. This line looks set too low as a result.
Dillon Brooks (HOU) over 4.5 assists & rebounds (-120)
The Rockets will need to lean on a tough perimeter defender like Dillon Brooks, especially if Jimmy Butler returns to the floor. He should see big minutes as a result, which should allow him plenty of time to contribute with assists and rebounds. He has managed a combined 5 in 2 of the 3 games of the series so far. On the season he averaged a combined 5.4 in those categories.
So far during the playoffs, the Warriors have been a high volume 3-point shooting team. With the Rockets often going with big lineups, it does push Brooks out to the perimeter which positions him better to chase down long misses. Considering Brooks has at least an assist in 10 of his last 11 games, he should be able to contribute in that category too. Back the over as a result.
