NBA Finals Player Props & Bets: Friday (Thunder vs. Pacers)
We're back for another night of the NBA Finals. We enter Game 4 with the Pacers up in the series 2-1. It's been a shocking series so far, and while the Thunder are still favorites, it seems like this will be a Finals to remember.
Before getting to it, I want to thank all those who followed along this year. Barring something drastic, this was another profitable season and one of my best in my years covering the NBA. But enough of that. As always, monitor any potential news and lineup announcements.
The best way to stay informed about NBA player props is to stay up-to-date with the latest news. That's not as prevalent in the Finals, but you never know what might happen. The second-best way is to shop around at different sportsbooks. Player props rarely have identical odds across platforms, so ensure you get the best value. Let's get to it.
Unless specified otherwise, each bet will be for a single unit.
Friday’s Best NBA Player Props & Bets
Last Time: 3-0 | Season: 173-124
Tyrese Haliburton Over 26.5 Points + Assists (-120 at DraftKings Sportsbook)
Alright, I'll bite. I've been fading Tyrese Haliburton all series, but after the last game, I think this is the night to bet on the Pacers superstar. His usage rate was 25% on Wednesday, and he played over 36 minutes. If the Pacers expect to win Game 4, it will be thanks to Haliburton. He attempted 17 field goals last time out, and I expect it will be a similar output tonight.
Haliburton doesn't have to shoot spectacularly to hit his points prop, and after averaging nine assists a game this year, he showed last time out how he still can facilitate. Oklahoma City’s defense is dangerous, but on the road, they take a step back, and it seems like Indianapolis has cracked the code in their two wins. This is a combo prop that Haliburton has covered in over half of his games this year. With the increased usage and minutes, I'll buy the juice.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 32.5 Points (-115 ESPN Bet)
Going with the two big names here may seem a little tacky, but it's what's lining up tonight for such a consequential game. In game three, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander only managed 24 points despite 20 attempts while playing 42 minutes. He also only attempted an unusually low six free throws. He's averaged 24 shot attempts these playoffs and put up 30 in Game 1.
This is an easy game to buy the dip because the Thunder will need the MVP to step up in Game 4. Before Game 3’s 24-point outing, the former Kentucky guard went over 32.5 points in four straight contests and five of the previous six games. It doesn’t make sense why this prop dropped. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 32 points a game on the road this year, and with the stakes so high, I'm trusting him to show up.
Ryan Coleman is a featured writer at BettingPros. Follow him on Twitter @ryancoleman_98. For more from Ryan, check out his archive.