NBA Underdog Pick’em Player Predictions: Friday (5/10)
Another day, another opportunity for NBA Underdog Picks! As we delve further into the NBA playoffs, there are two games on the slate tonight. The Nuggets and Pacers are staring down the barrel of an 0-2 deficit, but all is not lost just yet. So, let's get right into jumping right into some of our favorite NBA Underdog picks for May 10.
Friday’s Top Underdog Fantasy NBA Pick 'Ems
Obi Toppin Higher 16.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
The former New York Knicks star has been nothing short of stellar in the first two games of the series - posting averages of 16 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2 assists in only 19.5 minutes per game. The luster of Madison Square Garden will be removed from this contest, though it is more likely it is the opponent that has Toppin performing at such an efficient rate. He will have another go tonight, where a slight minutes boost wouldn't hurt in the least.
Josh Hart Higher 33.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
Hart has been on the bench for the Knicks a total of 15 minutes in the 2024 playoffs. There's simply no way we would feel comfortable advocating taking the under when the person is on the court for more than 45 minutes. Hart's production should increase even more. when you factor in OG Anonoby is out with a hamstring injury and Jalen Brunson is questionable due to an ankle injury that caused him to miss time this past game. This number is way too low for someone averaging 21.5 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in the series. Making it our favorite selection of the night.
Isaiah Hartenstein Higher 2.5 1Q Rebounds
The injuries further in the front-court with Mitchell Robinson presumably out for the entirety of the playoffs. This doesn't leave New York with many options in regards to size , so it's possible they decide to start out the game running one center and four guards. In the first two games of the series, the Knicks big-man is averaging 2.7 rebounds in 7.5 minutes. Due to the limitations at the position, there's a chance he could exceed those minutes. Indiana plays at a torrid pace offensively, though they have started out quite cold only shooting 43% in the first quarter. Which should give Hartenstein a ton of opportunity.
Anthony Edwards Higher 5.5 Rebounds
This Timberwolves team is truly must-see television. Minnesota has not only engulfed Denver from a defensive standpoint to open the series, Anthony Edwards is showing exactly why the league is in fantastic hands in the foreseeable future. The young superstar is averaging 6.8 rebounds in the 2024 playoffs, including four of six games where he has exceeded 5.5 rebounds. The Nuggets are shooting an abysmal 40.5 from-the-field to open the series, and their second-best scoring option is dealing with an ankle injury.
Jamal Murray Higher 30.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
As we seamlessly segue into our next pick for tonight, Murray's ankle has hindered his performance against the Timberwolves, and their hounding defense doesn't seem to be making things any easier. Having said that, the Nuggets are in a must-win situation. To do so it will take a performance well beyond the 12.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists on 28.1 field-goal-percentage that the Denver guard is currently averaging in this series. The 3.0 assists are most alarming, though that is directly indicative of poor shooting as a team (40.5). This is a very low number for such a focal part of an offense. Even if the scoring isn't there once again tonight, his play-making and rebounding capabilities may still be enough to get us and Denver a win.
Enjoy the games tonight and have a great weekend!