Player props have become among the most popular bets in the industry, but while the amount of states with legalized gambling is growing, some may feel left out.
Enter: PrizePicks.
With PrizePicks, you get the opportunity to essentially parlay game prop over/unders with cash payouts depending on how many you get correct on that day’s slate.
You can do a Flex Play or a Power Play. A Flex Play gives you lesser odds, but you can win money even if you don’t nail every pick. Meanwhile, a Power Play is similar to a parlay — it’s all or nothing.
Here’s how I would approach Game 6 of the NBA Finals.
What is PrizePicks? A daily fantasy operator — meaning they’re available in more states (30) than sports betting is! — PrizePicks offers a unique opportunity for action on player props in which you parlay two or more plays together.
NBA PrizePicks Parlay
Stephen Curry Under 5.5 rebounds
Curry had an incredible Finals through four games, but was very quiet in Game 5. He didn't hit a single 3-pointer for the first time in his entire postseason career and just looked a bit off all game. Maybe it was just a bad shooting night, or maybe that foot injury from last week is starting to bother him.
I won't bet on Curry missing all his 3s again, but if he's tiring out from all this Boston physicality or if the foot is bothering him, it makes sense to fade his rebounding numbers. Curry had only four rebounds in Game 5. He's gone under 5.5 boards in three of the five Finals games and was one away from going under in a fourth. He's under 5.5 in six of his past eight games (75%) and 15 of his 21 playoff games (71%) this season.
There's also a chance Curry could end up playing reduced minutes. If Boston blows Golden State out, maybe Curry rests early and gets ready for a winner-take-all Game 7. If the Celtics have nothing left, Curry might be celebrating on the sidelines instead of getting that sixth rebound late. We've got some outs.
Jaylen Brown Over 6.5 rebounds
Early in the Finals, much like in the Eastern Conference Finals, Jaylen Brown looked like a potential series MVP. However, lately he's been struggling to hang onto the ball and make his mark offensively. But all throughout, one thing has been pretty consistent: his rebounding.
Brown has recorded six or more rebounds in seven straight games and he's averaging 7.3 RPG since the first round. He's also playing more than ever, with at least 38 minutes in four of the past five games. That includes 44 minutes in Game 5 and we know he will see as many minutes as he can handle with the season on the line.
Brown is averaging 7.4 RPG in the Finals — a full rebound above this line — and he's gone over this number in eight of his past 13 games and was half a rebound away four more times. Add in the extra minutes and we should have a shot.
Marcus Smart Over 16.5 points
Smart has been a consistent scorer in this spot, so he's a great way to anchor our PrizePicks plays today.
In six games after a Celtics loss this postseason, Smart is averaging 21.8 PPG. He's scored at least 18 points in every one of those games, coming out aggressive and looking for his offense while helping to set the tone after a loss.
Smart has also been a consistent scorer against the Warriors. He's averaging 17.3 PPG over his past 10 games against Golden State and has scored at least 18 points in four of the five Finals games. He's aggressive in this matchup and tends to get more 3s up than usual, too. Smart has at least 18 points in six of seven games against the Warriors this season.
You know Smart will come out swinging with the season on the line. That sort of aggression almost always leads to points, so let's hope those shots fall.
