We have three NBA props for this Friday, and our staff of basketball betting experts is focused on some key players who could be in line for noteworthy performances in tonight's Game 3 between the Cavaliers and Pacers.
Continue below for my NBA player props for Friday, May 9.
NBA Player Props for Friday, May 9
- Donovan Mitchell Over 29.5 Points (-115)
- Tyrese Haliburton Over 18.5 Points (-115)
- Aaron Nesmith Over 16.5 Points + Rebounds (-135)
Donovan Mitchell Over 29.5 Points
Cavaliers vs Pacers, 7:30 p.m. ET
Donovan Mitchell has been thermonuclear so far during this series, scoring 33 and 48 points in the last two games. That was by far the best offense the Cavaliers could muster with the injuries they are dealing with despite the losses. There seems to be optimism that all of Garland, Mobley, and Hunter will make their returns; however, that does not mean that Mitchell needs to take a step back.
Mitchell has crushed Indiana this season scoring 33.8 ppg. His points prop is at 29.5 which is certainly playable, but I think there is a chance it drops down a point with the news that the Cavaliers may have more bodies.
I will wait for their injury news and buy the dip.
Pick: Donovan Mitchell Over 29.5 Points (-115)
Tyrese Haliburton Over 18.5 Points
Cavaliers vs Pacers, 7:30 p.m. ET
Tyrese Haliburton has been a bit inconsistent as a passer but his scoring has come on in these last few games against the Cavaliers. He's scored 19, 22, and 23 points in his last three games against the Cavaliers. One of the keys has been he is able to attack the Cavs whenever they play Allen in any type of drop.
The Cavs have done a good job of containing Indiana's dribble penetration but one of the best ways for the Pacers to attack that is with Haliburton becoming a legitimate scoring threat.
The perimeter defense in theory should be a bit worse if there are more Garland minutes who may not be at 100% and I expect Haliburton to try and get him involved in the action.
Pick: Tyrese Haliburton Over 18.5 Points (-115)
Aaron Nesmith Over 16.5 Points + Rebounds
Cavaliers vs Pacers, 7:30 p.m. ET
Aaron Nesmith is getting shots up at will and is playing heavy minutes for this Pacers team. His defensive versatility is keeping him on the floor.
Nesmith is a strong perimeter defender that can also handle interior attacks. Plus, his ability to stretch the floor with his 3-point shooting while also having some downhill ability as a cutting threat is paying dividends for Indiana.
His PR line is set at 16.5 and he's exceeded that mark in six straight Playoff games. I like him to continue that tonight.
Pick: Aaron Nesmith Over 16.5 Points + Rebounds (-135)
