My NBA playoff picks and predictions dive into the latest NBA odds for Friday’s Round 1 schedule.
NBA Playoff Best Bets for Friday, May 1
- James Harden under 21.5 points (-125)
- LeBron James under 37.5 points + rebounds + assists (-110)
Cavaliers vs. Raptors Prediction for Game 6
I’ll fade James Harden in a late-series matchup for my Cavaliers vs. Raptors prediction in Friday’s Game 6. I’m taking the under on his points prop at 21.5.
In 16 career Game 6s, Harden is averaging 20.6 points per game. He’s failed to clear this line in four of his previous six Game 6 matchups. And now he’s in a situation where he’s the clear No. 2 option behind Donovan Mitchell.
Since being traded to Cleveland, Harden has only cleared this scoring total in 13 of his 31 contests. I’ll take the under at 21.5.
Lakers vs. Rockets Prediction for Friday
My Lakers vs. Rockets prediction suggests fading 41-year-old LeBron James on a quick turnaround. I like the under on 37.5 points + rebounds + assists for James tonight.
James is starting to show his age deeper into this Round 1 series, so I’m skeptical he will have much left in the tank on one day of rest. His usage also goes down when Austin Reaves is in the lineup.
In the 36 games when playing with Reaves, James has only cleared this PRA line eight times. He’s averaging 18.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 7.3 assists in those contests.
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