NBA Playoff Predictions: Best Bets for Tuesday, May 5

My NBA playoff picks and predictions dive into the latest NBA odds for Tuesday’s doubleheader featuring the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons and the Los Angeles Lakers vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder.

NBA Playoff Predictions & Best Bets for May 5

• Jalen Duren under 29.5 points + rebounds + assists (-120)
• Lakers +15.5 (-110)

Cavaliers vs. Pistons Prediction for Game 1

I’m fading Detroit center Jalen Duren by taking the under on his PRA line (29.5) in my Cavaliers vs. Pistons prediction ahead of Tuesday’s Game 1.

Duren had a tough series in Round 1. He averaged 10.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists against the Orlando Magic. He only cleared this PRA line once, and it was in Game 7. He really struggled with the size and physicality of the Magic frontcourt.

Theoretically, this matchup should be more favorable. That’s probably why this PRA line is the highest it’s been since Game 2 of the first round. However, the frontcourt combo of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley might be able to limit Duren’s impact.

I’ll certainly take the under on this PRA prop until Duren proves otherwise.

Lakers vs. Thunder Prediction for Game 1

My Lakers vs. Thunder prediction will back Los Angeles as a huge road underdog (+15.5) in Game 1 of this Round 2 matchup.

Look, the Thunder are the defending champs and clear favorites to go back-to-back. But they aren’t invincible, especially without Jalen Williams.

Just look at last year’s playoff run, where Oklahoma City lost Game 1 of their second-round matchup to the Denver Nuggets, who were coming off a seven-game thriller. The Thunder also dropped Game 1 of the NBA Finals to the Indiana Pacers.

I’m not arguing that a Luka Dončić-less Lakers team is on that level, but the +15.5 spread is a bit much when they can slow the game down. This will be the most rest that LeBron James has had for the rest of the series, so don’t be surprised if this is the Lakers’ best chance of giving the Thunder a scare.